Randy Bargerstock

Lead Pastor
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Beginnings

Aren’t all Church of God pastors born in Anderson, Indiana? Where? August 13,1956 to be exact. Thank God I look much younger than I am!

Important Moment

Moses had a burning bush. A bit less dramatic, mine was a plain old tree on a very hot day in the middle of an Indiana field. It is humbling to think that God would call me to join Him in transforming the world through love. In that moment I reluctantly and only partially consented…but He had me! I had no idea where the journey would lead. And I have no regrets.

Special People

Rhonda captured my heart thirty years ago. She is my wife, my friend, and my picture of grace. Our joy is made complete with the compassion and sensitivity of daughter, Rachelle, and the laughter and wisdom of son, Ryan. I’m also blessed to know the unconditional love of parents, Rod and Ilene. Friends abound all over the world but no one has loved our family more purely than Argentine pastors Felix and Marilene Escobar.

Special Places

Wandered through five continents and 35 countries and loved every minute of it! The journey really is my home. There are a few places, however, my heart loves to revisit, if only in my imaginings: Pennsylvania, place of my roots and childhood memories; Michigan, place where I cut my teeth in ministry in the company of great people who were so patient; Indiana, place of learning and growing through struggle and adversity; Argentina, place of my second culture and home for 12 years; Ohio, place I always passed through to get somewhere else and now, oddly enough, it is home.

Dark Nights

There are seasons of life when I have lost my way and my purpose. It felt like I was stuck in time and drowning in the circumstances of a stagnant life. Emotionally I began to detach and shut down. They call it depression. Physically I’d become lethargic and add a few pounds (OK …more like 20-30lbs). Eating soothes the pain…right? The 16th century Spanish saint, Juan de la Cruz, referred to his journey as the dark night of the soul. I know that journey and I also know the deep joy that comes in the morning. I’m grateful to all those who loved me through my long dark nights.

What Lies Ahead

I’m not always sure. And I am really Ok with that. Each day I walk deeper into the mystery of God. My passion is to be an authentic follower of Jesus Christ, to live as a citizen of the kingdom he established, and to fulfill his vision of a world transformed and made whole through love. To that end I give my creativity, my energy, my resources, my ability, my life.