Calvary's Leaders
Randy Harris
What do you do at Calvary?
I am the Christian Resource Pastor. I oversee the book store and cafe. I am undoubtedly a certifiable card carry bookaholic so it's a perfect fit. I also get to oversee the Adult Mid-Week Equipping Classes, including the Wednesday Night Series which are very rewarding. I also get to write skits, musicals and/or curriculum here at Calvary and teach, which is my secret love, tapping into some kind of recessive "teaching gene" which long went dormant, but is currently in throes of its own personal revival!
How did you come to Calvary and how long have you been here?
My wife and I had a good experience in Pastor Fred's young married class in the early 1980s (I think we visited maybe 3 times), so years later when our lives were pretty much at a self-inflicted nadir, we decided to come back in April of 1989 and have been here ever since where God completely, unequivocally changed our lives with about a boat load of undeserved Grace.
What is your educational background and training?
I went to Bible College out of High School (Hope International) as an oceanography major (figure that one out), but I graduated from Cal State Fullerton with B.A. in English in six years later in June 1980, ready to write the next great American novel.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Montebello in East Los Angeles and have lived all my life in Southern California, a classic middle class American suburbanite.
Tell us about your family...
My wife Tammy and I were married in October 1983. We have three amazing children: Jesse, Abby and Benjamin with whom I am eternally amazed and grateful and proud. Jesse is a hair stylist and is married to Doug Brown, the High School Associate Director here at Calvary. They live in Orange. Abby will be getting her Beautician License soon and works in San Clemente California. Benjamin is the 5th/6th Worship Intern here at Calvary and wants to go into full-time ministry which he was born to do.
Tell us how you "popped the question," or how it was popped to you.
It was at Tammy's office where she worked at the time, a boring beginning but quite possible the last boring event in our married life since!
What is your favorite memory from your time at Calvary Church?
Too many to name really, but probably the entire year of 1990, it was THE transition year of my life with God.
Who have been the biggest spiritual influences in your life?
Both my parents, I come from a long line of Bible Teachers, Godly people all. I have led a circuitous black sheep existence that is not the norm within my clan.
Favorite place you’ve been in the world and where do you want to go next?
I like where we live, Tustin California. I've been in a lot of places in this world (Brazil, Virgin Islands, New York City, The Northwest Territories) and like my home best. Where to next? Maybe to Maine for a reading/lobster vacation with my wife Tammy.
When I can't be found at Calvary, I can be found...
Writing at home, listening to music and reading devotionals by 19th Century Scottish Preachers.
Hidden Talent?
I can juggle and I like to do house cleaning. Weird.
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years?
iTune's playlists.
On what reality show would you most want to be a contestant?
So You Think You Can Dance (if they had a show for over 50 year old's with bad feet who stand around a lot and don't really move from the waist down).