Can you tell me a little about your family history and growing up years?

I was born in Portland, Oregon, moved to the Rockwood area (east Portland) when I was four, then east of Gresham when I was seven. I loved living in the house east of Gresham, which was “out in the country,” but only five miles or so from city.

As a teenager, I did farm work in the summers. Besides picking berries, I planted and harvested broccoli and cauliflower, as well as sorting potatoes unearthed by a digger, to prepare them for distribution. When I was 19, after my first year of college, I worked in a 7-11 store, where my most vivid memory was being robbed at gunpoint. I also worked at a chemical plant that produced Parsons ammonia, where ...

Did Randy have a job as a teenager?

Randy writes, "As a teenager, I did farm work in the summers. Besides picking berries I planted and harvested broccoli and cauliflower, as well as sorting potatoes unearthed by a digger, to prepare them for distribution. When I was 19, after my first year of college, I worked in a 7-11 store, where my most vivid memory is being robbed at gunpoint.  I also worked at a chemical plant that produced Parsons ammonia, where my most vivid memory is running for the doors when the ammonia vats spilled over."

Did Randy move around a lot as a child? Where was his favorite place to live?

Randy writes, "I moved to the Rockwood area (east Portland) when I was four, then east of Gresham, Oregon when I was seven. I loved living in the house east of Gresham, which was 'out in the country,' but only five miles or so from the city."

Do Randy and Nanci have any pets?

The Alcorns love dogs! They have a Golden Retriever named Maggie Grace who brings joy to their family. They had a Dalmatian named Moses for 15 years, and before Moses, a Springer Spaniel named Champ.

Does Randy have a family?

The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela. Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons: Jacob Gary Stump born August 3, 2004, Matthew James Franklin born November 12, 2004, Tyler Daniel Stump born March 10, 2006, and Jack Timothy Franklin born August 23, 2007, and David Aaron Franklin born February 17, 2012.

Randy writes of his wife Nanci, "We met and had our first date when in high school, on December 7, 1968. So December 2008 was the fortieth anniversary. We saw the original Odd Couple in the theatre that night. Nanci's terrific. She's God's gift to me."

Does Randy plan on writing more books?

Yes. He is currently working on several projects.

Does Randy play sports?

Randy played baseball, basketball and football in junior high. He played basketball and football his freshman year in high school and tennis in high school and college. (He's a very good tennis player.)

Does Randy receive a salary from EPM?

EPM is a 501C (3) and receives 100% of the royalties from Randy's books. Randy has never accepted the royalties. He is paid minimum wage from the ministry, along with some small benefits and his wife's supplemental salary at a secretary's wage for some part time work.

(Update March 2013: Randy’s wages have increased to make up the supplemental salary of his wife’s work since she is no longer being paid as an EPM employee.)

Has Randy co-authored any books?

Randy co-authored the Courageous novel and The Resolution for Men with Alex and Stephen Kendrick. The novel, which was based on the Courageous movie screenplay by the Kendrick brothers, tells the story of law enforcement officers Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners as they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. The Resolution for Men challenges men of all ages to become as bold and intentional about embracing their responsibilities as leaders of their homes, marriages, and children.

He also co-authored Help For Women Under Stress with his wife Nanci, and wrote The Ishbane Conspiracy with his daughters Karina and Angela the summer before both of them got married.

Randy has this to ...

How can I get a response from Randy on a personal issue?

Randy is unable to personally write or counsel individuals due to the volume of emails and letters he receives each week. However, he does have assistants who are dedicated to providing biblical answers to your questions. You may email them at info@epm.org.  

If you have a question related to a topic Randy has written on, we recommend searching our resource library to see if he has already addressed your question.