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.
He works well with folks across a spectrum of beliefs, interests, and abilities. He strives for excellence in all things, and does so with an infectious spirit that inspires and uplifts. He is effective at recruiting, motivating, training, and encouraging working teams. He takes good care of the people he shepherds – tending to their spirits as much as their production. Jim is ultra-reliable, emotionally secure, spiritually mature, and exhibits the finest in ministry ethics and boundaries – Rev. Leonard W. Silvester
He is adept at the pastoral skills of listening and caring as he ministers to this congregation. – Church of the Palms, Members in Discernment Committee for Jim Alexander
Having a heart for justice and mercy is one of the reasons that he desires to be a part of UCC. Recently he expressed that in the climate of injustice that we are facing these days, we can’t just sit back but need to have a voice and take a stand. We’ve also discussed how he deals with others that have different beliefs or views. We appreciate that he can listen and engage in conversation, but does not push his beliefs or agenda on others, even if they are trying to push their beliefs on him. Again, this is the sensitivity we were talking about earlier. Even with other church members with whom he may not agree, his main objective is to minister to them where they are, and be what they need. His willingness to engage with others allows him to enter into a relationship, which then can build mutual respect and trust. His love for people and his sincerity make him a comfortable person to be around. The gift of hospitality does not come easy to everyone, but seems to be quite natural for Jim. – Rev. Nancy Gunn, Minister of Worship, Church at Cactus; David Gunn, Pastor, Church at Cactus
In addition to working with Jim in various church choirs I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with him in a professional secular woman’s vocal ensemble. I was relieved to find that he brings the same level of professionalism and spirituality to this group as he has to all of the church choirs that we have worked in. It is refreshing to know that Jim’s commitments to quality performance and spirituality transcends “boundaries” and are deeply ingrained facets of his personality. I feel that this embodies both his Spiritual Foundation and Strengthening Inter- and Intra- Personal assets. – Toni and Steven Berg
“Strengthening Inter- & Intra- Personal Assets” Jim is a serious person, but he doesn’t take himself so seriously that it gets in the way of what he’s called to accomplish. Based on my experience, Jim has integrity, & he respects the dignity of others. As we aging congregants struggle (some more than others) to live a life worth living, Jim is respectful of the spectrum. Related to an aspect of communication, Jim works with the church’s technology, sound, & visual options (or lack of) & has applied his expertise to facilitating or advising upgrades as time & money allow. I would expect that same operating procedure to be inherent in whatever he is called to take on. – Malinda Case
I believe that Jim has the heart to engage in the difficult conversations, and the education and ability to keep learning that will equip him as the need arises. I would also hope, that if this journey sees him becoming a full time Ordained Minister that his opportunities for continued spiritual development and education would further equip him in ways that he finds meaningful. Jim exhibits strong moral character and personal integrity and truly respects the dignity of all Gods people, in his communication and actions.
I believe that Jim’s life experience, his Christian charisma, his gifts, and most of all the power of his faith and his belief in the working of the Holy Spirit in his life and the life of this church equip him to serve with distinction as an ordained minister in the UCC. – Janet Hutchins