Pastor Robert Keetch, Discipleship Pastor

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Pastor Robert Keetch, Jr. serves as the Discipleship Pastor at Orchard Church, a position he has faithfully held since July 3, 2017. His responsibilities include Discipleship, Pastoral Care, Member Care, Health & Safety, and Church Evangelism. He has been married to his wife, LaVera, since June 6, 1987, and they are proud parents of six children and seven grandchildren.

His leadership continued into high school, where he was elected Assistant Commissioner General (Vice President) during his freshman year at Hoover High School. At 16, he was appointed Sunday School Superintendent at his church. By 21, he was elected Southern District Sunday School & HYPU President, overseeing 17 churches in Southern California. By 24, he became Western Diocese President, overseeing Sunday School and HYPU departments for 28 churches across California and Washington.

After serving as a pastor in three churches across San Diego and Murrieta, Robert joined Orchard Church in 2017. He was ordained as a minister on October 28, 2013. His greatest passion lies in organizational development, restructuring, mentoring, and equipping others to reach their full, God-given potential.

Leadership was instilled in Robert from an early age by his father. At just 11 years old, he was elected 7th Grade Commissioner at Wilson Junior High School. At 14, he became the youngest Eagle Scout in San Diego Imperial County Council history, as well as the first Black Eagle Scout in southeast San Diego.

His leadership continued into high school, where he was elected Assistant Commissioner General (Vice President) during his freshman year at Hoover High School. At 16, he was appointed Sunday School Superintendent at his church. By 21, he was elected Southern District Sunday School & HYPU President, overseeing 17 churches in Southern California. By 24, he became Western Diocese President, overseeing Sunday School and HYPU departments for 28 churches across California and Washington.

Pastor Robert grew up in southeast San Diego and, after attending college, graduated from the San Diego Police Academy. He dedicated 27 years of service to the city, retiring as a Detective Sergeant. During his tenure, he also served twice as an Interim City Department Director.

While working as a detective, he attended the University of Southern California (USC) and graduated from the prestigious Delinquency Control Institute (DCI) within the School of Public Administration. His extensive research on the “Impact of Gangs on the Black Family” was so impactful that the Dean invited him to publish his findings. This research became the foundation for multiple community-based projects supporting at-risk youth and families. He played a key role in designing and launching the San Diego County Youth Court and the City of San Diego Teen Court.

In 2001, at the direction of Chief of Police David Bejarano and City Attorney Casey Gwinn, he was tasked with designing and operating the San Diego Family Justice Center (SDFJC)—the first-ever "one-stop" support center for domestic violence survivors in the United States. Under his leadership, the SDFJC became a global model for similar initiatives. Recognized as an expert in juvenile delinquency and family violence, he played a pivotal role in reshaping San Diego’s response to youth and family-related issues.

After retiring from the San Diego Police Department in 2008, Robert transitioned into public safety leadership roles. He served as a Security Team Supervisor at Pala Casino, followed by his appointment as Director of Public Safety for the Soboba Indian Reservation. During his tenure, he successfully eliminated homicides and significantly reduced tribal law enforcement incidents. Additionally, he established the first-ever Tribal Fire Department for Soboba, overseeing both fire and law enforcement operations.

Following this, he was hired as Manager of Transit Enforcement for North County Transit District, where he led a team responsible for securing all rail and train systems in North County San Diego.

As a Law Enforcement Administrator, Robert played a significant role in major national events, including:

• 1996 Republican National Convention
• Super Bowl XXX (1998) at Qualcomm Stadium 
• 1998 World Series 
• San Diego’s Y2K Response (1999) 
• Biotech International Conference Protests (2001)