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.
Dearest to my heart was Jim’s participation in my own wedding. My husband and I are both Veterans and decided to get married on July 4, 2015. Although I have known Jim for many years, my husband didn’t know him. We met with Jim prior to our wedding. He spent time getting to know my husband. We shared our thoughts for our future life together and our thoughts for our wedding. Jim knew my husband had been suffering with his PTSD and had been a rock to me during that time. He and I spent time talking about what my future held being married to a man with PTSD. We planned our wedding and discussed our vows. Jim’s true colors as a friend showed as he not only officiated but helped us set up for the wedding. It was a beautiful outside ceremony. Our family fellowship that surrounded the wedding will always be a great memory.
…Jim, knowing my anguish, offered to take her to the Vet for me. We had tentatively setup for him to pick her up on a Thursday evening. She passed quietly at home the afternoon before. Although I know we are talking about an animal, she was a member of our family who was very loved. Jim gave me peace of mind knowing that he was there to help me through this tough time in our lives.
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.
Jim has been with me through many trials and tribulations. My daughter is biracial and a lesbian. As a mother, I want the best for my children. I felt that I had somehow failed my daughter. I was at a loss. Jim stepped in and was my guide. He helped us both through her identity crisis. He gave her support and skills to make the right decisions for her. He helped me understand what she was going through and how best to support her. He was supportive as she dealt with an abusive partner. Jim helped me as a parent, cope with the fact that she was an adult and making her own decisions. He embraced her personality, loud and happy, and gave her the support that she needed while also giving me the support that I needed. He continues to be a part of her life guiding her through life’s ups and downs. – Harriet Fontenot
Jim is intentional about his self care & life balance, as well as being sensitive to what defines wellness in/for others. – Malinda Case
I’m writing to express my gratitude to Church of the Palms for sending Jim Alexander during the passing of my Father, Myron Masny. This past January, I called Church of the Palms and asked if someone could come to Royal Oaks, home of my parents, and comfort my Mother and Father during this time. My Father had just gone on hospice. It was a difficult phone call for me. My parents are members of the church, but have been unable to attend for awhile. The woman on the phone said someone would be there in twenty minutes. My Mother and I immediately felt relieved and grateful. Within twenty minutes, Jim Alexander arrived, explaining that he was the music director but wanted to be there for us. He spoke to my Father, and showed genuine interest, discussing the WWII photos on the wall of my Uncle, and my Dad’s college football team picture. I could tell it lifted his spirits, and that it was of comfort to him. Jim then lead us in a prayer. – Mark Masny
My husband, Allan, served with the U.S. Army during the VietNam War. He was exposed to agent orange (daily) and has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. (We recently celebrated fifty years of marriage). On March 16, 2017- 1 met with Jim at the church. I have been having a very difficult time dealing with the disease’ progression. Maybe, because of Jim and me both having a musical background, I have felt a “connection” to him. His kindness and mannerisms helped me to express my feelings. He is a very good listener and very compassionate. After our discussion, we prayed together for several minutes. This was/is very important to me. have felt much better after our meeting. I know that he holds Allan and me in his prayers. I have felt so much more at peace ever since. – Doris E. Gott
…Jim’s empathy such as a counselor would possess. Jim showed to me the mark of ministry of understanding mental health and wellness which I understand as empathy or compassion. He encouraged me to keep appreciating the beauty and joy in this life though I endured the tragic loss of my spouse due to cancer. Jim expressed his understanding of how sad I was but would not Jet me despair. His words about my husband’s good life and his blessed eternal rest helped me know that my husband, Brian, was at peace. – Diana Garrett
1) my youngest son’s incarceration and, when he returned home, Jim was one of the first to offer him work and help him to reestablish himself as a contributing member of society, 2) the resulting 12 years of separation from our grandchildren and the ultimate reunion with our oldest granddaughter (he continues to pray with us for the full restoration of our family with the return of our grandson), 3} multiple surgeries for BOTH my husband and myself, some with long and complicated recoveries, 4) the loss of his father, both of my
parents and the near loss of his partner Jeff and the resulting transplant that saved his life, 5) the discrimination and alienation from church “families”- for a variety of reasons, 6) support, encouragement and funding for me to go on not 1 but 2 mission trips – to Peru and Zimbabwe – and the spiritual growth I received from them, and 7) ultimately finding a denomination that we all feel truly is the “church” God wants us all to be! – Toni and Steven Berg
One thing I see a lot of is Jim taking the time, making the effort to seek out people. Not just the outgoing people, but all people. He greets them and asks questions on how they are doing. – Frank Bauknecht
He has a genuinely caring heart for the ministry that warms and inspires those privileged to experience it. – Joyce Stoffers
When I was hospitalized a year ago it was Jim that walked through my hospital room door. Jim that came to comfort and pray with me. It happened at a time when our church was in transition between senior pastors. We were shorthanded with our interim pastor out of town, but Jim saw a need and jumped in to fill it. He listened, we talked, and then we prayed. I believe that caring for the sick is one the THE most important roles of the church. To hear the reassuring voice that God is with you and watching over you. – Frank Bauknecht
Pastoral Care: He makes pastoral calls and visits. He Is a good listener and discreet. He frequently greets people In the hallway following a worship service and makes a lasting impression. – Bill and Jeannie Reeves
genuinely caring and kind – Carolyn Modeen
He has been instrumental in revitalizing the choir, the Board of Music and Fine Arts and the Care and Concern Committee. Because of his leadership, we have significantly improved our Sunday services by coordinating of the audio-visual equipment and training of the individuals running this equipment. He has organized and inspired members of the Care and Concern Committee by improving the data base and making information accurate and available when needed. He has reached out to lay leaders in the church to provide input to the monthly church newsletter and web page. Jim is a great listener and is always very genuine in his dealings with church members. He is honest and open in facing challenges and recognizing success. Through these leadership efforts our church has a renewed sense of purpose and mission. – Pat & John Durbin
Being family of clergy has its blessings and challenges. One of the biggest challenges is forfeiting your opportunity for having a pastor. What an answer to a prayer it was for my daughter and I to arrive at Church of the Palms when my husband became Senior Pastor and be blessed with Jim Alexander as our pastor. Jim presence in our lives has been invaluable. Moving is always a difficult process, but Jim was there to listen and provide pastoral care during our transition. His door was always open, and he was never too busy to stop and make sure our mental health was in check. Everyone asks, “How are you?”, but hardly anyone sticks around to hear the answer; however, Jim does. As a clergy spouse, I know that Sunday morning is a seriously hectic time, but Jim does not let the chaos of getting ready for worship interfere with the essential ministry of shepherding congregants. Also, this was my daughter’s first year of college and her first time to live away from home. Jim made sure she wasn’t forgotten and sent n tes and emails to remind her she was part of a church family. You would think that an eighteen-year-old girl would not find a home in a predominantly retired congregation. However, Jim led the way to make sure she had opportunities to serve and be connected spiritually to the Church of the Palms. – Wendy Whitlock
Jim listens to all perspectives, is open to dissenting views and doesn’t become defensive. This is evidenced, for example, by the diversity of his MID committee! God’s love flows through Jim’s words and his presence in times of grief and joy. – Church of the Palms, Members In Discernment committee for Jim Alexander
During and after the divorce, I particularly needed understanding and consolation from family and friends. It was soon quite clear that I was an outcast- in my family circle, my church, and in most of the community. The one person who never wavered was Jim. He talked with me, cried with me, and prayed for me. He made contact with pastors in the town where I had moved, asking them to visit and reach out to me…it revealed to me the ability he had for demonstrating the love of Christ – without hesitation and without question. – Jane Zukowski
I sat in your position for five years as I chaired the Commission on Ministry in the 1990s for the Florida Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). I understand the magnitude of your decision. Twenty-six years ago, I would have been voting, “no”, simply on Jim’s lack of a seminary degree. Times are different now. Church has changed. I have evolved. I now understand that there are many paths to serving God. Thirty years of ministry counts for something! Jim is, in word and deed, a pastor as much as anyone I have ever met. Jim is called by God; he meets the Marks of Ministry.
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
I think what I appreciate most about Jim is his pastoral care. He has a keen ability to listen with a tender heart. His prayers are sincere and powerful. He loves helping people. It is so good to have someone who cares. – Mary Whitlock
Because of the compassion that he shared every week, Jim was easily the one to go to for counseling or encouragement. He has been there for families as they say goodbye to a loved one as well as when families welcome a new member at a wedding or a birth. Jim retained these positive attributes from his years when he thought that he was, “wrong,” in God’s eyes. Jim served as a minister to my family when my father passed and even performed the funeral. This in and of itself is an accomplishment. Most of my family is non-Christian and many are homophobic. Jim, however, was still asked to perform this most significant service for our family.
In 2009, I was placed on a transplant list for a kidney and a pancreas. The years leading up to this were extremely trying for Jim and our families. I was near death many times. Jim was there for my family with words of encouragement and support. This was his partner dying, and yet, he had it within him to comfort others who were in need. I was blessed with the double transplant in 2010, and Jim continues to support me as I continue to deal with the challenges along the way. – Jeff Scruggs
Jim was our Music Director and Pastoral Assistant during a crucial time at COTP, due to the health issues of our Ministries Coordinator and Associate Pastor… Jim’s service to Palms was invaluable during those months when he and I (along with our Office Coordinator) had to cover the duties of those two staff persons. – Rev. James Meadows
Jim listens to all perspectives, is open to dissenting views and doesn’t become defensive. This is evidenced, for example, by the diversity of his MID committee! God’s love flows through Jim’s words and his presence in times of grief and joy. – Church of the Palms, Members In Discernment committee for Jim Alexander
In 2009, I was placed on a transplant list for a kidney and a pancreas. The years leading up to this were extremely trying for Jim and our families. I was near death many times. Jim was there for my family with words of encouragement and support. This was his partner dying, and yet, he had it within him to comfort others who were in need. I was blessed with the double transplant in 2010, and Jim continues to support me as I continue to deal with the challenges along the way. – Jeff Scruggs
During and after the divorce, I particularly needed understanding and consolation from family and friends. It was soon quite clear that I was an outcast- in my family circle, my church, and in most of the community. The one person who never wavered was Jim. He talked with me, cried with me, and prayed for me. He made contact with pastors in the town where I had moved, asking them to visit and reach out to me…it revealed to me the ability he had for demonstrating the love of Christ – without hesitation and without question. – Jane Zukowski
…the specific times he showed his love of God’s world, and his compassion for the people in it, when he created the service for my dearest friends’ son, a very young man who had taken his own life. Jim’s loving help and ministry in creating the celebration of Seth’s life, and giving comfort to the devastated family and friends who loved Seth, was nothing less than extraordinary. He assuaged despair, and instilled hope, and reminded us all of the way God loves ALL His Children.
This past year, my own son, Ben, was diagnosed with a fatal tumor. He suffered a year and a few months of slow deterioration of body, and mind. Through it all, Jim was supportive and continues to be so as we prepare the celebration of Ben’s life. He has continued to nurture and coax us moving forward through our griet anger, and pain, by being a reminding example of the way we are to proceed through hardships.
I have also witnessed his treatment of children and even animals as representing the importance of “Blessing the Beasts and the Children”, and can think of no one better to be in formal ministry and leadership, as a shining (and also witty) teacher /preacher in God’s ministry to His children! – Dawn Bell
…also been there for a variety of family issues: 1) my youngest son’s incarceration and, when he returned home, Jim was one of the first to offer him work and help him to reestablish himself as a contributing member of society, 2) the resulting 12 years of separation from our grandchildren and the ultimate reunion with our oldest granddaughter (he continues to pray with us for the full restoration of our family with the return of our grandson)… – Toni and Steven Berg
Caring for and Equipping the Entrusted