Jim’s spiritual journey began in the Ozarks, his home as a child and teen. In the beauty of nature and the simplicity of a humble home Jim found a passionate love for the God of creation and His created order. He still revels in seeing things grow…whether a garden, a child, a person’s vision or a church; Jim loves to see things alive and living out the purpose for which they were created. The small country church in which Jim’s family expressed their faith provided life lessons of dedication to know and do the will of God and offered opportunities to lead. Jim’s life was profoundly shaped by the living testimonies he observed there.

 

His years of preparation focused on Political Science, Sociology, Old Testament, Theology and Parish Ministry. He received his AB in Sociology from Southern Nazarene University, MA in Old Testament from SNU, Masters of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary and Doctorate of Ministry from Phillips Graduate Seminary. In addition, Jim, and his wife Betty, have been extensively involved in Work and Witness, leading and participating on over 60 teams to more than ten countries.

 

Jim served Christ and His Church as a youth pastor in Topeka, KS and Houston, TX. He was a pastor in Denison, TX and Enid, OK before serving as a missionary in Brazil. His most recent pastoral assignment was a thirteen year service as Lead Pastor for The Point~Church of the Nazarene, in San Jose, CA. There the innovative creation of a “Multicultural, Multicongregational, One Church” model led Jim to be considered as a notable resource in multicultural/immigrant model churches and effective, complex ecclesiastical structures.

 

An advocate of church growth through church health and missional church focus, Jim has participated in some of the most effective local church experiences. His preaching emphasizes the themes of God’s abundant grace, the power and joy of community, personal relationship with God rather than mere religion, and holiness with a purpose…not only personal purity but sanctification for service. He says, “The experience of being daily purified from self focus counts for little if it does not propel us into selfless demonstrations of compassionate service.”

 

Jim is married to Betty E. (Pittenger) Cooper and has one daughter, Kristan Cruz, a teacher of inner city schools, and one grandson, Gabriel Cooper Cruz.