Q & A with Randy Scoggins

By Randy Scoggins | TV/Media Ministry

On Sunday, September 12, Second-Ponce celebrated our TV/Media Ministry and honored Randy Scoggins for his forty years of service to our church. We shared a video of production highlights through the years and what better way to conclude this ministry spotlight than with a Q & A with Randy himself.

What made you decide to join SPdL in 1980 as Orchestra Director?

I was looking for some opportunity for service since the Minister of Music at Roswell Street Baptist Church (my home church) left to go to a church in Orlando. He recommended me when John Condra (former Minister of Music at Second-Ponce) called him looking for someone to start an orchestra program. I felt very led to give it a try.

How did it come about that you started working in the TV and media ministry?

I had a strong background in recording. When I checked out what was at SPdL, I was shocked at the need. I asked Jim Neyland (Church Administrator at the time) if I could get involved. He was delighted and encouraged me to do so.

What was your background in audio/video before you started doing that for SPdL?

I had many years of sound system and recording experience.

How long did it take for the TV ministry to be your only job at SPdL?

Sometime in the mid to late eighties, so maybe 5-7 years?

Over your years at SPdL, who had a significant impact on you and the ministry?

John Condra provided the opportunities for me to expand and Jim Neyland provided the staff support.

Who are some of the SPdL membership who supported the ministry - with their time and financially?

Many wonderful people played a huge part in making the ministry grow. A few include Luther Bootle who was always around taking pictures or setting up microphones-helping everywhere he could, Carroll Glover who worked as a part of the crew for a long time and was a vocal advocate of the TV ministry, Joe and Anita Girardeau who were always involved on the crew for the Christmas pageants and Henry Phillips who helped with donations of equipment quite often. They were not the only ones but their contribution in time, effort, finances and devotion were profound. Some of my earliest crew are still serving faithfully.

What is the most complicated production you've done at SPdL?

Our most complicated productions to date were the Atlanta Christmas pageants. By the last couple of productions, we had grown to 7 cameras, 14 wireless mikes, 2 floor directors, many many lights with a lighting director, 2 moveable spotlights and 2 coffee pots. We had a crew of approximately 14 for those.

What events tested your abilities the most?

I would have to say the Pageants. The Atlanta Christmas Pageant was the name given to Second-Ponce's annual Christmas musical presentation. It started in 1983 and went through 2000. In the beginning, there were two performances each year but it grew to five each year. All total, there were 18 years and 68 performances. They were elaborate productions with staging, lighting, costumes, etc. The Sanctuary Choir was the central element, but there were a host of others included in the presentations. The crew worked several dress rehearsals late into the night during the week before the first performance, as well as every performance. The music ministry under the leadership of John Condra, our minister of music, created and presented these pageants.

What stories do you have of people who have been blessed by the ministry?

I have had many people tell me face to face as well as through messages about the blessings of being able to worship with SPdL through TV. So many are homebound and SPdL is their church. The stories have been very touching.

Today, what is it about your work at SPdL that gives you joy?

Working with a great crew and with equipment that gives the ability to create and expand.

What are you most proud of as you look back over your years at SPdL?

I am most proud of the fact that we have been able to produce an excellent quality broadcast with very limited resources. We have progressed light years from where we were in the early 80s. I feel truly blessed.

How was the TV ministry impacted by COVID?

COVID forced us into custom recording without the congregation, editing in ways we had never done before and streaming to reach our congregation.

How will the TV/media ministry change in the coming years?

Change is difficult to predict. Technology is advancing so fast. I am sure we will be producing more programing for our congregation to consume. 

What excites you about working with SPdL?

The excellent crew and congregation I get to work with.