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Local Reach
Each year, the U.S. loses 1,500 more churches than it gains. In two decades, median worship attendance has plummeted from 137 to just 65. Many small congregations, with fewer than 40 people, now struggle to stay open. And yet, they are irreplaceable—places where real discipleship takes root, doubts are welcomed, and the love of Jesus is lived out, not lost in the crowd.
When a church closes its doors, it’s not just a building that disappears—it’s the loss of a lifeline to the community. Yet many people don’t even notice. But imagine this: a church so deeply woven into the fabric 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. 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.
With the support of InFaith and a growing team of partners, James is free to focus fully on preaching, shepherding, and reaching the spiritually curious across the region. This is a mission of transformation—one small church at a time.
When he’s not investing in Stillwater’s spiritual landscape, James is with his wife, Jena, and their daughter, Gianna—learning Gen Z slang, debating politics, or tending to animals on their hobby farm. He’s also an Apple product whisperer and chauffeur to Henri and June, their two dogs.