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.
We have been enriched with his impressive gifts, interpretations and presentations from the pulpit because he is so innovative and creative in his presentations that I reflect upon his messages during my daily life. James leads by example and inspires others to follow. – Barbara Arnold
I was able to observe and experience his faith and passion for ministry, not only through his skills in music, but in his love and care for many others in the congregation. Jim made hospital visits, and was especially pastoral to members of the choir and their families. He preached and served in various capacities in worship services, and took an active part in worship-planning. – Rev. James Meadows
He is a leader- a thoughtful and inspirational leader. He has a way of drawing in the congregation, which makes them a real part of the morning message. It is a feeling that each one of us has- a wonderful, inspirational feeling. I, for sure, know how ‘complete’ I feel each time Jim presents the sermon. Each heartfelt thought-provoking message he gives, stays with you throughout the following week. A great way to live each day! – Doris E. Gott
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
My experience of Jim is that he is a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. He is unassuming, and yet equipped to lead this fellowship of believers in their own personal Christian journeys. He is open, and enthusiastic about his faith, and his own personal faith journey. In his sermons, he encourages believers to have active faith lives, and to let their faith shine through in their everyday lives by how they treat others, by seeking out God in the everyday and everyone, and taking the time to go inside and listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit in their lives. – Janet Hutchins
…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
When he experienced his hardships, as we all have had to do, I saw the transition: He was finally broken, and what emerged was the beautiful soul of a humble servant. He no longer relied on his great talent; he no longer offered his “gift” to God. He offered his total life, and in the humbleness of this broken servant, God was able to bless me, and I’m sure, everyone else who has ever heard him preach the gospel, lead a choir, or sing a solo. – Steven Dale Zukowski
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
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
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
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
As a man of deep faith, Jim’s dedication and relentless energy in maturing and perfecting his ministry skills are unparalleled. 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
He represents the UCC well. Jim and I have met and will continue to meet with Rev. Brady Abel for lectionary preparation and collegial support. Jim is registered and attending The General Synod in Baltimore this year. He will be going to the clergy retreat. Jim is called by God; he meets the Marks of Ministry. – Rev. Paul A. Whitlock
My initial intuition was confirmed as I watched his ministry reach beyond music and change lives. A man of deep personal faith, his commitment to Christ shines in what he says and does. At the same time, he is not rigid or overbearing. Rev. Leonard W. Silvester
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