Jim Roberts

Jim Roberts’ passion is jewels, both kinds. “I’m a serious rock, mineral and crystal collector and hobbyist. Also the people of God, which are described by Peter as ‘precious stones’ making up the building of God, are a chief joy.”

Jim, pastor of GCI’s congregation in San Leandro, California and his wife, Hazel have been married for 42 years and have one daughter, Rosie, who “gifted us with two perfect granddaughters, Shannon, 10 and Morgan, 6, just 100 miles away.”

Jim was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. “Due to economics, I spent my pre-school years on a semi-primitive farm with my super grandparents who grounded me well in the ground, in the Baptist faith, and in not quite fitting in with my immediate family when I moved back to town with them.” It was on the farm that Jim developed an interest in earth science and went to college to study geology. Because of his Baptist background and creationist point of view, Jim said he was struggling in his geology major. It was about this time he started listening to The World Tomorrow broadcast. “In early 1965 The World Tomorrow radio broadcast was doing a series on creation vs. evolution. I was struggling with that question; the position taken seemed most intriguing. I sent for literature and soon accepted the church’s various doctrinal positions and really felt drawn by God.”

Soon Jim was about to make a big change in his life. “At age 19 I began to attend WCG and determined to apply for Ambassador College in Big Sandy.” He applied in 1967, and though he said he never dreamed of moving to California, when he was accepted, “I found myself headed for Pasadena instead!” Jim remained in California except for a stay of 18 months in Ohio. “I have spent 45 years in California and feel certain I was planted in California by the good Lord.”

Jim said he felt a calling to become a pastor while still a Baptist, but went into the field of earth science instead. “I then felt called to attend Ambassador College and study theology instead of geology. I was not hired into the ministry upon graduation in 1970 but I spent about 20 years doing ministry on the side while working with the computer department at Pasadena. Late in 1994 I got interviewed for full-time ministry and decided God was still moving me in that direction.

Jim’s first assignment was quite a challenge. “I was the only new hire that arrived at his first pastorate in the same month that the doctrinal changes took place. I had to go from assistant pastor in two churches to pastor of six churches in just five months. I had to grow into the job and grow along with the members in the new understanding. God was gracious.” Jim continued to serve full time in ministry for 17 years. “In 2012, I ‘retired’ and was re-hired part-time and I’m still at it.”

Jim shares two highlights about being a pastor. “One is teaching. I am not nearly as much preacher as teacher, which seems natural. I love helping people unravel the meaning of Scripture and making the gospel clear. The other is the joy of watching people respond and grow in faith and bear useful fruit in their lives.”

His most memorable moment as a pastor happened shortly after being hired full time. “It was an 8-day ‘moment’ in 1995 in Dayton when as a green emergency pastor I had to coordinate my first Feast of Tabernacles in nearly impossible conditions and watch how God worked through my wife and a bunch of great folks who hardly knew each other.”

Jim talks fondly of being part of GCI. “I love the commitment of GCI and its leadership to truth. The huge sacrifices made for new covenant truth in 1995 testify to this, as well as constant growth in new directions of grace, such as Trinitarian theology. I really respect the humility of Joe and the leadership.”

When asked when he feels closest to God, Jim responded, “Other than when I am alone in the wilderness, I think it’s in the pulpit. I think about what I’m doing and wonder who am I to do this and how awesome it is to be a mouthpiece for Jesus and just sense his power and presence.”