Veteran Minister to Lead Mission with Vision for Education and Community Support
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Monte Robinson has been appointed as the new director of the Good Shepherd Mission in Huntsville, Texas. Robinson, who officially started his role on June 1, brings over three decades of experience in ministry and community service to the mission.
In a recent interview, Robinson shared his deep connection to Huntsville, a community he has called home for 30 years. “I came to Huntsville as a single man and fell in love with the town,” he said. “I’ve never wanted to be anywhere else. Huntsville is home.”
Robinson’s journey into ministry began unexpectedly. Originally managing the Eckerd Drug store where CVS now stands, Robinson transitioned to full-time ministry after ten years in retail. He served for 17 years as an associate pastor at Fellowship of Huntsville Church (FOHC), during which he launched a live-in trade school aimed at helping men rebuild their lives through vocational training.
His educational background includes an undergraduate degree from Moody Bible Institute and a graduate degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Over the past three years, Robinson worked with Global Evangelical Team, training young pastors and planting churches.
Now at the helm of Good Shepherd Mission, Robinson aims to address the complex needs of Huntsville’s homeless population. “Education is key,” he emphasized. “We want to teach life skills, household budgeting, and forgiveness. Our new program will equip our Lodgers with the tools they need to succeed.”
The mission currently houses around 35 individuals, whom Robinson refers to as Lodgers. He is working on a 10-class minimum program that will teach skills such as interviewing, resume building, and managing gaps in employment history. Partnering with WorkFaith, a faith-based organization, the mission will prepare Lodgers for job interviews and help them re-enter the workforce.
Robinson also highlighted the mission’s unique family building, which provides shelter for families in crisis. “We met a family at Motel 6—three teenagers, a mom, and a one-week-old baby living in a car,” he recounted. “We intervened immediately. That’s the kind of urgent support we aim to provide.”
Looking to the future, Robinson envisions expanding the mission’s facilities. “We’re working with a developer who secured about three acres next to the mission,” he said. “Our hope is to create affordable housing, providing a stepping stone for those moving from homelessness to stable living situations.”
Robinson invites the community to get involved. “We need volunteers for everything from data entry to painting and carpentry,” he noted. “Visit our website, goodshepherdmission.org, to see how you can help.”
The Good Shepherd Mission, one of Huntsville’s longstanding nonprofit organizations, continues to play a vital role in supporting the community. With Robinson’s leadership, the mission is poised to further its impact, helping individuals and families overcome homelessness and build better futures.
Monte Robinson is married to Debra, and they have lived in Huntsville for 30 years. They are deeply committed to their community, which they have grown to love and cherish.
About The Good Shepherd Mission, Founded in 1983
The Good Shepherd Mission is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Funding is through in-house thrift stores, churches, area businesses, civic clubs, and individuals. We work with other local human services organizations and share resources as available. We serve all walks of life equally. Most of the people we serve are local and live in poverty. One-third of the clients we serve are elderly, and many are disabled.
For more information, visit https://www.goodshepherdmission.org/.
