Randy Thompson

Randy Thompson

As a soon to be college graduate often does, young Randy Thompson spent a lot of time wondering and praying what the future would hold. He says, “I told God, here are my preconceived notions” lining out the career options he had and wanted to choose from. Randy laughs, “He didn’t cooperate, so I finally threw that list in the trash (literally) and I said ‘God, I don’t know what you want me to do for the rest of my life, but what do you want me to do this fall?’” Soon after that, Lynn Lamy came to recruit at California Baptist College where Randy was studying, and offered him a position teaching fifth grade at Riverside Christian Day School. This opportunity was a paradigm orchestrated by God, Randy says, as he ultimately would have a huge role in enlisting people to the ministry of the school. With gratitude Randy says that in that time of his life, the Lord was looking for him and he was looking for the Lord. 

After serving two years in his position as a teacher, Randy was drafted into the Army for another two years serving as a chaplain’s assistant. Once he returned from the service, he came back to RCDS as an administrative assistant, while being mentored by Lynn Lamy. From that experience he learned first-hand the Christ-centered educational perspective of administration, and went on to become Elementary Principal in 1975.

In Randy’s time as principal, culture was continuing to divide between the Christian values that were more standard in America, and the rising secular orientation. Scriptures were being banned in public schools. The McGuffy readers commonly used in curriculum initially included Biblical references with wholesome stories, but the scriptures were slowly being expunged. Randy knew that if  Jesus was and continues to be lifted up in the school system, people would be able to feel Him when they come in the front door and know there is something different about this place. It was a priority for him to lead the school in proclaiming Jesus by teaching and admonishing everyone with all wisdom to become mature in Christ. Contrasting societal culture from the 70s-80s and current times, Randy says the same problems still exist but have been amplified, by media and extremism all around. “It is a joy to see current personnel of Woodcrest Christian School System holding fast to its mission and core objectives in Christ Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life.” WCSS upholds the key ideas developed by Randy Thompson; simply proclaim, admonish, and teach.

“Depend on the quality to bring in the quantity and never get those reversed.” This quote stood out from our interview with Randy, and is still so applicable in the context of Woodcrest Christian. In our conversations, he referred to Mrs. Matilda Randall as an example of a servant leader that influenced him through her compassion. He reflected, “her heart for the Lord, for the scriptures, and for children was unmatched.” He was most impressed by her excitement about seeing children learn, even subjects like science came to life when she taught them. Truly, her passion for people was from God and love for people that was contingent on loving God first. Randy was inspired by Mrs. Randall and quickly became just as dedicated to preparing students for ministry, as well as training them to succeed in higher education. 

Randy himself is an inspiration to many, as he lives out servant leadership based on John 13. In Christ he led by serving and served by leading. Randy says, “servant leadership is setting the example and communicating confidence as Jesus did.” Randy strives to live by this example; leading from a place of sanctification in spirit, soul, and body. He humbled himself and was committed to the Biblical metaphor of washing the disciples’ feet, serving at the lowest levels for the highest cause. Randy proclaimed his faith and brought others to the very same love of Jesus in whom he so boldly trusts. 

Randy is full of wisdom, and he believes in Jesus whole-heartedly. His development of Christ-centered, educational administration at Woodcrest Christian is hard to measure, but impossible to miss. He continuously gives motivation to staff and students alike when he is on campus for events. His hope as WCSS continues to grow is that when we come to the Lord, our head, hands, and feet will be instruments for God’s glory, love, and wisdom to other people. Randy encourages Woodcrest Christian to “challenge every believer to obey God’s word for growth in Godly wisdom for right thinking and Christlike character for wise decision making.” Teachers and staff should be inspired to empower students by the Holy Spirit to change the world through faithful stewardship and loving service. Randy is gentle and kind, and has confidence in Christ that goes beyond worldly fear or doubt. His many acts of service and love have left an impact on the community of Woodcrest Christian that will continue for generations to come.