Barry Randolph
Church of the Messiah
Detroit, MI USA
"Don’t wait until the end of your journey to find out you have the heart, the courage, and the brain."
Career Roadmap
Barry's work combines: Philosophy & Religion, Non-Profit Organizations, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I sometimes get in trouble for some of my more controversial sermons, especially from the older folks in my congregation. However, I deliver my sermons with the young people in mind. I was called to help our young people, so that's exactly what I'm trying to do. I only preach for 10 to 15 minutes out of an hour-long service. If I make it good and impressionable, they'll come back.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan.
2.
Since I was 19 years old, I eventually became the manager or the owner of whatever company I worked for.
3.
After feeling like something was missing in my life, I started attending the Church of the Messiah.
4.
I started as a volunteer tutor at the church’s after-school program, then Sunday school teacher, then youth director, and eventually the worship leader.
5.
In 1994, I was approached by the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan about being ordained and began the process of becoming an Episcopal priest.
6.
I became the priest and pastor of Church of the Messiah in 2002.
7.
As priest and pastor, I uphold the vision of our mission to lift people out of poverty.
8.
I’m also the executive director of BLVD Harambee, the social services arm of Church of the Messiah, which helps foster life skills and resources for the holistic development of our youth.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
You're controversial. You can't say that.
How I responded:
I sometimes get in trouble for some of my more controversial sermons, especially from the older folks in my congregation. However, I deliver my sermons with the young people in mind. I was called to help our young people, so that's exactly what I'm trying to do. I only preach for 10 to 15 minutes out of an hour-long service. If I make it good and impressionable, they'll come back.