New pastor uses technology, pop culture themes to create interest

When some people hear the word "Pentecostal," they think of flamboyant preachers, people speaking in tongues, and highly emotional services with lots of crying and loud voices.

But don't expect that when you go to Hanford Pentecostal Church of God.

"We don't roll on floors, we don't hang on chandeliers," said the church's new pastor, Randy Robertson. "Some people think 'Pentecostal' and think it's highly emotional. Not every Pentecostal church is like that. If you come to ours, it would just be like attending Glad Tidings, Assembly of God; our worship and everything is kind of along those lines, it depends on the pastor and the congregation itself."

That's not to say that he condemns other Pentecostal churches. He just has his own way of doing things.

Robertson took over the church as lead pastor on Jan. 20, replacing Larry Wagner. Robertson, a native of Madison in northern California, quickly went to work making changes. He's created a new Saturday night service, organized events with other churches, and employed his own methods to help people connect with God.

He's also made efforts to attract those who haven't been going to church for a while.

To entice new members or those whose schedules don't allow them to go to church on Sunday, he created "Unleashed," a casual Saturday night service. To bring new people to the service, he's offering rewards such as prizes and a free dinner.

"I believe the 'Unleashed' service will attract the 'unchurched' and younger members of our community because of the contemporary worship style and the casual dress," Robertson said. "The atmosphere is more relaxed and relevant."

He hopes the relaxed, accepting atmosphere and sermon topics will keep people coming back.

"We want to take the word of God and make it practical to the word of today that people can apply it. Our goal is after every service you can apply what we're talking about to today's living."

One way he keeps people engaged is through the use of Powerpoint displays, props and themes from pop culture.

Right now the Pentecostal Church of God stage is decorated like an exercise studio. Two life-size cardboard cutouts of women are propped up on treadmills. Scattered around them are dumbbells, exercise balls and exercise mats. In the middle of the stage is a big sign saying, "The Biggest Loser."

The stage props are meant to illustrate Robertson's April theme, "Going Beyond Measure: The Biggest Loser."

Following the idea behind the "Biggest Loser" TV show, churchgoers are encouraged to concentrate on losing something, whether it's weight or bad character flaws.

"People are used to visuals today, so we try and incorporate that into our sermons to get them to understand the message," he said.

Also going on in April is "The Big Give." Modeled after a new Oprah Winfrey television show, churchgoers go out in the community and practice "random acts of kindness." Teams are given weekly challenges such as giving blankets to the homeless or taking doughnuts to fire department personnel.

During his 30-year career as a pastor in northern California churches, Robertson served as a volunteer chaplain for law enforcement and public safety agencies, counseling victims dealing with stress and tragic situations. Prior to that, he worked for the state's Department of Rehabilitation helping disabled people find jobs.

Now, however, he's focused on getting his church where he wants it.

He starts his day at 3 a.m. For four hours he prays and plans his sermons, before heading over to the church office to join his wife and two daughters. There, he does everything from counseling, to meeting with staff, hospital visitations, and planning and leadership of church operations.

With four services to plan for -- Wednesday night, Saturday night and a morning and evening service Sunday -- he keeps busy.

Robertson said it's his daily time with God and his relationships with people that keep him energized and motivated.

"Building relationships with people, helping people -- that's what motivates me, charges me up -- gets me going when I'm tired."

The reporter can be reached at 583-2427.

(April 5, 2008)