The Rev. Randy Blanton | Lead Pastor

Pastor Randy is most alive when with people and actively doing something.  He resonates with Eddie Vedder, who sang, “Got a mind full of questions and a teacher in my soul,” and Saint Anselm, who talked about “faith seeking understanding.”  He believes we should never stop wrestling with God as we never stop asking questions, even hard ones.

Raised non-denominational, and with questions he felt his church did not want to address, he stumbled into a United Methodist Church while seeking a spiritual home with his fiancée, Gina.  Soon after, the church and pastor began affirming a call on his life.  Seven years later, he succumbed to that call and attended Duke Divinity School while serving as a student pastor.

Pastor Randy joined the First UMC staff in July 2025. He has served churches in Bynum, Polk County, Waxhaw, Southmont, and Shelby.

He is married to Gina, whom he met on an 8-hour blind date.  They have two adult daughters: Madeleine and Lillian.

Favorite food: Thai

Favorite Netflix Binge: Justified; Billions

Go to Spotify List: 80’s Rock, 90’s Alternative Rock, his all-time favorite album Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here

Favorite Part of Being a Pastor: Seeing people excitedly engage ministry, whether they are a new convert, a life-long member who has been sitting on the sidelines, or someone between these two.

Pastimes:  Kayaking, Riding his motorcycle, Fishing