After 15 years as a high school English teacher and coach, Rodger left the field of education to enter the ministry. In 1980 he was called by the elders of Los Gatos Christian Church (LGCC) in Los Gatos, California to develop a sports ministry that would impact the youth of the church and the community.

During a five-year period as the Sports Minister, the program expanded to include soccer, basketball and baseball leagues for youth (ages 5-12), as well as basketball, volleyball and softball leagues for adults. In addition, outreach/evangelistic teams in multiple sports were developed to minister in community leagues, juvenile detention centers, jails and prisons, and many all-church activities were added (including a 10K race, aerobics, hiking and wilderness activities). Eventually, the church began to send missionary athletic teams (basketball and soccer) overseas to Hong Kong, the Philippines and India.

It was during this time of ministry that Rodger became involved in the formation and leadership of the International Sports Coalition. Additionally, he has had the opportunity to be in several countries helping people understand how sports and recreation can be used to preach the gospel and build people up in their faith.

In 1984, LGCC asked Rodger if he would be willing to complete some Bible education in order to take on new responsibilities in the church. In 1985, Rodger completed the graduate diploma program at Multnomah Bible College and Seminary in Portland, Oregon. After completing the program, Rodger was one of three pastors sent out by LGCC to plant a "sister" church in South San Jose. For two years, Rodger served as the Christian Education, Missions and Sports Pastor (as well as administrative assistant and preaching partner) at South Valley Christian Church; during this time the church grew from 400 to 1200 members.

In 1987, The Master's College and Grace Community Church asked Rodger if he would come and write a curriculum for an undergraduate degree in Sports Ministry and establish a Sports Ministry department at the college and, then, to bridge that curriculum and the students into Grace Community Church as an evangelistic outreach.

Having completed the curriculum and established the sports ministry department at the college and the church, Rodger accepted a call to return to Los Gatos Christian Church to become the Pastor of Evangelism and Discipleship.