James Amos

James Amos 2Responsibilities

Director of Empowerment for Mission St. Louis

Director of the E-Team

I oversee the spiritual needs and Gospel-centered evangelistic focus of Mission: St. Louis. I look after the spiritual needs of our ministries, leaders, and volunteers. As the leader of the Night Rangers ministry, I oversee our many efforts to holistically help those we serve to believe the Gospel and experience changed lives. In addition, I lead the Journey’s E-Team, who privately work with seekers, non-believers and new believers at the Journey. We encourage them to embrace the Gospel, help them talk though their faith-questions, and help them to get involved in our church family.

 

Family
I’m a single guy, but I do have a beautiful, fun-loving daughter. Grace will turn 9 in May 2008. She loves the Wii.  She loves me.  She just got staight A’s (even in math).  She's still diggin' the Barbie.  She’s my sweetheart.

Although I grew up here (Collinsville, IL), my immediate family has all moved away in the last few years. My wonderful parents, Jim & Janine, live in Rochester, NY. My dad is retired, and my mom is a successful business executive. My younger brother, Jason, is finishing up medical school in Detroit, Michigan. I love them. They love me.

What The Journey Has Meant To You
I didn’t grow up a Christian, and I didn’t grow up in church. It took me several years after conversion to start understanding the purpose or value of corporate worship and participation. I’ve learned much about worshiping with friends and being on mission at the Journey.

For all our weakness, one of the things the Journey really seems to get right is our understanding that to take the Gospel to sinners (meaning everybody), there are times when we should be willing to walk into situations where people will question the appearance of our actions. Jesus did it all the time. There are days when it’s OK to get your hands dirty (thus keeping your heart clean). I don’t go looking for trouble, but sometimes the Lord leads me into it. Christians answer to Christ, not people.

Quote Or Advice
“This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” John 6:29

"… Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross…" Hebrews 12:2

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” John 15:7-8

Favorite Reads Or Films
The Purifying Power of Living by Faith in Future Grace by John Piper; Abide in Christ by John Murray; The Unity of the Bible by Daniel Fuller; Surprised by the Voice of God by Jack Deere; The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God: A Theology of Lordship by John Frame; and Evidence that Demands a Verdict I & II by Josh McDowell. I don’t watch TV. Books will always triumph over TV, because TV is dumb.

What You Enjoy
Talking and being talked to. Being outside. Walking. Reading solid theology. Reveling in the Hope of the Gospel. Thinking about the ones I love. All in the same day. Everyday.

Where You Grew Up And What You Did As A Kid
Illinois - born and raised. I grew up on a small hobby-farm, where I mostly played in the dirt and fought with my brother. I rode horses and drove cheep cars into trees. Then I started playing the drums in the barn. Then I got a 200-watt guitar amp. Then the neighbors didn’t like us anymore. Then I got all the girls. Then I woke up.

Hope For The Journey
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. - Hebrews 13:20-21.

Yada, Yada, Yada
Rock Music. Coffee. Quitting Coffee. Coffee. Kahoks & Catsup Bottles. Needing sleep. Girl Jeans. Wishing I could sing. Hot Baths. Tortino’s Party Pizzas. Bad, bad jokes. Pacing. I love you.