Today, we shine the spotlight on Robin Landauer. Robin is a long-time, committed small group and ministry leader at NCC, and she has poured her life into dozens of women, Hill staffers, and young professionals. I’m always impressed with Robin’s honest, transparency, and love for people. You’ve probably seen her recently on the big screen confessing during the Confessions of a Capitol Hill Staffer sermon (she’s the one who swipes the blue pens and detests lobbyists!)
Today, we talk with Robin about life, ministry, and working in the U.S. Senate.
How long have you attended NCC? What brought you to NCC?
I have attended NCC for 5 years (holy cow, has it really been that long already!?!) I moved to D.C. to chase my dream of serving the people of Colorado by working for the state’s delegation on Capitol Hill. I had heard of NCC through students at Vanguard University (my alma mater) and Dick Foth, who would speak in chapel there once a year. The first time I attended, it felt like home, and I knew it was the place I would find community and become involved.
Tell us a little about the small groups and/or ministries that you lead and how that experience has impacted you.
For four years I was a part of, and co-led, the Capitol Hill Community Group. We “multiplied†several times, and ended on a high note, with around 25 members. That group taught me that “doing life†together did not end once I left the community I had in college. I have also had the opportunity to co-led a couple different groups this year (vibrant health for life and sola scriptura) which have shown me that community can be found in many different settings, and to varying degrees. The “intimate†community I had been so used to shifted to more of a “personal†community feel as I met and got to know new people. This illustrated to me how God puts certain people in our lives at certain times for a specific purpose-this had never been so evident to me before.
I have also had the privilege to serve in children’s ministry in the past and currently serve on the worship team. Both of these experiences have shown me that the best way to keep perspective and be reminded that we are a part of something so much bigger than ourselves, is discovered through the privilege of serving others. True joy is found in the Lord, and people are so instrumental in facilitating that joy when you see God working in their lives.
Where can you be found on Sunday mornings?
On Sunday mornings I can usually be found singing with the worship team, playing soccer, or sleeping in 
because I attended the Saturday night service at Ebs.
When did you start following Christ and what have been some of the spiritual turning points in your life?
I attended church all my life, but made the public and intentional decision to put my hope and faith in Christ at the age of 14, after completing confirmation class at the church where I grew up. Attending an AG college 16 hours from home (not to mention, the transition from Presbyterian living to Assemblies of God doctrine) was the biggest spiritual growth spurt in my life. I learned that living a Christian life was not about being perfect and living under the law; but living a life of freedom through what Christ has done for us on the cross. My life after college has been full of various challenges that have brought me to my knees—each time I become more cognizant of God’s grace, goodness, and faithfulness in my life. He always takes us where He wants us to be-back in His grip.
Tell us a little about your background.
I was born and reared in Littleton, Colorado, where my immediate and some of my extended family all live. I left Colorado at 18 to go to Vanguard University of Southern California to play soccer and study history and political science, and grow my faith. By the time I left that institution, growing my faith was at the top of that list, and the other two were peripheral. I am very close with my family, who I get to see several times every year. Mom and Dad have been married for 38 years, and I have two brothers—6 and 8 years older—who have challenged me to become the person I am today, both ideologically and spiritually. My sisters-in-law are the sisters I never had growing up, and my three nieces I love to pieces!
What is your favorite Scripture passage?
Ephesians 2:13. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.†God led me to this passage during my first semester in college, and it was pivotal in my realization that it is by no works of our own that we find salvation or the unconditional love of God. Nothing we can do can make God love us more or less.
What are your favorite books?
I like to read history books or historical fiction. I’m a big advocate of learning while I read, and fiction just doesn’t do it for me. Perhaps this is the pragmatist coming out in me. I do appreciate Donald Miller who forces me to look at my spirituality through the lens of a non-believer, and challenges my worldview.
What are your favorite movies?
Comedy and gangster movies. I love to laugh—Jack Black and Will Farrell are two of my favorite comedians; but I also like a good Johnny Depp or Al Pacino flick. Not gonna lie, though, I totally love chic flicks and teenie bopper movies too (13 going on 30 :)).
What is your favorite fast food?
Well, I don’t eat fast food, but I love chipotle!!!
What is something that most people at NCC would not know about you?
Most people at NCC would not know that I was homecoming princess two times in college!?! Heck, I don’t know! I’m pretty open about everything…
Tell us a little about your day job. What is your dream job?
Wow. My day job is such a privilege, and it is my dream job for now. I do oversight of the executive branch agencies on a Senate Subcommittee. We do our best to insure accountability, results, and stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I have so much respect for my boss that I fear the day when I cannot respect the person in charge. My dream job when the time is right will be being a wife and a mom.
Who is your hero? (besides Jesus or any other member of the Trinity)
I usually don’t have heros, but as cheesy as it sounds, my boss, Tom Coburn is currently my hero. I’ve never met a more principled person who lives out their convictions as emphatically and obediently as he does, while embracing a spirit of humility.
What do you do in your free time?
I really don’t have much of it, but when I do, I like to hang out with friends, work out, play soccer, hang out with friends…
In NCC:THE MOVIE who would play you? Who would play Pastor Mark?
Oh wow, um…I would be played by Soliel Moon-Frye (Punky Brewster from the 80s show). Jim Carrey would play Pastor Mark.
What is your favorite Pastor Markism?
The way he says “always†and “vulnerable.†What type of accent is that, anyway??
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