Robert B. Thieme, Jr., pastor of Berachah Church from 1950-2003 and president of R. B. Thieme, Jr., Bible Ministries, passed through death into eternity Sunday, 16 August 2009 at 8:45 PM and is now “absent from the body and face to face with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8b). He was the beloved husband of Betty Beal Thieme and devoted father of Robert B. Thieme III. He is also survived by his sister, Ann T. Wallis, and his cousins, Fredericka Botts and Nancy N. Harder.
Bob was born on 1 April 1918. His father, Robert B. Thieme, and mother, Anna Cloakey Thieme, of Ft. Wayne, Indiana moved to Beverly Hills, California in 1926. Bob graduated from Beverly Hills High School in the summer of 1936, having lettered in football, track, and gymnastics. He was a member of the Beverly High Alumni Association.
Bob enrolled at the University of Arizona in Tucson in the fall of 1936 where he majored in classical Greek and joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. After a distinguished college career, he graduated on 29 May 1940 magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He was also commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve.
With the goal of becoming a pastor, Bob was licensed to preach by the First Baptist Church of Tucson, Arizona on 5 June 1940. To further his ministerial preparation, he enrolled in Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas in 1940. After one semester, his seminary studies were interrupted by the impending entry of the United States into World War II.
On 3 April 1941 Lieutenant Thieme began active duty service in the Army Air Corps. Because of the nature of his assigned duties he received rapid promotion and by the end of the war had attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. LTC Thieme was the Director of Military Training for Flying Training Command. In this position he was charged with initiating, prescribing, and standardizing military training for all categories of personnel in the Aviation Cadet programs. His duties included coordinating training at 120 Army Air Corps installations throughout the United States and authoring publications that standardized this training. By 1943, he had written The Military Triad, Strategy and Tactics for The Aviation Cadet, and Get Smart, Mister. His final assignment was to supervise and direct the gunnery training at Harlingen Field, Texas. Bob returned to Dallas Seminary in 1946 to resume preparation for the ministry. The academic training he received in Greek, Hebrew, theology, history, and textual criticism became the foundation for a rigorous professional life of studying and teaching the Word of God. As a student, he became the interim pastor of Reinhardt Bible Church in Dallas, Texas. Upon graduating summa cum laude with a Master of Theology in May 1949, he continued to pastor at Reinhardt until April 1950.
For fifty-three years Robert B. Thieme, Jr., was the pastor of Berachah Church in Houston, Texas. As pastor he developed an innovative system of vocabulary, illustrations, and biblical categories designed to communicate the truths of God’s Word. His scholarly, expository approach to teaching the Word of God and the worldwide distribution of his publications and biblical teachings without charge or obligation have made Pastor Robert B. Thieme, Jr., a major voice in Christianity today.
Recordings of classes taught by R. B. Thieme, Jr., the pastor of Berachah Church for more than fifty years, as well as his memorial service on August 23, 2009, are available from R. B. Thieme, Jr., Bible Ministries.
For recordings and publications from R. B. Thieme, Jr., Bible Ministries, including Pastor Thieme’s memorial service on August 23, 2009, contact:
R. B. Thieme, Jr., Bible Ministries
Post Office Box 460829
Houston, Texas 77056-8829
(713) 621-3740
16 responses so far ↓
Mrs. J.B. (Patricia A. Curtis) // August 20, 2009 at 3:30 pm |
I don’t have a web-site, but just to tell anyone that I think that Colonel Thieme was one of the best, doctrinal teachers ever. I listened to him for over 35 years…and never heard the word of God taught as clearly, and throughly as Colonel Thieme did. My husband and I wish to send our wishes to both Mrs. Thieme, Jr. and Bobby.
Chris Taylor // August 21, 2009 at 6:59 am |
I’ve learnt so much over approx. 25 years of study under Bob Thiemes’ tape ministries; starting back in the ’70’s. What a wonderful Paster with his dedication in teaching Gods’ word, and praise the Lord that Bob was my first teacher as I embarked on my christian walk. I look forward to meeting Bob in the future. Sympathies to Mrs.Thieme and Family. Chris T. of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Polly // August 21, 2009 at 12:43 pm |
Col. Thieme made such a difference in so many lives. His clear teaching of the Bible made Christ real to many of us that floundered through life. He was a vessel that God used to present His Word to a lost and dying world.
Well done, Col. Thieme! We’ll see you soon.
http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=1280031858735&cid=full
Larry // August 22, 2009 at 2:59 pm |
Col. Thieme had the unique ability to teach God’s word in such a manner that one only had to follow his teachings to come to the purely logical conclusion that the bible was the communication given to us by the supreme ruler and creator of all things. Col. Thieme taught with authority, but never left his audience with the need to rely upon his words, instead, verified his word by comparing it to scripture.
I have been blessed over the last forty plus years to have been taught God,s word by tapes provided by Col. Thieme. I was fortunate enough to meet him when he came to Miami Fl. and I was in awe of his humbleness as a person when compared to the authority with which he taught. Col. Theime’s teachings have allowed myself and many others to know Jesus, and thru him be redeemed back into God’s family. I am sure God has greeted Col. Theime saying “WELCOME GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT”
Marvin Bagabaldo // August 23, 2009 at 5:50 am |
Bible doctrine will never die!
Stephanie E // August 23, 2009 at 9:10 am |
i have just been introduced to his studies this year and have never felt so close to the LORD, his teachings was clear and powerful. He will be missed.
Gailan // August 26, 2009 at 2:11 pm |
RB and his faithful teaching continues to impact my life. He truly is one of the great, great ones.
Joy Dotson // September 1, 2009 at 2:43 pm |
Col. R.B. Thieme, Jr., because of his diligent digging into the Word of God in It’s original languages, changed my life. He categorized the Doctrines of the Bible, so they could be learned and applied. He taught us Grace and Truth and his teaching of Rebound – confessiion of sin through I John 1:9 – is the foundation by which the Holy Spirit teaches us. The issue is Who and What Jesus Christ is, not who and what we are, and to get our eyes on Him and His Word, not our human viewpoint solutions. These Truths have been passed on to my kids, and even though Col. Thieme is in Heaven, God, through His matchless Grace, continues to provide true exegetes of the Word who are also willing to study and teach Grace and Truth. When moving from the Dallas area, God provided a Grace Pastor/Teacher in Las Vegas so we can continue growing in the spiritual life. I will be grateful through all eternity to our faithful God for providing R.B. Thieme, Jr.’s tape ministry of Grace for my family. The Col. also taught that our attitude toward Bible Doctrine is absolutely critical to our nation’s survival (so pertinent for today). Our prayers are with Betty and Bobby and family as well as the Berachah Church family.
Tim // September 2, 2009 at 4:45 am |
God bless him
Peter Chuwang // September 2, 2009 at 5:38 am |
Thursday’s Bible study was an unusual one following the announcement of col.R.B.Thieme’s slept in the Lord to the Bible study student. The African chapter president of Grace Evangelistic Ministries-past. Darlington Elekwa gave each individual the opportunity to make comment on how Col. Thieme has impacted his/her life through his publications and tapes. Different views were heard, To some his book. “The Integrity of God” has made them understand who God is, His essence the basis on which He relates to us (righteousness and justice). To others, it was “The faith Rest life” that has helped them stabilize and relax knowing very well that God was in control, while others cited “The Plan of God” which has helped them understand who they are in God’s plan. Some could not wait to mention “In whom Do you Trust” which has help them to trust in God in all situations. Prayer, Giving, Grace or Gimmick were among publication mentioned as the list was endless. Man could not single out a book because to them virtually all the publications they have studied have impacted their lives to the glory of God. In summary, past. Darlington Elekwa was quoted as saying “Thieme will be a fully decorated General when we shall meet at the judgment seat of Christ.” Wishes to Betty and Bobby. Complied by: Peter Chuwang (Jos Plateau State.Nigeria.
Ian Noel // September 3, 2009 at 10:37 pm |
R.B. Thieme simply dedicated his life to the word of God: to study and teach it. By that simple example, he presented many of us with the food we so need to live this life daily. I am grateful to God for his emphasis on faith alone in Christ alone and on the absolute necessity to take in God’s word daily. He was semper fi. I miss him greatly. Thank God for tapes and publications.
Connie Herrick // September 9, 2009 at 9:07 pm |
My parents were led to Col. Thieme’s ministry before I was born. I was blessed with his ministry from the start. His voice was a comfort to me and his categorical teaching is the foundation of my life. I am now blessed with his son’s ministry. I salute you by dear Colonel.
John Sainz // September 13, 2009 at 10:06 pm |
After seeking God with all my heart, I was clearly lead me to my right Pastor-Teacher, RB Thieme Jr. This man’s blessed ability to teach the Bible changed my life . I know ‘” straight up from straight down ” God’s Word . I became a Chaplain because of all of the blessings God gives me through the enriched doctrine taught by the greatest pastor of all time. I was the security person for him at his Tucson conferences and meeting him was the greatest honor. He saluted me as he left Tucson for the last time. This was a Pastor’s Pastor, and a Man’s Man….Thank-you Lord for the Robert Bunger Thieme Jr…
Richard E. Vinson, Jr., TSgt, USAF - Ret. // September 21, 2009 at 7:00 pm |
I was introduced to Col. Thieme’s ministry during the fall of 1979 by a good friend, SSgt. Homer Veal of TOPSIDE, while stationed at Aviano AB, Italy. Col. Thieme’s teaching of God’s Word greatly stabilized my life and walk with Jesus Christ. He made coordinated sense of what was previously a confusing Christian Way of Life. I met him and Katie Tapping at Houston during a Christmas leave in December 1982. He and Katie were very gracious to me during that visit. His ministry had become a wonderful and decisive blessing in my life and led me to achieve many great things before my retirement from active Air Force duty in 1996. His clear teachings of God Word/Bible Doctrine remain to this day a great stabilizing force in my life. I will forever be grateful to God for Colonel Thieme and his faithful teaching ministry. My condolences and prayers are for and with Mrs. Thieme and Bobby. My prayers and best wishes go out to Bobby as he endeavors to continue the faithful study and instruction of God’s Word at Berachah Church.
Ebenezer de Veer // October 30, 2009 at 2:53 am |
R.B.Thieme Jr. was indeed a blessing most people who came into contact with his teachings. As ws said earlier, there is no publication that one acn single out as the best. His teachings make the whole the bible understood, without ambigouity and contradictions. The bible indeed defines the essence and significance of living. To me, it is the greatest thing that has ever happened in my life. All his publication are owesome , but the one the motivates and have fallen in love with is the ‘Follow the colors’. I know he is in the presence of God and been decorated with highest of honour. He makes it clear that we all have been given the same opportunities and priviledges to attain the objectives that God has set for every beliver. Col we know that we will meet together some day.
N.Arul Pandiaraj // December 3, 2009 at 10:31 pm |
Robert B. Thieme, Jr., pastor of Berachah Church from 1950-2003 and president of R. B. Thieme, Jr., Bible Ministries, passed through death into eternity Sunday, 16 August 2009 at 8:45 PM and is now “absent from the body and face to face with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8b). He was the beloved husband of Betty Beal Thieme and devoted father of Robert B. Thieme III. He is also survived by his sister, Ann T. Wallis, and his cousins, Fredericka Botts and Nancy N. Harder.
When I saw the news today,I was shocked because he has been in contact with me from 1984 till February 2009. I lost a good Pastor and equally a good friend.
N.Arul Pandiaraj
arulpandiaraj@yahoo.com