Randy Kerkman

Education
Concordia Jr. College (Portland, Oregon) – Associate of Arts
Concordia Teachers College (River Forest, Illinois) – Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Certification as Director of Christian Education

Ministries Served
Calvary Lutheran Church (Baltimore, MD) (1973-1974) – Internship: 5^th grade teacher  
Bethel Lutheran Church (Bryan, TX) (1975-1980) – DCE, Youth & Education  
St. Andrew Lutheran Church (Houston, TX) (1980-1989) – DCE, Youth & Education
Redeemer since 1989

Vision for Redeemer
That Redeemer is a place where people experience the love of Jesus Christ and become empowered and equipped to share that love with their family, friends, community and the world. That people see themselves as the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. 

Favorite Bible Verse
Colossians 3:12

 About Randy
Being connected to a “church family” has been a part of my life since infancy. It was this “church family” that I found acceptance, guidance, and encouragement to use the gifts that God gave me to serve the “body of Christ” at a young age. Being asked to sing duets in church with a good friend. Later in high school having an opportunity to be a part of a musical group that visited other churches with a musical entitled “Tell It Like It Is!” Being called to teach a 2^nd grade Sunday School class as a sophomore in high school. Looking back on my Junior & Senior years in high school, I see the Lord’s hand in preparing me for ministry by being mentored by DCE interns.

 A redirection in vocation training came during my freshman year at Concordia, Portland when I felt the Lord tugging at me to move from studying Law to become a DCE where I could minister to youth. The question has often been asked, “At what point in your life are you too old to be an effective Youth Minister?” My answer has often been, “If you love children & youth, being with them and helping them to grow closer to Jesus, you are never too old!” I have also learned over the years that young people need significant role models/adults in their journey of faith in addition to their parents (who are called to be the primary faith-builders)

 I have also have the privilege of encouraging people find a place where they can be Christ’s hands & arms & feet by using their God-given gifts and talents to meet the needs of their fellow man & community through the various Human Care ministry outreach programs. (Matthew 25:34-40 & James 2:14-18)

  My other interests include: golfing (when I have the opportunity); reading mystery novels; working with the Texas Ramp Project; Mission trips to help with restoration after disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Ike; any construction-type projects; taking trips with family