Cape pastor serving God, connecting others

Anyone who comes to Cape Bible Chapel on Sunday morning will be greeted by the friendly handshake and welcoming smile of associate pastor James Green. Green can be found fulfilling a number of duties on Sunday morning.

"A lot of what I do is to help people connect," Green said.

For Green this can mean anything from teaching the newcomers' Sunday school class to filling in for other classes. He also makes sure the deacons and elders are able to serve and lead. Every Sunday he says the welcome prayer at the start of the service and preaches on occasion. He has also set up counseling and mentorship opportunities. Green's primary role has been to help members find a small group Bible study and train small group leaders.

Green began as the church's small groups pastor in January 2006. In October 2005, senior pastor Dan Green (no relation) said he could see the Cape Girardeau native on staff at Cape Bible Chapel. James disagreed because he was already in full-time ministry with Young Life. After much prayer and the birth of his fourth child, the opportunity opened up for Green to join.

"I have always been passionate about small groups, and I think Dan saw that," Green said. "I was brought on to help facilitate the growth of small groups and make them the priority of the church. I think the early church looked like small groups. There were a bunch of people committed to fellowship and teaching of the Word who truly enjoyed spending time with each other and serving."

Green said he enjoys small groups because they are a chance to dig in, ask questions and get to know people in ways that cannot be done on Sunday morning.

Before Cape Bible Chapel, Green served as Young Life area director from 2001 through 2005. Young Life is a parachurch ministry where adult leaders spend time building relationships with teenagers to introduce them to Jesus Christ.

"In Young Life, we go where kids are, spend time with them and share the love of God with them. It was a hugely important step of faith in obedience. I saw what full-time ministry was like."

Before working in ministry, Green volunteered with Young Life while employed at Howard's Sporting Goods. He never thought he would leave Howard's or Young Life but said he is blessed to have worked with incredible people.

Green did not grow up a believer in Christ.

"My parents did not go to church, but my grandparents on my dad's side were solid Christians," he said. "They took my brother and I to church. I heard a lot of Bible stories, but didn't have a relationship with Jesus.

"When I was 13, they gave us the choice to go with them or not, and I strayed from the church."

It was through the influence of his wife, Christina, who volunteered with Young Life, and friend David Goss that Green saw the Gospel communicated and lived. Through their example and investment in him, Green gave his life to Christ.

Green graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a marketing degree. This summer he will finish up his master's degree in biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. He said he is in a place to do whatever God calls him to do.

"I do what God tells me to do, and He takes care of the rest," he said.

More information on Cape Bible Chapel can be found at www.capebiblechapel.org.