Pastor Bob Stockland has been faithfully leading First Southern Baptist Church of Colona since February 2024. He and his wife, Faye, bring a wealth of ministry experience and a genuine love for people wherever God calls them to serve.

Before coming to Colona, Pastor Bob served as the Director of Missions for the Northwoods Baptist Association in northern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. In that role, he worked alongside dozens of churches—strengthening congregations, encouraging pastors, and helping communities hear and respond to the gospel. His years of partnering with churches across rural and small-town America have shaped a shepherd’s heart and a practical, encouraging style of leadership.

Bob is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. When he’s not studying the Word or spending time with our church family, he enjoys woodworking and using his hands to create and build.

We are truly thankful for Pastor Bob and Faye and the way God is using them to help us grow in faith and serve Colona and the surrounding communities with the hope of Christ.

Assistant Pastor Bill Rossow has spent his life serving the people of Colona in meaningful and lasting ways. Bill served the community as an EMT with the Colona Fire Department and a firefighter paramedic with the city of East Moline. Today he continues that commitment to Colona as a member of the Colona School District 190 Board, where he advocates for students and helps shape the education of the next generation.

Here at First Southern Baptist Church, Bill brings that same servant’s heart into ministry. Every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., he leads our midweek Bible study—opening God’s Word with clarity, warmth, and a genuine love for people. Whether he is teaching, visiting the sick, or simply greeting folks with a smile, Bill has a special gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.

Bill was married to his beloved wife, Vera, for nearly 40 years until her passing in 2023. He is a devoted father to Nicole (Kyle) Schofield and a proud grandpa to Daniel and Isaac.

We thank God for Pastor Bill—his steady faith, his compassionate service, and the countless ways he blesses our church family and the Colona community.