Rev. Randy Coy, President

Rev. Coy feels that working in this ministry serving the children whom society has neglected, is exactly what God has called us to do as Christians. “As the scripture in Jeremiah 29:11 expresses God’s intent for our lives, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Our society has failed these young people and allowed their lives to be burdened with pain and heartache. It is our job to be God’s witnesses by helping them rise above their pasts and to create prosperous lives of hope and a better future.”

Randy will travel to the churches and organizations throughout Kentucky and share the importance of the ministry at the Children’s Home. “We want to maintain the way we’ve represented Christ to these broken children. It is my hope to connect with more United Methodist Churches of every size. I will be in as many churches as possible.”

Before becoming President, Rev. Coy had been a servant leader within the Kentucky Annual Conference in many capacities. His previous appointment was as pastor of the Versailles UMC. He has also served four years as the Ashland District Superintendent and was Dean of the Cabinet while serving Ashland. In addition, he has served as Dean of Licensing School, on the Board of Ordained Ministry, on the Conference Committee for Finance and Administration, on the Board of Pensions, and Chair of the Advisory Board for Appalachian Local Pastors School, as well as other committees. He has also served on the Boards of Henderson Settlement, Wesley Village, and the Methodist Children’s Homes.

Board Chair, Deborah Wallace-Padgett expressed the Board’s delight in Rev. Coy's leadership, "Randy’s heart for the children and passion for the ministry of the Methodist Children's Homes are great assets in his role as President.”

Randy grew up on a farm in Cynthiana and has been a life-long member of Mt.. Hope United Methodist Church. He graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1989 with a Masters of Divinity and began his ministry with East Bernstadt, Olive Gilead and El Bethel UMC.

Randy explained that growing up on a farm taught him the importance of accepting the job at hand, no matter his skill level or self-doubt. “If something happened on the farm, someone had to fix it or do something about it—no matter what your job description was supposed to be." It required faith no matter what happened.

Randy and his wife, Denise, have been married 32 years. Their son, Matt, and his wife recently had a child, Allison Kate. “Being a grandparent for the first time has caused me to see children in a whole different light. I've become more acutely aware of the developmental levels in children.”

“Sometimes we cannot see for ourselves what God has in store. So right now, I’m walking in faith. This was not something I ever saw myself doing. But sometimes God’s plan can amaze us.”