Arizona Conference
Two Arizona Conference Pastors Ordained to the Gospel Ministry Pastor Jackie James
Pastor Jackie Nathaniel James Jr. was ordained to the gospel ministry at the Camelback church in Phoenix, Ariz., on May 7, 2016, where he has worked as associate administrative pastor for the past three years. James was born and raised in Miami, Fla., by very supportive and nurturing grandparents who often wrestled with his independent spirit. Both sets of grandparents introduced James to the gospel at an early age — his dad’s family was Pentecostal and his mom’s were Seventh-day Adventist. James was baptized and dedicated his life to Christ in ninth grade at Greater Miami Academy. Working with youth came natural for Jackie. Upon graduation from GMA, the Florida Conference invited him to be part of a unique summer camp program for inner city children. Over the course of four summers, he worked with local churches to create a church-based day camp program.
During his college years, James spent four summers working at Nosoca Pines Ranch in the Carolina Conference as boys’ counselor, boys’ director and assistant summer camp director. James attended Southern Adventist University from 1988-95 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theology and a minor in behavioral science. He accepted his first call to work at Fletcher Academy as chaplain and Bible teacher. He has also served at La Sierra University, Madison Academy and Forest Lake Academy. In 2003, James accepted a job as recruiter for Southern Adventist University. This led to 10 years of introducing countless families and students to the faith community that shaped his life. Church ministry took on new dimensions when he began attending Connect, a smaller worship service of the Collegedale church. This eight-year journey of ministry resulted in a real passion and love for the local church.
After committing his new calling to prayer, James began seeking a pastoral position. In 2011, he received an invitation from the Arizona Conference to be an assistant pastor at the Camelback church in Phoenix. Church administrator Cherie Oberlick says, “Having the opportunity to work and become better acquainted with Pastor Jackie these past three years has been a blessing. I count it a privilege to call him friend, and it has been refreshing to be a part of the vitality and new outlook he has brought to Camelback.” While working at Southern Adventist University, James met Lauryl Murphree, a pre-physical therapy major. A friendship developed. After Murphree moved to Andrews University to complete her degree in physical therapy, their friendship developed into something deeper. They began dating in July 2013 and were married Nov. 7, 2015, at her home church in Birmingham, Ala. James views Mark 1:17 as his personal directive for service. Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” The Jameses are excited to see how God will use their ministry to introduce others to a loving relationship with Jesus.
Pastor Chris Morris
Pastor Jackie and Lauryl James celebrate Jackie’s ordination with Dr. Curtis Miller, Kingsley Palmer, Sam Leonor, Arizona Conference President Ed Keyes, Charles White and Arizona Conference Executive Secretary Mike Ortel.
28
pacificunionrecorder.com
Christopher Lacey Morris was ordained to the gospel ministry on May 21, 2016, at the Adventist Worship Center in Phoenix, Ariz., where he has pastored for the past four years. Born in Las Vegas, Nev., Chris was adopted by Lloyd and Willie