What does your job involve?
I manage the assets of the Foundation, which include more than 30 endowments to the church. I oversee the Foundation office and am in charge of baptisms here at the church. I also do some pastoral care, including funerals, weddings and serve the senior pastor, including serving as a member of the strategy team.
Where were you born and raised?
Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
How large is the family you grew up in?
I am the oldest of one brother and one sister.
When and how did you come to know Christ?
My mother led me to Christ at the age of 13. I had been going to a Baptist church ever since birth, so my salvation came about from the influences of all those years.
What was the first job you ever had?
I worked for my father’s wrecking company. He had 14 large wreckers. I started there in the second grade. My next job was as a police officer with the Rocky Mount Police Department.
Where did you go to college?
I studied at UNC/Chapel Hill, University of Louisville and Rollins College.
Have you ever served in the military?
I served in the United States Air Force. I was an airman during the time of the Vietnam War.
When and to whom did you marry?
I married Irma Rowe on June 25, 1967.
How many children do you have?
One daughter.
How did you get into ministry?
Jim Henry prayed me away from the mayor’s office. In 1997, he invited Irma and me to his home to have dinner with him and Jeanette. Larry Taylor, who was the first President of the First Orlando Foundation, had taken a job as a headmaster in a South Florida Christian school, which left a vacancy that needed to be filled. At that time, I was the chairman of the First Baptist Church of Orlando Personnel Committee, and I thought Brother Jim was going to ask me to chair a search committee to find a new president for the Foundation Not in my wildest dreams did I think that he wanted me to consider that job. After hearing his proposal, I didn’t feel led to accept his offer. But Brother Jim kept asking. He said, “The Holy Spirit is telling me that you are the one to fill this job.” I said, “Brother Jim, would you please ask the Holy Spirit to tell me?” He said that he would.” The very next day, I had a meeting in downtown Orlando. I was walking on Pine Street when I heard someone call my name. I looked and saw a young man in a coat and tie. We were the only two people on the street. He came up to me and said, “You are Randall James, aren’t you?” I said, “Yes, sir.” He said, “My name is so and so. You’ve never seen me and I’ve never seen you, but the Holy Spirit asked me last night to pray for you about changing jobs. May I pray for you here on the sidewalk?” He put his arm around me and prayed a beautiful prayer. But because I was in a state of shock, I let him get away without asking him how he knew it was me. I went on my way, and a couple of other things just as mystical happened over the next three or four hours that confirmed to me that I should accept Brother Jim’s offer. And that’s exactly what I did.
Where else have you served?
Prior to my full-time ministry, I served on different church search committees including chairman of the personnel committee. I was also a deacon for many years and served as a Sunday school teacher for more than 20 years. Additionally, I have served on dozens of Orlando community boards and committees/commissions.
Have you ever done any long- or short-term mission work?
I went over to Mississippi right after Hurricane Katrina. In fact, Brother Jim sent me there to pick a city for the church to adopt. God led me to Waveland, Mississippi.
What was the turning point of your life?
In 1987, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I’ve been treated for various types of cancer for the past 21 years in a row. But it was in 1987 that God really started showing me that cancer was my real ministry at our church. I have been called “the cancer pastor.” I know that cancer is my ministry, more than baptizing, more than the foundation, and more than doing weddings and pastoral care.
What do you like most about your job?
I love leading lost people to Christ.
What was one your most memorable moments?
Believe it or not, I actually turned down an opportunity to ride with President W. Bush. I had just finished serving as [Orange County Mayor] Rich Crotty’s chief of staff when I was invited to ride with the president from Orlando International Airport to the Convention Center. But at the same time, my grandson Chase had just started kindergarten at The First Academy. He was extremely nervous and didn’t know a lot of kids. I made it a point to have lunch with him every day. It was kind of a security blanket for him when Granddaddy came by to have lunch with him. And on that particular day, President Bush was visiting Central Florida. I asked what time the President would be arriving and was told 11 o’clock. Lunch time with Chase was at 11:15, and I already made a commitment to him. I told them, “I’m very sorry, but I have a lunch appointment with my grandson and I’m not going to be able to go [with the President]. But thank you anyway.”
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
What do you like to do with your free time?
I love playing with my grandkids.
If you weren’t a pastor here, what do you think you’d be doing?
Rocking on my front porch. I worked a full career in the government for 30 years, so, if I were not here, I’d be retired. Also, I’d be writing a book. I was sued four times by the ACLU for injecting my morals into the community; I was shot as a police officer; had 37 surgeries for cancer; and have been able to serve the Lord through my job to lead many government officials to Christ. I have a story to tell.
Is there something about you that people would be surprised to learn?
I was a NASCAR driver before I got married.
Randall James: Pastor/President of the First Orlando Foundation