1. When did you begin writing poetry for the Lord and what inspired you?

I was already writing poetry--the focus changed after accepting Christ and seeing hope and just falling in love with Jesus over the years as I fell and got back up. I guess the struggles and learning. He did forgive me even after I accepted Him but encouraging and even expecting me to grow out of my sin and into Him.

2. When did you discover that God had a purpose for your scribal ministry -- beyond simply putting the words on paper?

About 5years ago. I felt God wanted me to put in a book all I had written to that point. Although it did not happen 5years ago it did happen 2 years ago. I self published and the book "Climbing Higher/A Life In Poetry" is available at Amazon. COM, Xulonpress.com and can be ordered through bookstores. A friend of mine sees things in acronyms and of the last part of the title "A Life In Poetry" he said: "look Randy, it speaks.

3. What type of atmosphere do you write best in? Are you generally alone or in the midst of worship?

Both, but mostly alone thinking about His Word, my shortcomings, His forgiveness and love for me in relationship and learning to just listen. I would wonder about things in meditation and sometimes out loud and as I learned to read and then asked His as the author, He still speaks.

4. Not only does God give you poetry, but he has also given you visual illustrations to go along with those poems either through dramatization.

I feel most people worship out of either a "feeling" or just knowing the words to the song. I feel that if we can SEE, it will bring us more into focus with Him in worship. The excitement escalates when the Victor is revealed, not just sung or talked about with words. The thing is people who call themselves His have to engage in worship and not just sit there as though they are being or suppose to be entertained.

5. You often present your poetry through various mediums. How do you see this form of interpretation of poetic art mixing with worship and praise among believers today?

I feel most people worship out of either a "feeling" or just know the words to the song. I feel if we can SEE, it will bring us more into focus with Him in worship. The excitement escalates when the Victor is revealed, not just sung or talked about with words. The thing is people who call themselves His have to engage in worship and not just sit there as though they are being or suppose to be entertained.


6. If you could convey one message to pastors and leaders who have the ministry of the arts hidden inside their parishioners, what would you say to them?

Find them, use them, develop them. If you don't know how that is why the Voices of Christ ministry was birthed. Use us. Prophetess Theresa Johnson and many other Chapter leaders are here to help. This is kingdom, not just local. Let them do it afraid and give them room for their gift and the opportunity to share as you have been given.

7. You despise entertainment and compromise in ministry. Why is this passion to bring the artistic side of God back into ministry so important to you?

Entertainment or the world view of entertainment is so enmeshed in the church and has taken our focus off God and compromised our relationship with Him. What if we are "alone" and have no music to "entertain" or "lead" us into worship--could we still go there and would we? The arts are creative so each of us can create worship, but rely on entertainment and therefore I believe have compromised. I learned through this ministry that entertainment according to the bible is to be hospitable and take care of a stranger or someone's need to include their need to feel safe, so even the word entertainment has been compromised from it's original meaning and we as the church have accepted this tainting and even defend it. That really upsets me.

8. What is your vision for your next project? What impact do want this project to have on the lives of others?

I want it to break down barriers and see that we are all members of something greater than ourselves. We are all important and have different responsibilities. For us to come together is where we find the greatest value--in Unity.

9. As director of the Georgia Chapter of Voices of Christ, how do you plan to make a difference in your community and the state through scribal/artistic ministry?

I don't know that I have a "plan" per se'. I would like to see the church's step out of the box of "normal" worship to allow the creative and prophetic flow. It is not 1or2 tree's in the forest that "clap their hands" or make a joyful sound--it is all of them. As far as the community I want to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and encourage others in the their gifting. Some may not be "gifted" at poetry or novels or whatever but everyone can journal by writing or recording and leave a legacy for their families and perhaps the world. I can see the VOC. working in conjunction with churches and education as well as outreach to communities to teach this gift to those who have it but have been left with nothing to do and feeling this gift is insignificant. I can tell you it is not. I have been able to speak to a few young men at a group home where I worked and encourage them to add life to their writings. I gave something I wrote to one young man and although he could not "convert" it to sound like his way of writing or reciting he did receive and write a song to the Lord which is something he had not experienced before. Before he left the facility to go home he looked at me with new hope in his eyes and in his countenance and said--thank you Mr. Goss. If we can teach others to repeat this and USE their gifting I believe our communities would return to God and with the illustrations with words SEE their way back to Christ or at least get a better view of Him.

10. If you could say one thing to encourage another writer who is not quite sure what to do with their gift or how to pursue his or her gift as ministry, what would it be?

First off your gift is not insignificant. Share it. It may be with a friend, a relative or a complete stranger. I would encourage you to join the scribal anointing group online. There you will get instruction, encouragement and critique's so be ready.

Please do not treat your gift or desire to write with little regard. That one word or poem or novel or short story you share could change someone's life. You may be either the square peg or round whole that one person has been looking for to "fit" into in their relationship with God through Christ.

11. Is there anything else you would like to say?

Maybe you have heard or read this and you do not know God or Christ. Ask Jesus to come into your heart right now. Maybe you left Him, He wants you back. Write about it and share it with others who are looking for someone to lead them. Write, Journal. I would say don't get discouraged but I have myself, so I would say don't stop for long when you do and stay connected to those with the passion to write. I know we are not the only group out their but we will help, train, equip and challenge you as well as pray with and for you. We have a lot to offer and we know you do to. Let's hook up for Christ.