Just having marked his first anniversary as pastor of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. James J. Bolton will be honored with a “Pastor’s Appreciation Day” in services at 10:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday.
“They are a very loving, supportive church who are interested in learning about the word of God,” said the Rev. Bolton, who is also a professor and chairman of the department of pre-health sciences at Odessa College. “They’re very open-minded.”
Sunday’s events will be preceded by music workshops Thursday and Friday nights at the 2212 E. 11th St. church with the Rev. Bryant Jones of Atlanta, Ga. Then the students will show what they have learned in the Sunday afternoon service. There will be a prayer breakfast at 11 a.m. today.
“We are a church that loves people, so anyone and everyone is invited,” said Bolton, whose wife’s name is Maanami. “I have learned that if you genuinely love people, they will love you back.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be called into ministry and serve God’s people. Our average Sunday attendance has increased from 70 to 140 and the Texas Baptist Association says we are one of the fastest-growing black churches in the area. The deacons and trustees have been extremely helpful to me.”
Bolton’s favorite scripture is Colossians 3:17, which says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
He is also particularly inspired by John 15:17: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Curtis Arnold, chairman of St. James’ Board of Deacons, said Bolton “is not just ordinary, he is extraordinary.
“Whether you have been in the church for seven days or 70 years, James will show you fresh insights into the Bible every time he preaches,” Arnold said.
“He wants to shake every hand and hug every baby. Sometimes we have to guide people away from him because you can’t guide him away from people.”
Arnold said Bolton is a protege of the late Rev. Clay Evans of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago. where the Rev. Evans gave Bolton the preaching robe that he wears on special occasions.
“Clay Evans is a legend like Bishop T.D. Jakes of Dallas,” he said. “He brought James up in the church.”
