Jim was raised in the suburbs of Detroit. By God’s grace, his parents modeled a genuine faith in Jesus Christ and were active in their church in Wyandotte, MI, serving as youth leaders for many years. From an early age, Jim trusted in Christ. He was educated at Northland International University (B.A.), Reformed Theological Seminary, and graduated from Knox Theological Seminary (M.Div.) in 2006. Jim graduated from Southern Seminary with his Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling in 2021. His dissertation was entitled The Essential Morality of Identity: The Role of the Conscience and the Cross in Identity Formation and Human Flourishing. After seminary, Jim was on staff at Coconut Creek Baptist Church in the Fort Lauderdale, FL area for a year and a half. He had the opportunity to work with 3 pastors who helped shape his early ministry. For the next seven years Jim was a pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Ada, MI. Jim has been married to Susannah for 18 years and has 6 children, Selina (11), Ryle (10), Shea (8), Kean (6), Eliana (5), and Dane (3).
Looking for Jim when he’s not on duty? You’ll probably find him playing noon-ball basketball at the Y downtown, working in his garden, or spending time with his family in various sports and outdoor activities.