Leadership

To God be the glory for the good things He has done. Words cannot express the deep sense of gratitude and humility I have. This has been such a fun and interesting journey to say the least. To the members of St. James, know that I am so honored to serve as your pastor. You are awesome!
I thank you for be­ing a church that dares to trust in the word of the lord. It is said “Every Journey Begins With A Step” and together we have made that step! I look forward to us continuing to build upon what God has done and seeing what the future holds. To the many family members and friends who have played such a pivotal role throughout this process, I want to let you know how appreciative we are for your continued support.

Let me start by greeting you with one of my favorite scriptures Ps 34:3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. Through the ups and downs God has given me Favor day after day. With God on my side my goal has always been to engage the minds of Gods children young and old in acting out Christian Principles while teaching the responsibilities and obligations of young Christian men and woman. To encourage and teach Christian Discipleship through the word of God while letting people know it’s ok to be different for God. I want to encourage anyone that’s reading this at this moment to Hold On, God is still able to Heal. Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

v  Bachelor of Business Administration       Concordia University                 08-2015      

v  BS in Organizational Leadership                College of Biblical Studies         05-2018

v  Associate in Biblical Theology                      College of Biblical Studies         12-2015  

Born November 10, 1962  Galveston, Texas

Ross Sterling H.S. 1981
B.S. College of Biblical Studies 2006
M.S. Mountain State University 2009

Employed City of Houston 1984,
Retired 2020

Accepted Call To Ministry 2003

Married: Donna Groves
Father and Grandfather

Minister Karen Swanson is a Daughter of the King of All Kings, a wife, mother, and grandmother.  Minister Swanson have not been “Saved” all her life but most, when receiving Christ with a child like faith at the age of 6 years old.  She did re-dedicate her life to Christ in 1985.
Minister Swanson united with the SJBC in 2015 and enjoy serving wherever there is a need.  She finally accepted the call as a Proclaimer of the Gospel of Christ in 2017.
Her Christian education includes: The College of Biblical Studies and Hilliard Faith University along with many workshop, conferences and private bible studies.  In 2019, she received her Ordination from Joan Hunter Ministries.

A  Houston Native! United with St James 2018. Favorite scripture is Psalms 23 inspired by my grandmother! First Scripture I ever learned, first one I ever used as a combative mechanism to a real valley. Life experiences taught me how it feels to be in a valley, green pastures and restoration of soul. My goal is to help as many as I can by being transparent about my shortcomings to give hope that you can make it out of your valley! I have a lifetime commitment of learning the truth and a passion to share my many testimonies.  Surrendered my life to God at the age of 19. I have a passion to serve the individuals who are sometimes looked over. For God came to seek and save the Lost (Luke 19:10). Favorite quote is “I've  seen Him do It!

According to Ephesians 6:10-18, we’ve been instructed to put on the Full Armor of God. Therefore, having covered myself, I am on the battlefield of life, daily.  I humbly submit myself to serving God, through serving others, in all walks of life. By the power of the Holy Spirit, I’ve been using my gifts of ministry since a young age.  I believe prudence can be practice by anyone, but counseling others is supernatural.  I am admonished to speak the truth in love, cultivating spiritual growth and development. ( Eph 4:15).  My goal is to help others walk through life challenges- a road of identity recovery, healing, hope, and transformation.  My favorite verse: Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and salvation, of whom shall, I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?  Uniquely and fearlessly made by the Father.  Coming from the Back Alley to the Baptism, I know- Jesus still saves.
Nurse by trade, Board Certified Christian Therapist, Masters in Biblical Psychology, and Doctorate in Biblical Studies.