The comments below support this Mark of Ministry. To read the reference in its entirety, please click on the bold text at the end of each comment.
For decades he has assisted in developing worship services from the order of worship to matching hymns and anthems to the day’s message. He constantly strives to enhance the worship experience. Jim has been involved in creating many unforgettable Sundays because of his knowledge of the big picture. He is professional and a perfectionist at the same time. For the first time since I have known him, he has been allowed to deliver the message. Even though we live together, I am never aware of what he will talk about or how it will be delivered. I have been delighted and moved each time he is at the pulpit. His style is endearing. His addition of comedy is very well received. He then has the ability to tie it all together and make it relative to the day’s scripture. – Jeff Scruggs
Jim has a deep commitment to the scriptures and diligently uses scripture as the foundation for his preaching and for the selection of liturgy and music when preparing worship. He also demonstrates a genuine commitment to prayer and applies that commitment to everyday life situations. This commitment has only strengthened and grown in the time that we have known him, as well as his passion to serve in the church and be a Pastor to the people. – Rev. Nancy Gunn, Minister of Worship, Church at Cactus
Rev. David Gunn, Pastor, Church at Cactus
His reference to scriptures and music that is inspiring, soothing, and fortifying in the ways of striving to be the best ministers of Jesus, regardless of, or because of the importance of pressing on, as Paul said. – Dawn Bell
Jim’s preaching reflects his study & understanding of Scripture with citations & application of relevant passages & verses in ways that bring life to & bring to our Jives the sacred stories. – Malinda Case
He has excellent communication skills. His preaching is thoughtful, well researched and guided by solid biblical principles. He interjects humor when appropriate and gives wonderful life situation and personal stories to engage his listeners. He prays with compassion and conviction. When we have communion and Jim is assisting, he brings a strong sense of sanctity to the activity. – Pat & John Durbin
He has preached inspiring messages that have caused me to reflect and stretch in my thinking on religious matters. Jim and I come from distinctly different schools of thought in Christian thinking. I can be rather stuck in my ways in regards to my beliefs, and I wasn’t sure how much insight I would gain from his teaching. Shame on me, for on the contrary, Jim has an engaging, narrative style of preaching, and more than once, I have been deeply drawn into his message. From this, I have been willing to see more than one side of a story. – Wendy Whitlock
What a joy to discover Jim Alexander at the church. He is more than a great musician, he is my pastor and my husband’s pastor, too. He is a skilled public speaker, biblically based, with sound UCC theology- which was a “must” for us. He has the ability to make the scripture come alive in new and exciting ways. I have heard many preachers in my 85 years. Some have been good at preaching, while others, have not been. Jim is a good preacher because he engages the text and shares personal stories with which I can relate. – Mary Whitlock
Jim is very conscientious, dedicated and sincere when he is sharing his Christian message with the congregation. When Jim is speaking, he is very easy to hear and understand. He has a way of personalizing his message and making it easy for us to relate to and understand. Jim’s mannerisms and ways of engaging with his listening audience builds on a higher level of respect for him. – Allan L. Gott
A church member from one of our old congregations had a son who committed suicide in their backyard. Jim stepped in for the family and not only consoled them but made the arrangements for his funeral to be at the church where we were both working. He officiated at the service and provided special music. We were all more than happy to help out with this service. That is Jim. He was there for this family and exceeded the expectations of most Pastors. – Harriet Fontenot
…when Jim leads worship…I know it will not only be delivered with a clear, expression-filled voice, but with personal examples and insights which clarify biblical passages. – Joyce Stoffers
He brings a spirit of Christ presented in a magical way. He is very creative in his sermons. They are enlightening and the message is one any age can relate to. – Sandy Krueger
He works with pastors in developing worship services which include preaching, worship design and bulletin preparation. His interesting sermons have been inspirational and given us much food for thought. – Bill and Jeannie Reeves
Jim is a warm, welcoming person. Jim has the education, Biblical understanding and knowledge, love of people, inner strength, belief in and love of God, to be an outstanding ordained UCC minister. – Charlotte Harger
Coming from a very different background, “UCC-world” represented a challenge to him organizationally and theologically. Undaunted, he embraces a Spirit-led faith that continues to deepen; he has a clear, well-articulated commitment to peace, justice, and full inclusion for all in the church’s life. He has open eyes to the new forms of faith community emerging in these times. He has my full support. – Rev. Leonard W. Silvester
As to the Marks of Ministry specified by the UCC– we understand that Jim hasn’t followed the traditional MDIV I Ordination path. However, we find that his Southern Baptist ordination and 30 years of ministry, as well as his theological growth and ministry here affirm his readiness, gifts, passion and call to ministry in the United Church of Christ at the Church of the Palms.
We encourage Jim to continue exploring the theological diversity of the UCC…In summation, it is clear to us that Jim Alexander’s call to ministry in the United Church of Christ is God directed. He has met the Marks of Ministry as outlined by the UCC, Southwestern Conference. We enthusiastically recommend full recognition of his previous Southern Baptist ordination and approval of his call of ordained ministry at The Church of the Palms, United Church of Christ. – Members In Discernment committee for Jim Alexander