Bob Holmes bills himself as a “one man volleyball team” and motivational speaker, when pitching his services to public schools, and he is scheduled to speak twice this morning at the Grand Traverse Academy.
But Holmes has gotten into hot water by failing to confine his public school presentations to contractually agreed upon topics of drug abuse, alcohol abuse and suicide prevention.
An appearance in 2018 at a Missouri public school drew the attention of parents after one parent raised questions after the school district hired Holmes to speak to students.
Holmes, flanked by representatives from the Agape Baptist Church of Stockton, reportedly veered from the topic, talking about his faith and inviting students to hear "part two" of his message at a Christian revival held in a Stockton school building
"We are aware that many Christian missionaries insinuate themselves into public schools by camouflaging their purpose. However, in the case of Bob Holmes, it would only require a cursory Google search to verify his proselytizing agenda," McNamara wrote. "His own website refers to his work as a 'ministry' and his official Facebook page is replete with references to evangelism."
Holmes is referred to as a "one man volleyball team" because he single-handedly takes on teams and wins. He has been featured on Ripley's Believe It Or Not and by many news outlets.
McNamara said during the Stockton event, Holmes "preached a sermon that recounted the crucifixion of Jesus in explicit, gruesome detail. He also aggressively proselytized the students, telling them that they 'have a soul that's going to go on forever, and ever and ever, either in heaven or hell. And, I see you hanging over a lake of fire ready to fall unless you find forgiveness.'"
Will the Grand Traverse Academy find itself at the center of headlines and public debate over religious speech in public schools following two assembly programs presented by a self-described evangelist?
Probably not, except on this blog.