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.
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
…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
Jim is intentional about his self care & life balance, as well as being sensitive to what defines wellness in/for others. – Malinda Case
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
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
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