The Reverend James W.Crelin, 3rd
On Sunday, October 16, 2011, the Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd began his ministry at Desert Palms as the new Senior Pastor/Head of Staff. He follows the interim pastor, the Rev. Dr. David Hodgson, who has served the people of Desert Palms for the last two years.
Jim comes from Eastridge Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, where for eleven years he served as Senior Pastor/Head of Staff. Under his leadership this church of 1050 members deepened their spiritual lives and expanded their outreach to the community. Desert Palms is looking for continued growth under Jim's leadership. He comes to us with experience in both traditional and non-traditional worship.
Jim brings a strong interest in Bible study, mission and evangelism. His energetic personality is evident as he delivers thought-provoking sermons which are often delivered in innovative ways. The living word, Jesus Christ, and the written word, the Holy Bible, are central to Jim's approach to ministry. Preaching is a great privilege for him, whether it is on Sunday mornings, at memorials or at weddings. Jim finds it exciting to explain Biblical truths in creative ways and believes it is important for people to deepen their personal relationships with God. His motto is to "make it practical" so people understand what the message means to them today.
Energetic, enthusiastic, and organized are words used to describe Jim's leadership style. He strives to be creative and up-beat while being sensitive to the opinion of others. While working in Tampa Bay Presbytery, he provided worship experiences and developed programs for Senior Citizens. Jim fulfills the Great Commission by reaching out to the unbelievers and to minister to the needs of the community in Christ's name. He says Christians of all backgrounds must see themselves as faith partners.
Jim has been married to his wife, Cathy, for 26 years. They have two sons: one is a junior at the University of Nebraska and one just entered Grove City College in Pennsylvania (from which both Jim and Cathy were graduated). Jim went to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts and was ordained on October 2, 1988.
