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.
And I rejoice that my family- wife, parents, children, and uncle have a pastor in Jim. Over half of my ministry has occurred within churches with multiple staffs. That didn’t necessarily mean my family had a pastor. But, Jim has been their pastor since day one (reference the recommendation letter by my wife and mother}. Jim is a great teammate, colleague, and pastor. I will be glad to share more about Jim in person or telephone. Jim is called by God; he meets the Marks of Ministry. – Rev. Paul A. Whitlock
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 collegial with staff and keeps confidences. Jim is insightful, has vision, and is respectful of each person on staff and in the congregation. He believes in Jesus the Christ, but supports others who understand or experience God differently. – 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
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
…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. – Dawn Bell
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
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
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
He has an ability (people/person skills) to get his choir and musicians to dig in and achieve higher levels of skill and perfection without upsetting or offending them. – Allan L. Gott
He has been by my side and an active part of our lives from weddings to funerals. He has embraced us and loved us for who we are.
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
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
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