Robert Hallman

"Live the epic life!  Go big for God!"  People familiar with Pastor Bob's teachings over 25 years on Kaua'i know his passion for living for Christ with conviction and courage. Having finished his earthly race, Bob Hallman, 61, graduated to his Heavenly home on December 24, 2021 after years of joyfully embracing his platform of aggressive metastatic cancer. He often remarked that he loved the organic ministry that came from "divine appointments" where he encouraged and prayed with various people concerning cancer.

Hawaii has been home for Bob since moving at age nine with his music minister parents who were well known for establishing the Honolulu Boy Choir. He quickly developed a passion for surfing, body surfing, and sailing. Although Bob pursued excellence in sports, music, and academics throughout his teen years at Punahou, he realized as a senior that he was still unfulfilled despite numerous achievements. Impacted by fellow peers who genuinely lived out their faith, Bob recommitted his life to Christ and began a lifetime adventure of loving God, loving others and making disciples. Early on, his life verse was Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes..." Throughout his life, he confidently exhorted people to follow me as I follow Christ (I Corinthians 11:1).

During his college years, it became evident that God had a pastoral calling on Bob's life and during his early ministry years, he met the love of his life, Becky Lum, who wholeheartedly partnered with him for 35 years. While at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Bob became convinced of the immense value of personal discipleship. Ministering in New York for 10 years was a formative period as Bob focused primarily on discipleship and leadership development while being fully determined to be effective in evangelism. In 1996, God led Bob and Becky back to Hawaii, to minister at a struggling church (Calvary Chapel Kaua'i, later renamed as Crossroads Christian Fellowship).   

For the next 23 years, they poured heart and soul into building a healthy fellowship that was committed to 1) Loving God, 2) Loving Others, and 3) Making Disciples. What was once a barely surviving church became known as a very unique, loving, outreach-oriented fellowship. Bob's unique blend of God-given gifts made him a very effective pastor as he was known for inspirational sermons, wise counseling, leadership development, fruitful outreaches, discipleship, and building a strong community of believers. He was indeed a FUN pastor who knew how to create events that would be unforgettable for everyone. Through Bob's visionary giftings, three Christian radio stations were launched, Kaua'i Bible College was established, new churches were planted (eg. Calvary Chapel Lihue), and U-Turn for Christ was brought to Kaua'i. 

Despite the constant demands of ministry, Bob cultivated a strong family unit, always prioritizing family time. One of his favorite phrases was "God first, family second, ministry third." An example of this was something called "Family Day" where every Tuesday he would set aside the entire day for the family and go out for a memorable adventure together. Throughout the years, including these past five years with cancer, he continued to enjoy amazing adventures with his wife, sons, and granddaughters.

Bob is survived by his wife, Becky, two sons, John (Sydney) and Mike; two grandchildren; mother, Nyle and two sisters, Gretchen and Kathy. He was preceded in death by his dad, Roy.  While he will be greatly missed, his legacy lives on in the hearts of countless people who were impacted by his life.

Visitation is on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Kauai Christian Fellowship from 9:30-10:15 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 10:15 a.m

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