Experienced Pastor/Educator - Dr. James Russom
My early years were spent mostly in a country Baptist Church in Adamsville, Tennessee while living with my grandparents. I attended that church every holiday and summer until I was 14. Once I quit going back to the family farm to work, I only attended the Church of the Nazarene. This gave me the privilege of being exposed to both the Reformed and the Wesleyan traditions. At the age of 16, after much prayer, I felt led of the Holy Spirit to commit myself to the Church of the Nazarene and the Wesleyan-Arminian theological tradition. I am deeply committed to the biblical doctrine of heart holiness and entire sanctification.
My wife, Susan, and I met in registration line at Trevecca Nazarene College (now University) in 1967. We were married the summer of 1968. She has been my partner in ministry, often traveling with me, teaching special classes for pastors’ wives and sharing in musical concerts. We have one son, Mark, who works in retail management. He loves the Lord and is a man of integrity.
I attended Trevecca Nazarene College in 1967-68, received my A. A. from Nazarene Bible College in 1971, my B.A. in Religion from Bethany Nazarene College in 1982, my M. Min. in Religion from Southern Nazarene University in 1988, and my D. Min. in Pastoral Ministries from Western Seminary in 1998. I have truly enjoyed my educational experiences, having had wonderful teachers as role models. I hope to be that kind of professor.
I have pastored in large metropolitan areas and in small towns. I have served in the inner city and in the newly built suburbs. I have been a full-time staff member, as well as lead pastor. I have served where I was the only pastor and where I had as many as five full-time staff members serving on my pastoral team. I have been involved in one successful merger, four building programs, several remodeling projects, and two relocation programs. I know what it is to experience both growth and setbacks. I must say that God has led me on a very exciting journey, and I have many wonderful memories from my pastoral service.
While pastoring, I have had the privilege of serving on different district, regional, and general boards and committees. I have done special consulting work for Southern Nazarene University and Point Loma Nazarene University. I have served as a church consultant for Forward In Faith and Abundant Living — two programs dealing with financial and planning matters. It has also been my privilege to teach pastoral classes in Paraguay and Russia. God has given me some wonderful opportunities through music, preaching, and teaching. Another exciting ministry that I enjoy is preaching and teaching for District Retreats, camp meetings, and Faith Promise Conventions in local churches.
I have the privilege of serving the Colorado District as pulpit supply, as interim pastor, as a member of the District Ministry Board, and as an instructor for district classes. I also serve as a teacher at my home church whenever I am not on district assignment.
Dr. James R. Russom, Program Director Pastoral Ministries and Pastoral Leadership Programs, pastor and adjunct professor
Published: 11/04/2019
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