Pastor Randy Anderson Leads Non-Denominational Services and Serves as Assistant Director of Maintenance at Kempton of Charleston
June 17, 2023
The sound of voices raised in song marks the start of non-denominational church services held onsite every Sunday at Kempton of Charleston, a full-service, rental senior living community in Charleston, South Carolina.
The services are led by Randy Anderson, a pastor with the Vertical Church of Charleston, who is also assistant director of maintenance at Kempton of Charleston.
Kempton of Charleston is non-denominational and not affiliated with any specific religious group. Nevertheless, the residents of the community have opportunities to fulfill their spiritual needs with visiting clergy and streamed worship services.
Anderson was a pastor for several decades at Baptist churches in New York and New Jersey. He and his wife, Beverly, moved to South Carolina a couple of years ago to be closer to their daughter, who’s expecting their first grandchild.
While serving previously as a pastor, Anderson had worked in maintenance which made him well-prepared to do his current job at Kempton of Charleston.
“I learned from construction pros along the way,” says Anderson, who, in November 2022, asked the leadership at Kempton of Charleston if they’d let him lead a non-denominational church service in a common room.
He wanted to provide solace and encouragement to residents, some of whom were entirely new to senior living.
“They are in a completely new element,” he says. “They need to make new friends; they need to trust the staff, and, at the same time, they have more needs than when they were younger.”
A service seemed the perfect way to help interested residents adjust to their new surroundings and build a sense of community.
The service, which started with five attendees, continues to grow. It begins with a hymn sung to the accompaniment of Beverly on the piano, and then features scripture readings, a meditation, and then ends with songs.
The scriptures are read by residents, who also are invited to suggest the themes of meditations to be offered by Anderson. For instance, a recent piece focused on managing emotions, which Anderson says, “helped them understand what tools they have in their toolbox to deal with anxiety or loneliness.”
Anderson has noticed attendees are starting to build connections and are looking out for one another. It’s common for residents to ask for prayers to be said on behalf of someone who might be scheduled to undergo surgery or be feeling under the weather.
The attendees also worked together on projects to help others outside the community. At Christmas time, they took a trip to Wal-Mart, where they bought toys, clothing and other items to donate to children in need. They also contributed to a diaper drive held by a local non-profit.
Anderson has seen how the bonds among attendees are growing stronger.
“They linger after the service and talk to each other,” he says. “They enjoy each other’s company. They’re doing an amazing job of caring for each other.”
Anderson has also noticed that attendees are eager to welcome newcomers, including those who might be doing short-term rehab at Kempton of Charleston’s skilled nursing and rehab unit.
“Last Sunday, there was a new person at the service, and another lady went up to talk to her,” he says. “It was so neat to see that newcomer’s face light up.”
Whether leading a non-denominational service or painting the walls of Kempton of Charleston, Anderson says his goal is to serve and encourage residents.
“I really enjoy creating a bond of trust with residents,” he says. “I want them to know they can count on me to be a constant in their lives.”
He’s also always ready to answer any maintenance need a resident or the community overall may have. He recently built bookshelves in a common area for residents to store books and puzzles and frequently gives new coats of paint to the community’s walls.
“I take pride in keeping this place like new,” he says.
Whether he’s leading a service or changing a light bulb, hearing the sounds of residents greeting each other, and asking how each other is doing, brings joy to Anderson’s heart.
“They are getting into shepherding each other and learning about each other’s needs,” says Anderson, who adds, “I enjoy helping them find trust in the Lord.”
Kempton of Charleston
Kempton of Charleston is nestled amid the charming environs of Charleston, South Carolina—named by online financial firm WalletHub as the top place to retire in the U.S. With a range of amenities under one roof, and close to Charleston’s many cultural offerings, dining and shopping, the Kempton offers premier assisted living, memory care, respite care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. Kempton of Charleston is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a division of Liberty Healthcare Management that specializes in senior living and retirement communities. To learn more about Kempton of Charleston visit www.kemptonofcharleston.com. To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and the communities they offer, please visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com