Remembering Long-Time Iowa Pastor & DOM Ross Harmonson

Kind, Gentle, & Generous – Early Pastoral Ministry

After Pastor Ross received his ministry degree from Golden Gate Seminary, he began serving in various roles with the Home Mission Board (now called the North American Mission Board). Prior to coming to Iowa, Pastor Ross served as pastor at a church in Sterling, Colorado. Then in 1975, the family moved to Spencer, Iowa where they started  Ninth Street Baptist Church. The Harmonsons served in Spencer from 1975 until 1982.

BCI Church Support Staff Chris McRae remembers serving along Ross in the early years of planting Ninth Street Baptist. “During the initial church plant in Spencer, I was one of three summer missionaries that served with Ross as part of what was then called the Iowa Baptist Fellowship. We surveyed the town, held many Bible studies, and shared a lot of meals as they started the church. I remember Ross as being a very kind, gentle, and generous man. I reconnected with Ross in 2016 when I returned to Iowa and had the privilege of preaching for Ross several times at Ninth Street Baptist before it closed.

A Pastor of Pastors – Director of Mission

After leaving Ninth Street in 1982, Ross served as the Director or Mission (DOM) for more than a decade in two different regions in Iowa. He was DOM for the eastern region from 1982 until 1987, based out of Cedar Rapids. Then the Harmonsons returned to Spencer where Ross served as DOM for the western region from 1987 until his retirement in 1993.

BCI Church Support Staff Ed Gregory worked with Ross during his DOM ministry in the eastern region. “In my opinion, Ross was one of the best at being a ‘pastor to pastors.’ He had both a missionary heart and a shepherding heart. He and his wife Shelba were dear friends to me and my wife Cynthia. We moved to the Cedar Rapids area in 1982 and he was a mentor and encourager to me. He had a humble spirit and servant heart. But he was also a hard worker who did whatever needed to be done to get the job done.”

Celebrating A Lifetime of Ministry

Left to cherish his memory are 5 children, 30 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, and many, many friends. Reflecting on her father’s passing, Ross’ daughter Marsha Harmonson said, “We are at peace. It’s hard to see a loved one suffering so we are glad his struggle is over. Yes, we will miss him, but we are rejoicing that he is with the Lord.”