Grace Church has been an integral part of my faith story. I grew up here and was a member of the youth group. After college, I returned to Wichita and returned to Grace, where I met Charlene, and we were married here. As our children grew up at Grace, I taught Sunday School, served on Deacons and Session, and assisted with the planning of the 9 am service. All along, the Holy Spirit has been gently nudging me this way and that. At one point, Jay Ayers was teaching a class on preaching, and I felt a call to “give it a try.” I wanted to try three times over several months because I knew the first time, I would be really nervous, the second time I would still be nervous, and the third time, I would find out if I was called to preach. Grace was gracious and provided positive feedback.
Over the next several years, I occasionally served as pulpit supply at smaller churches near Wichita. In addition, I was taking seminary courses online. The classes were fulfilling, and I settled in with pulpit supply one to two times a month, which still allowed me to continue to grow and worship at Grace. In January 2023, I agreed to serve as the regular weekly pulpit supply at Viola and Wellington. The worship times are separated enough that I can lead worship at both churches on Sunday mornings. This summer, both churches voted to have me serve as the Commissioned Ruling Elder (Lay Pastor). I will be commissioned at the August 12, 2023, Presbytery of Southern Kansas meeting.
There are so many members of Grace who have been part of my journey, and I say with a whole heart – Thank you.
Peace be with you,
Scott Randle
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