James Brown

Each year, the U.S. loses 1,500 more churches than it gains. In just two decades, median worship attendance has plummeted from 137 to 65. Many small congregations—often with fewer than 40 people—now struggle simply to keep the doors open.

And yet, they are irreplaceable.

Small churches are where real discipleship takes root, where doubts are welcomed and wrestled through honestly, and where the love of Jesus is lived out—not lost in the crowd.

When a church closes, it’s not just a building that disappears—it’s the loss of a lifeline to the community. Sadly, many people don’t even notice. But imagine a church so deeply woven into the heartbeat of its town that its absence would leave an unfillable void. That’s the vision James is pursuing—building a legacy where the church isn’t forgotten, but unforgettable.

Today, James pastors Bethany Church in Stillwater, MN—a congregation with deep roots and a resilient spirit. Since 1881, Bethany has stood as a testament of faith in the community. Though it has faced seasons of hardship and division, a faithful remnant has remained—determined to see the church flourish again. Together, they are writing a new chapter of restoration and renewal.

Through the partnership of InFaith and a growing team of supporters, James is free to focus on preaching compelling sermons, shepherding faithfully, and engaging those who are spiritually curious. This is a mission of transformation—one small church at a time.

When he’s not investing in Stillwater’s spiritual landscape, James can usually be found with his daughter, Gianna—trying to keep up with Gen Z vocabulary and pretending he understands the latest trends. He’s also become a trusted “tech support missionary,” patiently helping friends (especially those who still print their emails) navigate iPhones, iPads, and anything with an Apple logo. Whether in the pulpit or troubleshooting Wi-Fi, James loves helping people connect—to truth, to community, and occasionally, to the internet.