New Horizons UMC Leadership
New Horizons UMC is blessed to have a leadership team who are truly dedicated to Christ and accomplishing His will. Following are brief bio's of our leadership team and their qualifications for ministry.
IVAN JAMES, III
PASTOR
Ivan was appointed to serve as the first Pastor of New Horizons UMC St. Louis, Mo. Prior to that, he served as Pastor of Asbury UMC St. Louis, Mo for four years and Asbury and Samaritan UMC St. Louis, Mo for seven years. He became a Certified Lay Minister (CLM) after a successful career in business in the hope of offering a voice for inclusion and justice. He has a firm commitment to racial equity and justice and leadership development. His desire is to build on the legacy of the past while leading New Horizons toward the future of accomplishing its mission of serving the lease, the lonely and the lost.
Ivan is passionate about guiding individuals, groups, and congregations in discerning and living their spiritual gifts. He is a strong believer in collaborative leadership and the empowerment of each and every Christian to do the work of Jesus in and for the world.
Ivan served the Missouri Annual Conference as past chairperson of the Board of Trustee and presently serves on the Board of Ordained Ministers. He also serves as a delegate to the South-Central Jurisdictional Conference and the General Conference.
Ivan and his wife, Grace, have five boys, Ivan IV, David, Kevin, Jason, and Quentin, and 11 grandchildren.