A Shepherd’s Legacy: Celebrating Pastor Ross Reinman’s Extraordinary Life
Celebrating Pastor Ross Reinman’s Extraordinary Life
On January 5, 2003, Pastor Ross Reinman first stood before a modest gathering of forty chairs near Fosters Freeze in Sebastopol, planting the seeds of what would become Calvary Chapel The Rock. Exactly 22 years later, on January 5, 2025, he delivered what would unknowingly be his final sermon to a sanctuary overflowing with rapt attention and love in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County.
Ross’s journey began July 25, 1959, in Huntington, New York, shaped by a unique heritage. His Jewish father was disowned for marrying his Sicilian Catholic mother. But that didn’t stop warmth and laughter from filling his childhood that he shared with his three younger siblings. Together, they cherished moments at his grandmother’s home, filled with spaghetti and joy. However, the Reinman family’s move to California marked a significant shift. Amid financial hardships, Ross’s father discovered faith through Hal Lindsey’s “The Late Great Planet Earth,” passionately sharing the Gospel with his initially resistant children.
Ross’s dramatic spiritual awakening occurred unexpectedly at a disco. Amid pulsating lights and music, he vividly heard a persistent voice asking, “Why will you go to hell when you don’t have to?” This powerful experience led Ross and his brother Darien to an immediate and radical conversion, reshaping their family forever and igniting Ross’s lifelong commitment to evangelism.
Ross’s early years of faith led him to Bethany Bible College in Santa Cruz, where his passion for evangelism flourished through street ministry. During his time there, Ross met and married Barb, cozily saying, “I came into your life to save you from a life of boredom,” to which she warmly replied, “I came into your life to save you from the circus.”
Their ministry took them overseas to Japan, where Ross taught English using the Bible for four years. Returning to the U.S., Ross and Barb established a church in San Francisco’s Mission District before joining Calvary Chapel Petaluma. There, Ross faced Hodgkin’s lymphoma, enduring chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant. While isolated at UCSF hospital for two months (65 days) during treatment, Ross became the informal pastor of his unit, ministering to other isolated patients and leading many nearing the end of life to faith in Jesus. Remarkably, during this challenging time, Ross pursued his Doctorate, exemplifying his humility and relentless dedication to the Word of God.
Following his recovery, Ross founded Calvary Chapel Sebastopol in 2003, now Calvary Chapel The Rock, a vibrant church community in Santa Rosa serving families across Sonoma County. Ross’s leadership significantly impacted Sonoma County, particularly during the devastating 2017 Santa Rosa fires when the church provided essential support and shelter to many affected families. Located near Piner Road, Calvary Chapel The Rock quickly became a central gathering place during this crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ross chose to keep the church open, reminding his congregation, “How are we supposed to pray and lay hands on the sick if we keep our doors closed?”
Ross possessed unique wisdom and understanding of God’s Word. He truly lived what he taught, enabling him to help others apply biblical truths practically in their lives. Faithfully each week, year after year, he would study intently for every Sunday and Wednesday sermon, investing over 20 hours preparing each message. When finished, he often emerged from his office with a sticky dot stuck to his sleeve. His extraordinary notes were detailed on pages of binder paper, with additional thoughts and supporting verses meticulously taped to the margins, highlighted, underlined, and color-coded with those sticky dots. This study was a labor of love for him. Ross deeply loved Jesus and lovingly served his congregation at The Rock until the very end.
Ross’s zeal for evangelism remained strong. Barb vividly recalls a remarkable day in the hospital when Ross led numerous caregivers to faith, clearly demonstrating his unwavering dedication and passion for others to know Christ.
Ross’s influence extended deeply into his family life. His wife Barb beautifully cared for him during his illness, embodying Proverbs 31 through her strength and devotion. Barb shares, “Ross taught us to glorify God in grief, pain, and mourning—and that’s exactly how we will honor him.” His children, Jordan, Zack, and Wylder, cherish memories of his humor, consistent encouragement, and beloved family traditions, such as his annual attempts at making Christmas cioppino, humorously presented each year as though it was a fresh idea.
Ross also inspired Calvary Chapel The Rock to actively engage in global missions, supporting missionaries in Israel, India, Nepal, Peru, and Jordan. He fostered deep connections impacting Sonoma County and communities abroad through shared compassion and faith. The church became a community anchor through various initiatives like food distribution, shelter coordination, and ongoing support groups.
The sermon Ross prepared but never preached—the powerful story of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the grave—symbolizes hope and the promise of eternal life through Christ. Today, Pastor Ross Reinman’s life and legacy continue to inspire countless individuals, a lasting testament to his profound impact as a shepherd, evangelist, beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
To honor Pastor Ross Reinman’s extraordinary life, please visit Calvary Chapel The Rock’s dedicated memorial page to share your messages of inspiration and memories, learn about community outreach programs, or access Pastor Ross’s sermons and devotionals.
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