In recent months, both Loma Linda University Church and Sligo SDA Church have elected new senior pastors. This is significant in that these two churches are among the largest in membership in the North American Division. This issue features one of the two men, Randall L. Roberts (pictured above).

Randall L. Roberts was born in South America of missionary parents. Until college age, the majority of his life was spent in Latin American countries. In 1981 he graduated from Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, with a major in theology and a minor in modern languages. For more than five years he pastored in the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, during which time he completed his master of divinity degree at Andrews University in 1985.

In 1987 Roberts began work as a chaplain at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, California. For more than seven years he provided patient and staff support, spiritual care, and counseling. He was also instrumental in establishing and leading the Medical Center's grief recovery program. He also completed his master of arts degree in marriage and family therapy from the United States International University, in San Diego. In early 1994, Roberts began teaching full time in Loma Linda University's Faculty of Religion. He graduated with his doctor of ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, in June 1996. Since then, he has served the University as associate professor of theology and ministry, as well as associate dean of the Faculty of Religion. Concurrently, he has held the position of senior pastor of the Corona Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Corona, California. Roberts is married to Anita (Justiniano) Roberts. They have a son, Austin, age 7, and a daughter, Miranda, age 4.

The search committee carefully compiled a list of 45 names, which was narrowed to 10. By secret ballot, Randy was chosen unanimously. During the weeks prior to making his decision to come to the University church, Roberts met with pastoral and support staff, lay leaders, music department leaders, and university students. "When I started listening to and considering the University church?where it is and the task ahead?" Roberts relates, "I knew the only way to succeed would be through the grace of God and the help of others." He continues, "I sensed a readiness and willingness to change and grow, while building on existing strengths'to truly make a difference in the community."

Roberts sees four areas that will receive his attention in the coming months: preaching, setting a long-term vision, spiritual leadership formation, and creating a more inter-generational environment in the church. He is committed to trying to understand what the Scriptures say and establishing a biblically based pulpit program. It is also vital, Roberts feels, that the church revisit its identity and long-term goals over the coming months, re-asking the questions, "Who are we?" "Why are we here?" and "What is our long-term purpose?" He intends to rely heavily on the current church leaders as, together, they plan for the challenges that lie ahead.
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