Recommendation Letters:
Individuals' recommendations and comments:
I'm just wanted to report back to you after you preached our FP Missions Conference last week: Whereas we have been in a drought on visitation for weeks with only one man going out with the Pastor, after you preached on Missions started at home in our Jerusalem, today, we had 10 people out on visitation and one lady volunteering to watch the children!! We are thrilled and thank God for what he is doing here. Thank you for your faithfulness to preach God's Word and help churches! (Pastor's wife, TX, 2023)
We sure enjoy the books and kids books and study guides that you have written! We like giving much of them to our grandkids. We are thankful the Lord has used you in this way to write and publish these and make them available for us and others! (church member, UT, 2023)
We have been greatly blessed by your ministry to our church, both in your preaching and in your books. Thank you for your faithfulness through the years in doing the work God has sent you to. I am currently reading your series, Retracing the Steps of Christ. I really enjoy getting a different perspective on well-known stories and their applications. I am grateful for resources like your books. May God continue to use you to bless each of the places you visit. Thank you again for the books and the blessings you have given our church over the years. (church member, UT, 2023)
Thank you for your ministry of helps and encouragement to the under-shepherds of the Lord I'm sure there has been countless times that you have drawn from your well of knowledge and experience to help pastors through difficult times and to be a blessing to them and to help them to know they are not alone and that you understand their situation. Praise the Lord! I know your visits to our church has made a difference in our Pastor's life, but also giving our church a better perspective of our attitude toward our pastor. We pray you will be a continued blessing to the pastors of America. (church member, UT, 2023)
Your ministry is a blessing to us, and many of you and your wife's books have encouraged and helped me through some of the hardest times in my life. (church member, UT, 2023)
I love reading your bi-monthly newsletter and hearing about your travels and enjoy reading about all the stories. Your ministry is very important. Thank you for the encouragement you give not only to pastors, but also to the members as well. I am encouraged in the Lord by your ministry. I'm praying for you. (church member, UT, 2023)
I've always appreciated your very practical way of teaching and preaching and your books have been so helpful. We look forward to having you again. (church member, UT, 2023)
Thank you for your strong convicting messages that you preached when you were here this month (Sept, 2023). God is working in me and challenging me in a lot of areas that you preached on. God bless you and Shirley for your faithfulness to Him.
(church member, ME, 2023)
Many people reflecting about how the Family Conference was so needed in their lives, and they appreciated it! One couple even telling me: "first thing we did Wednesday night after church was to correct how we discipline our children to line up with the Scriptures!" One lady said her hubby gave her some spending money for new clothes, as well after your skits. But even our seasoned deacon and his wife, mentioned how blessed by the conference they were. It was just a wonderful time of reflection and rededication of Biblical truths together. I love how the Lord worked! And still many more mentioned the conference content, how the Lord is using these teachings and messages in their husband wife and family relationships. So glad y'all could come!! (Pastor's Wife, 2021)
God spoke to me about several things during our Family Conference, especially in the Men's sessions and preaching. I will be implementing what I've learned from God's Word this week. Thanks so much. (Church Member, 2021)
I know God is speaking to me about my appearance and dress after Shirley spoke in our Family Conference. (in tears). (16 year old young lady, 2021)
Your messages in our Family Conference were so practical and helpful. You put God's principles on the bottom shelf so all could benefit. Thank you. (Missionary to Mexico, 2021)
The message your husband preached at our church was a help to me.
(Pastor's Wife, text to Shirley, 2021)
Dear Bro. & Mrs. Starr, Thank you so much for being a part of our first Family Camp. You were both a great blessing! We had testimonies on Sunday Evening when we returned and many spoke of how God used you to speak to their hearts. We look forward to seeing you again. (Pastor T. H. Moore, Capitol Baptist Church, Dover DE June, 2021)
Thank God that you could preach our Missions Conference this year. We saw many decisions and of course, over 10% increase in our Faith Promise Giving, the highest in our church's 30 year history! Thank you, Bro Starr. (Pastor, 2021 -verbal)
We are excited to have you and your wife with us on __. We are encouraged by your faithful ministry and are praying for you regularly. You have been a faithful friend to me.
Dr. Robert Evans, Hope Baptist Bible Study, Foley AL (June, 2021)
When we had Pastor Starr in our church, we were amazed at the way in which the Lord used him. He was a pastor for many decades, and knows church and churches like almost no evangelist can know them. His preaching and council are not speculation, they are based on his experience. We can hardly find words to express how happy we are to have an ongoing relationship with an evangelist of his caliber.
(Pastor George Shafer, Vision Baptist Church, Glendale AZ (several mtgs))
Bro. Randy Starr and his wife Shirley were a tremendous blessing to our church family. As a veteran pastor in our area before launching into evangelism, Bro. Starr always has had a heart to help pastors and strengthen churches. Years of local church experience have definitely prepared the Starrs to come alongside pastors in "perfecting the saints for the work of the ministry." It is a rarity today to find an evangelist with separation standards, sacred music convictions, and scriptural expositional preaching, but the Starrs are steadfast in each of these vital areas. I wholeheartedly recommend the Starrs! We look forward to having them here on a regular basis.
(Pastor Steve Rogers, formerly of Grace Baptist Church, Oxford PA, 2016)
Dear Bro. Randy – I would like to let you know that your ministry had been a tremendous blessing to us. We truly appreciate the time that you and your wife, Sis. Shirley, came to our church to conduct a family conference last March. The powerful messages you delivered that week were truly life-changing as I have personally witnessed among many of our church members. The brass musical specials you gave were so inspiring. When I presented to take you on for monthly support, our church family unanimously agreed with no hesitation. We sincerely appreciate your faithfulness and love for the Lord. We are always praying for you and Sis. Shirley as you travel around in your RV. God bless!
(Pastor Melito Barrera, Berean Bible Baptist Church, Chula Vista, CA (Sun-Wed, 3/16-19/14, 3/20-23/16, 1/20-23/19))
We are very thankful for the ministry of Dr. and Shirley Starr. Brother Starr's messages were very challenging and edifying to our church. Mrs. Starr's sessions with our ladies were well received and very encouraging to them. Both were a great source of blessing to me and my family as well!
(Pastor Don Williams, Believers Baptist Church, Winona Lake, IN (Sun, 5/11/14))
I greatly appreciated the ministry of Brother Randy Starr and his wife Shirley in our church. Their time with us was a great encouragement to our people as well as to my wife and I personally. As a former pastor, he understands the importance of being a blessing and not a harm to the pastor or church.
(Pastor Daniel Crisman, Calvary Ind Baptist Church, Quarryville, PA (Sun, 9/14/14))
I'm looking forward to you and your husband coming next year... I feel you can bring the "whole package" (someone for the pastor and wife plus many years experience in the pastorate.... A big plus). Thanks for your encouragement.
(Annette Gardner, Pastor’s wife, Bible Baptist Church of Leola PA (Wed, 9/3/14, 11/4/15, 4/8-11/18, rescheduled for 5/3-6/20 with Shirley speaking to ladies on Sat, 5/2/20))
In November, 2013, Dr. Starr preached at our church, Hope Baptist Church, Sherwood AR, and his messages were warmly received by our church and we found them greatly helpful. Shirley also spoke to our ladies and was a great encouragement to them as well.
Dr. Starr is a talented man, and he and his wife, Shirley, have written helpful books, and both play musical instruments. Their desire is to see the lost saved, lives changed for God, and to be a help and encouragement to the pastor and the local church.
Dr. Starr and I are friends and I greatly appreciate his ministry, and spiritual desire. I would encourage you to invite them to come to your church, visit their website, and read their books. You will find their work a great encouragement, and you will not be disappointed.
(Dr. Terry Coomer, Former Pastor of Hope Baptist Church, Sherwood AR (Sun, 11/10/13 (Shirley spoke to ladies Sat, 11/9), 11/8/15, 2/25/18))
When my wife and I were brand new to the ministry, God took us through a difficult time of testing. It was during that testing time that God allowed us to meet Pastor and Mrs. Randy Starr at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. To make a long story short, my wife and I were ready to throw in the towel, but after visiting with the Starr’s, God changed our hearts. We eventually moved to Utah, where we have enjoyed a fruitful ministry for more than fifteen years. We have always been grateful for the encouragement we received from Pastor and Mrs. Starr.
Recently, we hosted a Family Camp for our church family. As we prayed about the Family Camp, the Lord clearly impressed Pastor and Mrs. Starr on my heart. We asked them to come, and they did. What a blessing they were to our church family. Their heart for the Lord, for each other, and for families was so evident in everything they said and did throughout the week. Our church loved them, and our families were greatly helped by them. Several of the young couples in our church came by to tell me how the Lord used Pastor Starr’s preaching and Mrs. Starr’s teaching to draw them together in a more intimate way.
The Starr’s are genuine, godly Christians. Pastor Starr preaches the Bible and does not use it as a mere springboard to launch into his opinion. He preaches and teaches in a thoroughly Biblical way. The fruit of the Spirit is evident in their life and ministry. They will be a blessing to your church and to you as a Pastor.
I trust that as you find opportunity, you will have them come to your church. I am excited about the start of this new ministry of theirs, as they travel to churches and help Pastors. I hope that they can be a blessing to you. Written in 2013.
Pastor and Mrs. Starr have a way about them. They know how to encourage a Pastor and his wife. Pastor Starr's preaching is both sound and faithful. He is equipped to teach on just about any subject of importance in a church, and they both have a way of connecting with people in a Christ-honoring, pick-you-up sort of way. Written 10/17/14
(Pastor Dave Mallinak, Berean Baptist Church, Ogden UT 7/25-27/12, 8/6-10/14, 6/5-9/16, 3/17-24/19, and rescheduled for 10/2021)
Bro. Randy Starr was used of God when he preached at our church in 2013. He is a solid Bible preacher, with a passion for proclaiming God's truth wherever he preaches.
(Pastor Mike Allison, Madison Baptist Church, AL (Sun, 11/03/13. Rescheduled for 3/14/21))
Brother and Mrs. Starr brought a great blessing to our church! The preaching services, women's seminars and the instrumental music were wonderful and our youth was also greatly challenged in the area of purity and modesty.
(Pastor Richard Stokes, Berean Bible Baptist Church, Duarte CA (Thurs-Sun., 3/27-30/14. Pastor Stokes has 4 churches of which 3 are Spanish))
Dr. Starr came to Cornerstone Baptist Church in Chicago and was a tremendous blessing to this young preacher. He preached a powerful message against the charismatic movement in the morning, and brought a needed message on the subject of music in the evening. His talented wife Shirley taught our ladies in the afternoon on homemaking. In all, Brother Starr is sound in doctrine, effective in delivery, and wise through his years in a successful pastorate. It is an honor to consider him my friend.
(Pastor Courtney Lewis, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Chicago IL (Sun, 04/27/14))
I enjoyed our visit with you when you came to our church in a couple different ways:
- I enjoyed the fellowship with you as a fellow pastor. Being able to converse with another man with the heart of the pastor was an encouragement to me.
- Your resource table was a blessing to have available. One of the books I was able to get has been a real encouragement to me and to my church as I taught some of the principles from that book to the church.
- It is a blessing knowing that there are still men who are traveling in evangelism that are staying instead of straying. I was not concerned that heresy would be preached in the pulpit, and that is a comfort to me as a pastor knowing I can trust the guest speaker to encourage and strengthen the faith of my people rather than weaken it.
(Pastor A. J. Potter, Pleasantville Baptist Church, Pleasantville IA (Wed, 08/27/14. Rescheduled for 9/28-29/19 for Family Conf))
On behalf of our church "The Phoenix Arabic Bible Church" in Phoenix, AZ, I am writing these few sentences to express our deepest appreciation for the ministry of Pastor and Mrs. Randy Starr. Their ministry of preaching the Word and in Music was such a blessing and a challenge to our congregation. There was a young lady saved during the service who continues to grow in the Lord and we are following up with her through our discipleship course.
I highly recommend the Ministry of Pastor and Mrs. Randy Starr that if the Lord leads you to have them come and minister to your people, they will be of a great blessing to you and your congregation. I have known Pastor and Mrs. Starr for over 20 years. Also, I was one of their church missionaries for many years. Also, we had the privilege of having Pastor Randy Starr visit with us when we were in Paterson, N.J. during our third church plant. If you have any question in their regard, please don't hesitate to contact us. May God richly bless you.
(Pastor David Philobes, Phoenix Arabic Bible Church, Phoenix AZ (Sun, 02/23/14 when 5-6 received Christ))
Evangelist Randy Starr's message to our church on the subject of "bitterness" was outstanding. Old fashioned Bible preaching! God used him to help our church.
(Pastor Jerry Ross, Blessed Hope Baptist Church, Jasonville IN (Wed, 05/28/14, Sun, 10/29/17))
It was a blessing and privilege to have you and your wife in our services in August. The preaching was very appropriate, the book table had good materials on it, and we really appreciated your willingness to allow Marissa and Joel to participate in a brass quartet with you. Above all, we just enjoyed spending time with the two of you. You have always been a blessing to us, and we are thankful for your faithfulness and friendship.
(Pastor Mark Montgomery, Ambassador Baptist Church (Sun, 08/31/14))
Pastor Randy Starr has been a friend of our ministries for many, many years. His zeal for the ministry is contagious and his preaching is always sound and strengthening to our congregation. I am thankful that God is continuing to use his writing, preaching and teaching ministry now that he has transitioned into evangelism. Keep up the good work and may God give you many more years of service for Him.
(Pastor Steve Damron, Fairhaven Baptist Church, Chesterton IN (Thurs, 05/22/14 plus teaching a course at the college that week. Randy & Shirley have spoken there many times over the years including graduation and Preaching Conf.))
I want to thank you for your one day meeting at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Elkton MD. You were a real blessing to my wife and myself. It was a shot in the arm for the both of us. Your messages were just what our church needed even though it was for only one day. May the Lord continue to bless your ministry as you travel across America preaching the Good News of the Gospel.
(Former Pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church, Elkton MD (Sun, 01/26/14))
Our church had Dr. Starr in September of 2013. His preaching was powerful and relevant. Our folks were drawn closer to the Lord as a result of the meetings. He ministers both to the preacher and to the church! If you ever get a cancellation and are within driving distance of Auburn, give me a call and we will see if we can have you. I know those cancellations can really mess things up for a preacher on the road!
(Pastor David Dunbar, Freedom Baptist Church, Auburn NY (Sun & Wed, 09/22-25/14, 6/14-17/15, 10/1-4/17, rescheduled for 11/24/19))
“As a new Pastor of an established church in a small western town, Bro. Starr was a great blessing to me personally. He made it a point to avail himself in sharing his ministry experience, answering my questions, encouraging me in God’s Word and so much more! As a new Pastor’s wife, my wife had many questions with ministering to the ladies of our church. Mrs. Starr was equally willing & happy to answer questions & encourage my wife.
The Starrs are such a blessing in their example of faithful, Godly service to the Lord, their enthusiasm & zeal for God’s Word! Bro. Starr was a great blessing in his God-honoring preaching. In many ways, his preaching reinforced many practical principles of God’s Word that I have been trying to teach our people. Our church and family are so blessed to have faithful, Godly friends & fellow soldiers in the Lord’s ministry! “To God be the glory, great things He has done” through the ministry of Randy & Shirley Starr!
1 Thessalonians 1:2, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;”
(Former Pastor, Mountain Valley Baptist Church, Challis ID (T-Th, 3/30 - 4/1/10, Sat-Sun, 07/26-27/14, 7/3/16, 4/6-7/19, working on date in 10/2021))
Pastor & Mrs. Starr ministered to our church for a special Sunday last spring. Our church enjoyed and appreciated their ministry in both music and message very much. We have them scheduled to return as speakers for our Family Camp and for additional church services. We are very much looking forward to having them back.
(Pastor Robert Benefield, Sequoia Baptist Church, Visalia CA (Sun, 04/06/14, Th-Sun, 6/2-5/16, Sun-Wed 2/3-6/19), Church voted to induct Pastor Starr into their Wall of Faith))
The Starr's make an amazing team each using there strengths to encourage the Church. The heart of a servant was evident as they jumped right in, from the special music they helped with to the time invested in the individual lives of our church family. I am confident God will use them edify many churches just as he did here at Hunt Valley Baptist Church.
(Pastor Caleb Bottrell, Hunt Valley Baptist Church, Hunt Valley MD (Wed-Sun, 3/13-17/13, Wed-Sun, 10/8-12/14, 2/5/17, 3/23-24/17))
It was a real blessing to have Bro. Randy Starr in our services for all day on a Sunday.
We have him scheduled for a Revival Meeting in the future. It would be worth your while to have him and his dear wife in your Church.
(Pastor Carl Chitwood, Westside Baptist Church, El Paso TX (Sun pm, 1/5/14))
Evangelist Randy Starr and his wife Shirley attended our 2014 Missions Conference in March. Bro. Starr was our keynote speaker. He and his wife were a real blessing to me, my wife, my church, and the missionaries that were attending our conference. The messages were just what we needed and the support and encouragement by both were invaluable. We have already scheduled them to come again in 2016.
I would highly recommend Evangelist Starr and his wife to any church desiring to have a godly man preach in their pulpit and a godly helpmeet to teach their ladies. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
(Pastor Phil Clark, West Coast Baptist Church, Oceanside CA (Sun-Fri, 3/9-14/14, Sun-Wed 3/13-16/16, Sun-Wed 1/13-16/19))
My wife and were greatly blessed to have the Starrs with us. It is always an encouragement to to have another servant at your side who understands the joys and struggles of pastoral ministry. The preaching was a blessing and the resources were a help to the people of our church.
(Dr. Walter Widdis, First Baptist Church, Laurel MT (Sun, 6/22/14))
It was such a joy to have you preach for us last May 7th here at Harvest Baptist Temple. Your faithful preaching of the Word of God was instructive, encouraging, and powerful; your passion for souls and desire to help God’s people was so appreciated. Thank you for the beautiful special music provided by you and your wife. Your friendship and servant’s heart means a lot to us here at Harvest Baptist Temple.
(Former Pastor James Lewis, Jr., Harvest Baptist Temple, Clyde OH (Wed, 5/7/14, Sun 4/23/17))
Randy and Shirley Starr are two of the finest Christians that I have ever met. They came to our church for our Fall Revival and gave of themselves the entire week. The Lord used Bro. Starr as he preached genuine Bible messages that touched the heart of our people. Our people still talk about what the Lord did in all of our hearts! Their Christ-like example and ministry experience was the perfect combination of a wonderful week! Looking forward to their return!
(Mrs. Bethany Sperbeck, Pastor's wife, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Killeen TX (12/4-7/13; 12/6-9/15; 11/12-15/17, rescheduled 3/1-4/20))
God has been blessing the church in so many spiritual ways. People are being saved all the time. We had about 6 weeks where we had baptisms every week. Also after having a New membership class 4 families joined! We have been so excited about what God is doing. Also our new soul winners club started and we are already seeing people saved and it has been such a blessing. Thank you for all your encouragement. Shirley, you are such a blessing to me. We love you all and are praying for you. God Bless.
(Pastor Aaron Samples, Grace Baptist Church, Urbana OH (Sun-Wed, 10/6-9/13; 10/15-16, rescheduled 6/14/20))
Randy’s Testimony 
Shirley’s Testimony
