Fourth teaching elder
in race for GA moderator
The Layman, October 26, 2011
Rev. Randolph R. “Randy” Branson, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Graham, Texas has been endorsed by Palo Duro Presbytery as a candidate for moderator.
Branson is the moderator of the presbytery and also served as the Committee on Ministry moderator for three years. He was a GA commissioner in 1983 and 2010.
He is involved in youth ministry, leading small groups and conferences through MO-Ranch and Synod Youth Workshop in the Synod of the Sun, and is also a member of the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators and the Presbyterian Association of Musicians.
Branson is a 1968 graduate of the University of Oklahoma and 1971 graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary.
In an email to The Layman, he wrote, “The call of God to stand for Moderator of the 220th General Assembly has come to me through a variety of voices from within Palo Duro Presbytery across the theological and special interest spectrum. I am committed to the ministry of reconciliation in the denomination and building a culture of respect and appreciation among our members and churches. There is exciting, dynamic and faithful mission and ministry happening throughout our denomination, but it is being overshadowed by controversy and spirit destroying fights. In Palo Duro Presbytery we practice gracious dialogue and debate in our decision making process. I want to tell the denomination about the miracles that are happening in our churches, some of whom are the least likely to thrive as Presbyterians. I think this is happening elsewhere, and I want to be that leader and voice that brings the message of our health, growth and vitality to the denomination and the world. I am honored, excited and terrified to be considered as Moderator of the 220th General Assembly. “
The assembly will be held June 30-July 7, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pa., and the moderator will serve a two-year term. Other candidates include the Rev. Neal D. Presa, the Rev. Susan Davis Krummel and the Rev. Robert Austell.