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.
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.
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
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. – Jeff Scruggs
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.
Just as we are all on journey and are being conformed to the image of Christ, this has been evident over the many years we’ve known Jim. He has matured in his understanding of who God is, who God has made him to be, and how to be Christ’s presence in this world. This growth has definitely shaped his character, which has ultimately changed how he lives in relationship to others, as well as his work ethic. He has always had a very strong sense of commitment to the church and to his personal relationships. – Rev. Nancy Gunn, Minister of Worship, Church at Cactus; David Gunn, Pastor, Church at Cactus
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
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
This began when I was a troubled student unable to communicate with a new teacher and progressed to our becoming good friends. – Diana Garrett
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