After 40 years of dedication to serving the Lord throughout various congregations, Randy
Robinson, Lead Pastor of St. James United Methodist Church, will offer his last sermon before
retirement on Sunday, June 25th at 10:00 am in Saint James sanctuary.
Pastor Robinson was ordained a minister in 1983, a graduate of Oral Roberts University and
O.R.U. School of Theology. His church homes have ranged from 40 to 800 members, and he
has also served as district superintendent.
Randy has dedicated his last 12 years as spiritual leader of St. James UMC as lead pastor,
friend, confidant, and much more. Dr. Ron Serfoss, a church council member remarks, “He was
the right person, at the right time, instantly breathing fresh air into the current and new Christian
way of life in our church.”
Pastor Robinson and Pastor Justin Snider, the associate pastor at that time, instantly connected
with the congregation by establishing small group meetings in the homes of church members for
feedback to develop rapport, and determine the needs, growth, and perception of the church.
Two priorities immediately resounded – building accessibility and growth throughout the
congregation to ensure future generations.
The St James building, an architectural icon, was anything but accessible from the outside or
inside throughout. That led to several vision teams meetings, partnering with architects and
consultants, several revisions, a major and highly successful capital development campaign,
and finally, a major renovation project. Now St. James’ exterior features a beautifully blended
combination of ageless church home with a warm and welcoming accessible for all entrance on
the north facade, an elevator for access throughout, and the beautiful Wesley Commons area
for meetings, fellowship, food pantry staging and much more featuring the preserved mantle
from its previous home.
Just as the physical structure of the St. James church home has evolved over the years,
spiritual style and philosophy have adapted and expanded as well. A contemporary service has
been added through the guidance of the associate ministers that have served with Pastor
Robinson, including Justin Snyder, Greg Boylan, and James Fielder, who now lead their own
congregations. It allows people to connect with God in a worship experience where they are the
most comfortable. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, St. James radio, streaming online, and
Facebook broadcasts maintained the connection and expanded access to worship services. St
James UMC continues to host several fellowship and community events focusing on youth
opportunities.
“Randy, through his sermons, has this wonderful, understandable way of explaining the
readings and translating them to where everyone can feel a connection,” shared Dr. Serfoss.
“The United Methodist Church has experienced much controversy in recent years,” he
continued, “Pastor Robinson has guided us through relatable and noncontroversial ways of
understanding and continuing its mantra where everyone is welcome with open hearts, open
minds, and open doors.”
Pastor Randy and his wife, Laura, have purchased a home here in Danville and are looking
forward to their retirement years, spending time with their daughters, Rachel and Sarah, and
their families.
Pastor Don Jackson will take the reins as lead pastor at St. James UMC on July 1st. He and his
wife Cynthia are looking forward to calling Danville home. “I have much confidence that the
people of St. James United Methodist Church are being left in good hands,” stated Pastor
Robinson.
St. James UMC would like to invite everyone to an open house in honor of Reverend Randall
Robinson's Retirement from 2-5 pm in the St. James Wesley Commons.
