ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: BOB CHITWOOD ('58)
The name of NCC Alumnus Robert (Bob) Chitwood is respected and well known in the Midwest and beyond. He has impacted generations for Christ through his ministry as a preacher, singer, counselor, administrator, fundraiser and more. Bob’s ministry spans more than five decades – and he isn’t finished!
Chitwood will always be remembered by many as the lead tenor in the much-loved men’s group called The Watchmen Quartet. The group blessed many rural church revivals, worship services and special events. They still receive requests for recordings of their music, which are available from Good News Records. All of the quartet members, including Bob, also served as evangelists.
Raised in Viroqua, Wisconsin, Bob came to Nebraska Christian College (then located in Norfolk, NE) after high school where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Ministerial Degree in May of 1958. His love for education and desire to be a well-trained servant of the Lord is evident in his continued graduate work at multiple institutions, earning both his Masters and Doctorate of Ministry.
Chitwood spent his college weekends preaching at the Christian Church in Litchfield, Nebraska. As would be his custom everywhere, Bob wasn’t content to just preach. He also taught, organized a community youth group, coached basketball teams, and more.
After graduating from NCC, Bob became the Senior Minister at Central Church of Christ in Griswold, Iowa where he expanded his ministry to include counseling and directing the building of a new church facility in 1963. In 1968, he became the Senior Minister at Capitol City Christian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he served until 1991. The churches all experienced growth under Bob’s leadership.
One of the great strengths Bob has brought to every position he has had is his ability to help people see both the need and the blessing of giving financially. He has helped raised dollars for buildings, struggling churches, retirement and assisted living facilities, community organizations, and an endowment for Benevolent Care. He served as the Chairman of the Alumni Fund Drive for Nebraska Christian College relocation from Norfolk to Papillion, Nebraska. He also led many churches through their Stewardship Campaigns.
Chitwood became the Executive Director and Chaplain of the Continuing Care Retirement Community in Lincoln from 1991 to 2002. Just when he thought he would be retiring, the Lord had other plans for Bob! He and Pat moved to Talmage, Nebraska, where Bob began serving as the weekend pastor for Charter Oak Christian Church. He now pastors at the Christian Church in Brownville, Nebraska. He also continues to lend his services to community organizations.
Bob served as an NCC Trustee, North American Christian Convention Board Member, Alexander Christian Foundation Board Member, taught as an adjunct professor at both NCC and Cincinnati Bible College, received the 1979 NCC Distinguished Alumni Award, has had numerous articles published in the Christian Standard, served on countless community boards, contributed to radio programs and much more.
From left to right: Harold McCracken, Duane King, Dixie Burkum, Bob Chitwood, Lowell Burkum
Bob and Pat (Patricia Smith) were married in 1957 and have four children. Their oldest son, Mark, is the lead minister at StoneBridge Christian Church, in Omaha, NE. Their second son, Brian, ministers at the Church of Christ in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. They have two daughters. Diane (Gratopp) is a wife and mother in Lincoln, NE and Linda (DuBay) is a wife and mother at Mission Hills, Kansas. Bob and Pat have nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Bob will be sharing from his vast experience and expertise with NCC’s 2018 Rural Church Conference in Carroll, Iowa, on Saturday, March 17. It is very apparent that God is still not finished with Bob and the Kingdom continues to grow and be blessed by his ministry!