Meet Our Pastor
Meet Our Pastor
Pastor Garfield K. James was born in Jamaica, West Indies, where he completed his early education. A few years after his high school graduation, he participated in a series of Bible studies that resulted in his conviction by the Holy Spirit. He invited the Lord into his life to be his Savior. He was baptized and became a member of the Dela-Vega-City SDA church (now Ebenezer SDA).
His ever-developing relationship with the Lord took a continuous process of upward growth, mobilized by his increased love for Jesus and personal self-development. As a result, Pastor James held many active roles in his home Church. He served in leadership roles as Sabbath School Superintendent, Personal Ministries Leader, Bible Worker, Lay Preacher, Deacon, and Elder.
While he enjoyed this service, he felt a need and calling to do more for God. In 2005, Pastor James distinctly heard the voice of the Lord calling him to higher service. To answer the call, he enrolled at Northern Caribbean University to develop his skills and knowledge through academic study to become a Seventh-day Adventist Pastor. He completed his course of study in 2012 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and Theology.
Upon graduation, Pastor James joined the Central Jamaica Conference of SDA as a Pastor. He served ably and participated in Evangelistic efforts, which resulted in the baptism of souls in four different SDA churches. Pastor James loves Evangelism!
In 2015, he migrated with his family to the United States. He immediately became active in his local church, Shiloh SDA, in Springfield, MA, serving as an Elder and participating as a Bible Worker in an Evangelistic effort that produced many souls for Jesus under the leadership of Pastor Rose. He continued his leadership as Personal Ministries Director at Shiloh, creating activities and involving church members to support soul-winning efforts. Most notably, in 2018, he saw a need for an English-speaking SDA church in the Indian Orchard community of Springfield, MA. With the support of Pastor Brutus and members of the Personal Ministries team, approval of the Church Board, and membership, he moved quickly and created the Indian Orchard Mission of SDA. He was responsible for all aspects of the Mission, from securing a place of worship to planning weekly Sabbath Services and Bible studies.
Pastor James believes in 2 Timothy 2:15. "Study to show yourself approved unto God." He is currently enrolled at Liberty University, VA completing courses leading to a Masters of Divinity, sharpening his skills for the service of God.
He is happily married to his beautiful wife of 21 years, the former Verlyn Hinds, and they are the proud parents of two daughters T'anna and Bryanna.
Pastor Garfield James loves the Lord. He counts it an honor to serve and work for Him! God has given him the heart to love His people, a heart of service and caring. He seriously believes Jeremiah 3:15, “And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (NKJV).
Pastor James desires to make it safely into the Kingdom of Heaven and to share the Gospel of Christ so that others may come to know and accept Him as their personal Savior and make it into Heaven as well. He invites you to join him in the work of sharing the Gospel!