MEET THE PASTOR

The Rev. James (Jim) Mishler became the Pastor of Campbell United Methodist Church in July of 2011. He brings to Campbell Church a life-long commitment to Jesus Christ, 40 years of service as a minister in the United Methodist Church and a firm belief that successful ministry is a partnership between laity and clergy.

Jim tells the story of how his mother took him to church when he was 8-days old and how he has been involved in the church ever since. Because of this he describes himself as a “cradle to grave Methodist.” It was through life at Grove Ave. Church in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and church camp experiences that he became a follower of Jesus, a journey he likes to describe as “getting in line behind Jesus and trying to follow, as best as I am able, in his footsteps.” This journey has brought him to a progressive faith that affirms God’s grace, Christ’s leadership and the Spirit’s care for him and all people.

In addition to helping raise him as he grew up in Western Pennsylvania, the church educated him at West Virginia Wesleyan College (B.A. in History) and at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. (Master of Divinity) and trained him for ministry during internships in Pittsburgh, PA and Baltimore, MD. The people of the UMC were grand role models for him, people whose faith and service made him want to be “just like them.”

The United Methodist Church has also found ways to use his skills and abilities in a manner that meet his need for adventure. Jim has pastored urban churches in Pittsburgh, PA, San Diego, CA , Reno, NV and now the San Francisco Bay area. He has also provided executive leadership for ecumenically-based community service organizations in San Diego and Tulsa, OK as well as serving as a teacher, athletic director and coach at Robinson School, a bi-lingual, bi-cultural high school in San Juan, Puerto Rico that is related to the UMC General Board of Global Ministries.

Jim believes that the church’s ministry is guided by the prophet Micah’s words, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.” His ministry seeks to encourage the people of Campbell UMC to engage in these three key aspects of Christian life.

Jim has been married to Jan for nearly 30 years and they have have 3 adult children: Molly, who is the Director of Native American Programs at Dartmouth College; Cassie, who is an attorney specializing in disability law; and David, a teacher and athletic coach (women’s basketball). They very much enjoy being grandparents to Ava (6), Katie (3) and Megan (1) - just ask them!

Jim also admits to loving baseball, travel, Civil War history and reading mystery/crime novels.