Longtime Madera pastor announces his retirement

Wendy Alexander/Madera Tribune File Photo

Madera Pastor Randall L. Brannon reads from the Bible to congregants during a service. Brannon has announced his retirement.

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One of the longest-serving pastors in Madera is retiring after 36 years of service. The Rev. Randall L. Brannon, who with his wife Sarah guided Grace Community Church into becoming one of the city’s largest congregations, has stepped down.

Many of the city’s prominent leaders have been counted among his congregants, and he, himself, has built a Christian fellowship that has had an influential impact on the city.

Besides the capacious worship center on Road 26, Grace Community Church also plays host to the 100-student Crossroads Christian School, sponsors an active youth ministry called Awana, and conducts various outreach programs throughout the community, including Christmas and Easter musical programs. He is a past president of the Madera Ministerial Association.

The Brannons plan to stay in Madera, “not saying goodbye, but ‘What next, Lord’?” as he said in his farewell letter to his congregation.