Leadership

Pastor Randy Baker was raised in a Christian home where his parents were devoted churchgoers, actively involved in music ministry, missions, and fellowship groups. Their example had a lasting impact on Randy, who came to trust in Jesus and the blood He shed for his salvation during a Grade 4 Sunday School class.

Randy quickly became involved in his church’s music ministry—singing in the choir, touring with vocal groups, and performing in gospel-centered musicals that reached the community and contributed to the church’s growth. These early experiences helped shape his outlook on ministry.

His gift for preaching and passion for ministry emerged gradually, as speaking opportunities increased from childhood into adulthood. At age eleven, Randy sensed a call to ministry, though it wouldn’t come to fruition until his thirties.

While attending Bible college in England, Randy met Sherrie, who shared his call to ministry. They married soon after and began raising a family. Economic pressures in the late 1980s, along with the demands of parenting, delayed Randy’s seminary education. He spent the next fifteen years working in customer service, raising their family, and volunteering in music, youth, and church ministries alongside Sherrie.

Encouraged by a pastor-mentor, Randy eventually pursued his Master of Divinity at Northwest Baptist Seminary in Langley, BC. His first pastoral role was as lead pastor at Shoreline Baptist Church in Port Elgin, ON. While he valued his time there, his earlier joy in leading youth ministries and summer camps at Evergreen Stayner Conference Grounds led him to return to youth ministry—this time full-time.

Though it’s uncommon to enter youth ministry in one’s forties, Randy and Sherrie felt strongly called to continue the mission God laid on their hearts in Bible college. Together, they led youth and young adult programs at Woodside Bible Fellowship in Elmira, ON; served in youth and associate roles at First Baptist Church in Nanaimo, BC; and led a young adult group of 600 at Village Church in Surrey, BC.

Today, Randy is the solo lead pastor of Qualicum Community Baptist Church, where he preaches weekly and participates enthusiastically in the church’s diverse musicality. Along the way, Randy earned a Dog Grooming Certificate, overcame Acute A.L.L. Leukemia, and watched with joy as he and Sherrie’s children grew into adulthood and recently welcomed their first grandchild. The Bakers enjoy exploring Vancouver Island’s beaches and trails, spending quality time with their senior dog and three cats, and hunting for the perfect chai tea latte.