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.
When our son, Seth died on May 21st of 2010, Jim was there for us with comforting words and friendship even though he and Jeff were having their own trouble with Jeff’s health. We asked Jim to do a memorial service for Seth as he had known him while we attended Epworth. He was very organized and helpful with suggestions and our wishes and needs at this time. We felt his true caring for our feelings of loss and need for a steadfast Christian presence which he provided. There was never any judgment only comforting words and caring actions. – J. Garnet
He is very organized and always prepared both for readings, sermons and music. His sermons are creative with an added touch of humor. – Sandy Krueger
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
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
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
His music ministry nurtures this congregation. It is clear to me that Jim seeks and follows the leading of the Holy Spirit in his sermons. He has the ability to get the attention of the listeners, and offer them new ways, or just remind them of tried and true ways to enhance their personal faith journey. – Janet Hutchins
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
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
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
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
In his professional preparation for worship, he excels. His artistry in the design of worship encompasses a wide variety of worshipers. He is an architect in worship- whether it be prayer, song, litany, art and visual elements, sermon, communion, or funeral. His results are consistently excellent and prophetic. Jim is called by God; he meets the Marks of Ministry. – Rev. Paul A. Whitlock
His gifts for and call to ordained ministry are immediately evident to anyone with whom he has served. Jim turned around a struggling music program in a matter of weeks, and the tum-around had as much to do with his pastoral ability as his superb musical talents. – Rev. Leonard W. Silvester
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
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
Besides the pulpit, Jim finds other unique ways to put his stamp on worship. Reaching into the modern world, Jim takes charge of the electronics in church. On the outside, this may not seem as essential as other parts of ministry. However, if we are to maintain a relationship with those under 40, we have to strive to find ways to connect in less traditional means. One of my favorite parts of the service is the artistic slides that accompany the various parts of the service. Jim educational experience recognizes that many modalities are needed to reach many different learners.
As a visual person, I find the color and vibrancy of the pictures he selects engaging and thought provoking. He also leads the Worship and Fine Arts Ministry that finds other ways to en live the sanctuary with beauty. I find myself in conversation with people after worship not only about what we heard, but about what we saw. The artist in me is grateful for the connections to the spiritual realms found through the visual stimulus Jim presents to me during worship.
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