Robert spent over 20 years as Professor of Biblical Studies striving to bridge the gap between the academy and the church. This concern is reflected in his commitment to the local church throughout his career. While finishing his Ph.D. at Baylor University, he was ordained at First Baptist Church of Waco, Texas, and he worked as a full-time pastor for several years. Throughout his academic career, Robert maintained an active, ecumenical ministry of supply and interim preaching.He has a deep love of the Psalms, and much of his academic research has focused on that area. He currently is finishing a book titled, "Reading the Old Testament Through the Psalms." The book brings together a number of Robert's passions by using the Psalms as the entry point to making the rest of the Old Testament accessible to a Christian audience. It is his deepest conviction that grace of God provides humanity the opportunity to live creatively and meaningfully in this world, and that this message is found throughout Scripture—from Genesis to Revelation.Robert cohosted a podcast based on the Revised Common Lectionary with New Testament professor and former colleague, Dr. Michael McKeever. "Reading in Church & Other Distractions" was been a source of devotion and fun.