About Jim
Ministry has taken me around the globe for 40+ years.
I attended Bible college in Hawaii, where I met and married my wife Barbara. From there, it was back to Portland, Oregon for Seminary at Western, graduating in 1980, right when Mt. St. Helens blew. Two kids later, we went with Worldventure as church planters to Italy. Health brought us back, and I moved into the pastorate, covering three churches in over thirty-one years. While pastoring, leukemia claimed my wife of 27 years. Later, an accident claimed my daughter of 33 years. Serving the Lord Jesus does not insulate anyone from the difficulty and loss that is part of this world, but it is still the most gratifying thing I’ve experienced in life. Since those personal losses, God brought a beautiful helper into my life. Selma and I have been married 16 years, and have 10 grandchildren between us. I love the church, and the mandate to make disciples of all nations. I’ve taught pastor’s gatherings in Cote D’Ivoire, India, the Philippines, and visited missionaries on many fields. It is the church in the United States that is resourced to reach out to a world that needs to experience God’s love, and the truth about Jesus. I want to spend my next years investing the experiences God has given me for the benefit of His Kingdom.
Overseas Missionary
WorldVenture - Rome, Italy | 1981 – 1987
I moved my family to Italy in January of 1983, learned the Italian language, and began an evangelism/church planting ministry. Home Bible studies, the Jesus film, and assisting another Italian church in Rome, occasionally teaching and preaching. Started a new church in South Rome where I was the primary preaching pastor.
Senior Pastor
Calvary Baptist Church - The Dalles, Oregon | 1987 – 2000
Began as interim in 1987, full time in April of 1988. Historical church founded in 1872. Added a second service (modern style) to serve a multigenerational congregation. Saw the construction of a new auditorium, and other physical improvements to the property. Church grew from @200 to @400 over twelve years in a rural, stable community. Brought in and housed a local Christian TV station. One other full time staff, two volunteer staff. Healthy community network with other churches.
First Baptist Church - Salem, Oregon | 2000 – 2007
Another historical church, founded in 1859 in the heart of downtown Salem. Developed second worship style, and radio broadcast. Two major building projects - gymnasium & offices, and then a community life center, including classrooms, kitchen, music suite, coffee shop, and multi purpose rooms. Church grew from @600 to @900 over seven and one half years in an established, downtown location. Housed an elementary grade school. Seven full time pastoral staff, plus administrative and maintenance personnel. A flexible church that honors its history while moving ahead into the future.
Palmcroft Church - Phoenix, Arizona | 2007 – 2018
A large church, founded in 1944 in central Phoenix. Several physical plant projects completed, including make-over of 1300 seat auditorium. Three morning services (two styles), one evening. Evening service became “Pastor’s Class,” informal teaching/interaction gathering. Large events included annual Car Show, Family Fun Night (Oct 31), Festival of Lights (Christmas production), Good Friday outdoor Communion service, and VBS (700+ children), where high schoolers were trained, involved, and took an annual trip to do VBS in multiple rural locations. Church grew from @2000 to @2300, then plateaued at 2000. Twelve full time staff, plus interns, administrative and maintenance personnel. Significant emphasis on missions.
Vice President of Advancement
Worldventure - Englewood, Colorado | 2018 – 2020
An established evangelical mission founded in 1943. @600 missionaries in 65 countries around the world. Tasked with developing a new department of Worldventure, creating a strategy to increase revenue to the mission. Worked on developing relationships with significant donors, lined up grant writing opportunities, explored large event opportunities and online appeals, and new events and partnerships to make Worldventure more visible.
Other Leadership Roles
Board Member
Worldventure | 1993 - 1997
Arizona Christian University | 2012 - 2018
Phoenix Crisis Pregnancy Center | 2013 - present
Adjunct Professor
Corban College, Salem, Oregon | 2001-2002 | Homiletics
Arizona Christian University | 2013 - 2016 | Pauline Epistles, Life of Christ, Hermeneutics