Dr. James McReynolds, servant pastor

First Christian Church, Weeping Water, 2005-present 

The Rev. Dr. James McReynolds was born in Kingsport, Tennessee. He is the oldest of three children. In 1954, he was youngest preacher to hold a license to preach at age 12. Born in a poor but faithful home, he and his brothers struggled to prepare to offer their humble gifts to God and his children.

Jim earned his undergraduate degree at Carson-Newman College. In preparation for ministry, he served as graduate assistant in religion at Baylor University, earned a journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a masters degree in religious education from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, master of divinity and doctor of ministry at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, a doctor of psychology degree from the University of Oxford in England with dissertation on "Integration of Joy in Clinical Family Counseling," and annually keeps preparing himself with study, prayer, and spiritual direction.

Before being installed as pastor of First Christian Church, Weeping Water, Nebraska, he served in church staff positions in 11 denominations. While in college, Jim served as student minister of prayer at First Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. His gifts of communication were shared as a public relations specialist at the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Jim has served five Disciples of Christ congregations, First Christian Church, Polo and Kingston Christian Church in Missouri as pastor; supply, Elmwood Christian Church; First Christian Church, Pawnee City and First Christian Church, Weeping Water in Nebraska.

He holds standing as an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nebraska. For the region Jim serves on the Anti-Racism Ministry Committee and moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nebraska.

Known for his preaching and leadership ability, Jim has brought a renewed energy and vision into the lives of every church served. Inspired by the Great Commission, he has always been a minister who believes in church growth and evangelism.

Jim is committed to helping both visitors and members overcome anything that holds them back from the joy and happiness that Christ shared during his life and ministry. He is absorbed with giving humbly and respectfully to the least of these.

He is married to Laurel Ann, a gifted musician and speaker. They have four beautiful children and six grandchildren.