Jim Shields
Autobiography of Jim Shields, Associate Pastor – Life Groups. “And why is this autobiography longer than those of our other staff members? Well . . . okay, I’m older!”
I was born and spent the first 17 years of my life in Long Beach, California where my father was a lead pastor. Then my father accepted a teaching position at Milligan College so our family of five (I have two younger sisters) moved to Johnson City, Tennessee where I graduated from high school way back in 1960.
After high school I went on to graduate from Milligan College, married a magnificent woman (Donna) who had grown up in the same Long Beach area where I had lived, and we began our life together in Southern California where I accepted a part time position as an associate pastor with youth and young professionals in a church located in the inner-city of Los Angeles.
While working with our inner-city church I was also able to receive a Master’s degree and teaching certifications from the California State University at Los Angeles. Donna and I were then ready to enjoy “the good life” when, because of a surprise opportunity, God called us to Syracuse University in upstate New York where, in 1974, I received a Doctor’s degree (Ph.D.). While in Syracuse Donna gave birth to a brand new baby boy, Jim. Syracuse was where we also had the privilege of working with other believers in planting a brand new baby church.
Anticipating always being active with God’s family, the church, we decided I should get a few more Bible related insights by attending Emmanuel School of Religion (a school that provides special resources for men and women who go into full time church related ministries). So, from Syracuse we moved to the extreme western part of North Carolina where we were the part time lead pastor team for a small, vibrant, mountain church – just an hour’s drive from Emmanuel, which is located in Johnson City, Tennessee. Johnson City was also where Donna gave birth to another brand new baby, our second son, Dan.
After four years, and completing 96% of the Bible classes taken by most students at Emmanuel, Donna and I moved to Indianapolis, Indiana for a one year internship in a large Christian Church – a great experience, continuing to learn dependence on God for all things.
In the summer of 1977 we moved to Seattle, Washington where we began a 22 year ministry as the lead pastor of a congregation located in a neighborhood not far from downtown Seattle. Seattle was also where Donna gave birth to our third son, Nathan. From Seattle we moved to invest eight years as the lead pastor with a church located near Pismo Beach on the central coast of California.
An additional family fact or two: My wife, Donna, has always been an absolutely essential part of our ministries – she loves Jesus, loves to serve people, is a leader, and has taught almost every grade level in elementary schools (she received both her regular college degree and her Master’s degree in Elementary Education). Donna has also invested several years in teaching “beginners” how to play the piano. Each of our three sons is married, they and their wives love Jesus, are active in their local churches, and they have graciously given us five grandchildren – four boys and a princess.
Because of health reasons we retired from the church near Pismo Beach and lived, for one year, at Lake Arrowhead, California. Then, early in 2009, we accepted the opportunity and great privilege for me to become a part time associate pastor of Life Groups with our Real Life Christian Church family in Gilbert, Arizona.
Favorite Sports:
- General Competition – Track and Field, Swimming, Summer Olympic Games. I don’t play golf, but I enjoy watching Tiger Woods on t.v. College – USC Football, Univ. of Washington Football, USC Men’s Water Polo, Syracuse Men’s Basketball. Pro Football: Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots. Pro Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers. Seeing events in person: Almost any sport is enjoyable!
Favorite Foods:
- Breakfast, Hamburgers, Chef’s salads, Burritos, Salmon, and whatever Donna fixes!
What I Enjoy Doing In My Free Time:
- Work on the computer, read, watch videos, watch sports on t.v., catch up on the news, phone a family member.
A Famous Person I Would Most Like To Meet (Living):
- David McCullough, a really good historian.
Favorite Vacations:
- Be with family (wherever we agree to meet); Colonial Willamsburg in Virginia; The Mexican island of Cozumel.
Book Recommendations:
- The Christian Bible by God; Between Heaven and Hell by Peter Kreeft; The Narnia Tales, by C.S. Lewis; Reason In The Balance by Phillip E. Johnson.
Pet Peeve Nobody Knows About Until Now:
- Dogs who slobber, really slobber, on you.
Favorite Quote:
- “God works all things together for good for those who love Him and obey Him.”
Favorite Game:
- Cribbage.
Favorite Movies:
- Casablanca. The Lord of the Rings trilogy.