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.
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
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
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
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 nonChristian and many are homophobic. Jim, however, was still asked to perform this most significant service for our family. – Jeff Scruggs
Jim has also shown a desire to continue his theological development through independent study. He has sought out advise on appropriate reading that will help him with that task, and is open to regular theological dialogue with other clergy. We do think Jim would benefit from a spiritual director who could help him continue to develop a more formal plan of spiritual formation. – Rev. Nancy Gunn, Minister of Worship, Church at Cactus; David Gunn, Pastor, Church at Cactus
Jim is intentional about his self care & life balance, as well as being sensitive to what defines wellness in/for others. – Malinda Case
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