Ernest Randolph has been in ministry since 1986, working with youth and adults, pointing them to Jesus. After graduating with his master’s in Youth Ministry from Denver Seminary in 1994, he worked as a youth pastor, as well as a lay pastor in churches around the Denver area. For the last five years, he has followed a call to lead a Bible study in the local bar, teaching the Word of God to a whole new demographic. This opportunity has forced him to dig deep into the biblical message of salvation and discover how God has provided the perfect means to save everyone: rich, poor, strong, weak, young, old, sinner, or saint. The way of the cross kept screaming out to him as the only way possible to provide for the reconciling all people from all walks of life to God. He wrote this book to remind you of that same message of the cross, which is the life-changing power of God to everyone who believes.

Describe yourself in five words

Very serious and sincere about knowing Jesus and wan4ng others to know him. I work a lot and enjoy it. I try to love others around me in the best way I know how and to the extent that I am able. I always strive to listen and respond better to others. Although I don’t feel that I am good at it, it doesn’t stop me from trying.

What fact about yourself would really surprise people?

I’ve worked with church youth groups for 40 years and I first did electrical work almost 50 years ago with my dad.

How do you work through self-doubts and fear?

I get very sad and fatalist, accepting the consequences and anticipating the outcomes. Still, I trust that Jesus will somehow work things out.

What scares you the most?

People rejecting me and not telling me why.

What makes you happiest?

Teaching people about the love and grace of Jesus.

Why do you write?

I love boiling things down to clear and comprehensive ideas.

Have you always enjoyed writing?

Writing has always been a challenge for me but I have enjoyed the results when I do it.

What motivates you to write?

Sharing my insights with others. I feel like God led me to write this book.

What writing are you most proud of?

This book has been a five year ongoing project. I thoroughly enjoy reading it. It centers my thoughts.

What are you most proud of in your personal life?

I have four healthy, successful children who all love Jesus.

What books did you love growing up?

The Bible, Westerns, Simple romance novels

What do you hope your obituary will say about you?

I hope people will know I cared for them.

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?

I grew up in small towns in North Central Wyoming and the big city of Billings, Mt. I had a wide variety of experiences and types of friends from farmers, to athletes to drug users, and just regular people. I now live in a bedroom community to Denver and work construction and do volunteer youth ministry.

How did you develop your writing?

I wrote a lot in college and seminary. At about age 38, I had and experience that led me to listening to Aarong Budjen teach me about the gospel and a new perspec4ve on scripture for about 8 years. At about age 45, I started a Bible Study in a bar. Some amazing stuff was coming out of that small study. I began writing it down and processing it all. When I was done I had around a 1000 pages of material. There was too much about too many topics. I narrowed it down to what was most important to me and what I had something significant to say about salvation and sanctification.

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?

I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and thought I needed help. So many things are coming at you so fast that you want someone to hold your hand. I spent significant amounts of money for and tried by fire education in the writing world.

What marketing works for you?

Not sure yet.

Do you find it hard to share your work?

Sometimes it gets discouraging because people are hard eggs to crack.

Is your family suppor1ve?

Only sometimes. They get weary and have their own irons in the fire.

Do your friends support you?

Some do but it’s rare.

What else do you do, other than write?

Electrician and youth volunteer. Remodel my house. Ride mountain trails on a bike.

What other jobs have you had in your life?

Youth pastor, Electrician, Restaurant,

If you could study any subject at university what would you pick?

Want to do a doctorate in Biblical studies.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

India. Amazing people and culture. Would love to tell them about the freedom found in Jesus.

Tell us about your family?

Wife and 4 kids.

Birth family, Mom, Dad, 8 kids

How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?

I wrote most of my book on my lap top.

How much sleep do you need to be your best?

Eight hours would be nice but 6.5 is my normal.

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support?

The teachings of Aaron Budjen are what helped me look at Christianity from a grace perspective.

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in wri1ng look like to you?

I’m not necessarily seeking a career in writing. I have a message I would like to communicate and writing is the best tool.

It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign?

I want to get this book in the hands of as many people who are interested.

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?

Love Side Up is about knowing the real Jesus, what he has done for us, and what he asks us to do. When we understand and respond to him and his message with a sincere and steadfast effort, we experience the abundant life he has for us. This life is more about his truth and his love than comfort, status, and reward.

If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?

Obviously, Jesus, The Apostle John, and The Apostle Paul. It’s a hard question. There are so many people who know and love Jesus well, but would they take the time to be interested in me?

When you are not wri1ng, how do you like to relax?

Work on my house. Cook. Ride a bike.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

I want them to know how wonderful knowing the truth and love of Christ can make their lives.