Randy Odom
Pastor of Connection
Randy Odom has been working at Neighborhood for 2 years (since January 2005). Randy currently
serves as the Pastor of Connection, in the Community Life Department.
Tell us about yourself:
I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I gave my life to Jesus at the age of 14 and shortly thereafter dedicated my life to His service. After graduating from seminary I sensed God's call to serve overseas. Following graduate study at Biola University I traveled to China where I served as a university English teacher for six years. Upon completion of my service in China, I settled in the Bay Area. In 1994 I became pastor of the Fruitvale Christian Church in Oakland. In 1995 I married Krystal, who is originally from Taiwan. Krystal and I served the Fruitvale church in Oakland for ten years. Following this, I desired to return to China ministry and began working with a non-profit Christian organization in Hayward that sends Christian professionals to China. It was during this time, in 2002, that Krystal and I began attending Neighborhood Church. (I actually served as a custodian at Neighborhood church for three months in 2002!) In mid-2004 I mentioned to Krystal how cool it would be to serve at Neighborhood Church. We began asking the Lord to open a door of opportunity here. In 2005 God opened that door and I came on staff on a part-time basis. In January of 2006 my status was adjusted to full-time. It's been amazing to see how God has led us and opened doors as we've sought our place in His service!
What do you do as Pastor of Connection?
My primary responsibilities as Pastor of Connection include overseeing our Small Group ministries and our Blink Welcome Teams. As coordinator of small groups, I train new small group leaders/hosts and also help people get plugged into a small group. Our Blink Welcome Teams are a group of 10 volunteer ministries which are the "face" of Neighborhood Church to our many guests and visitors. These Teams include our Greeters, Ushers, Guest Reception and Information Center, as well as others. I train leaders for these 10 ministries and coordinate their activities at our weekend services and special outreaches and events.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the people with whom I have the privilege of serving. I never cease to be amazed at the sacrifice and dedication of the willing servants who give of their time in these ministries. Every morning when I come to work I have to pinch myself to realize I actually have the opportunity to work here!
What do you think you would be doing right now if God had not called you to be in ministry?
I honestly don't know. I was still in high school when I sensed God's call, and it's been my desire ever since to follow Him in obedience. I don't think I have the skills to do anything else.
What do you order at Starbucks?
Since Peet's opened in Castro Valley, I don't go to Starbucks anymore.
What do you collect?
Pop (that's what we call them in Oklahoma) bottles and wheat pennies.
If you could be doing anything right now, what would it be?
Roaming the beach in Maui.
If you had a million dollars to spend today, what would you buy?
A beach on which to roam in Maui.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
People's cynical response to the message of Jesus.
What talent do you wish you had?
To play a musical instrument
What food do you absolutely love? What food do you hate?
I absolutely love spicey Chinese tofu. I can't stand Chinese sea slugs.
Tell us about yourself:
I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I gave my life to Jesus at the age of 14 and shortly thereafter dedicated my life to His service. After graduating from seminary I sensed God's call to serve overseas. Following graduate study at Biola University I traveled to China where I served as a university English teacher for six years. Upon completion of my service in China, I settled in the Bay Area. In 1994 I became pastor of the Fruitvale Christian Church in Oakland. In 1995 I married Krystal, who is originally from Taiwan. Krystal and I served the Fruitvale church in Oakland for ten years. Following this, I desired to return to China ministry and began working with a non-profit Christian organization in Hayward that sends Christian professionals to China. It was during this time, in 2002, that Krystal and I began attending Neighborhood Church. (I actually served as a custodian at Neighborhood church for three months in 2002!) In mid-2004 I mentioned to Krystal how cool it would be to serve at Neighborhood Church. We began asking the Lord to open a door of opportunity here. In 2005 God opened that door and I came on staff on a part-time basis. In January of 2006 my status was adjusted to full-time. It's been amazing to see how God has led us and opened doors as we've sought our place in His service!
What do you do as Pastor of Connection?
My primary responsibilities as Pastor of Connection include overseeing our Small Group ministries and our Blink Welcome Teams. As coordinator of small groups, I train new small group leaders/hosts and also help people get plugged into a small group. Our Blink Welcome Teams are a group of 10 volunteer ministries which are the "face" of Neighborhood Church to our many guests and visitors. These Teams include our Greeters, Ushers, Guest Reception and Information Center, as well as others. I train leaders for these 10 ministries and coordinate their activities at our weekend services and special outreaches and events.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the people with whom I have the privilege of serving. I never cease to be amazed at the sacrifice and dedication of the willing servants who give of their time in these ministries. Every morning when I come to work I have to pinch myself to realize I actually have the opportunity to work here!
What do you think you would be doing right now if God had not called you to be in ministry?
I honestly don't know. I was still in high school when I sensed God's call, and it's been my desire ever since to follow Him in obedience. I don't think I have the skills to do anything else.
What do you order at Starbucks?
Since Peet's opened in Castro Valley, I don't go to Starbucks anymore.
What do you collect?
Pop (that's what we call them in Oklahoma) bottles and wheat pennies.
If you could be doing anything right now, what would it be?
Roaming the beach in Maui.
If you had a million dollars to spend today, what would you buy?
A beach on which to roam in Maui.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
People's cynical response to the message of Jesus.
What talent do you wish you had?
To play a musical instrument
What food do you absolutely love? What food do you hate?
I absolutely love spicey Chinese tofu. I can't stand Chinese sea slugs.
Randy Odom
(510) 537-4690 x257