Jim Davis

Jim Davis serves as the Pastor of Shepherding and Care at Friends Church, after faithfully leading as Youth Pastor for 40 years. Jim’s heart has always been for people. He loves connecting with first-time guests, walking with families through baptisms and child dedications, and offering care and guidance during weddings and funerals.

Growing up in a difficult home, Jim experienced firsthand how God redeems brokenness. Those experiences have allowed him to connect deeply with others who need encouragement and hope. After decades in student ministry, stepping into shepherding adults felt like a natural next chapter in his lifelong calling to love and care for people.

Jim is guided by the words of Matthew 22:37–39, which remind him to love God with all his heart, soul, and mind, and to love his neighbor as himself. His desire is that everyone he meets feels genuinely cared for and reminded that Friends Church is a safe place to belong and grow in faith.

Jim came to Christ during his time at Malone University, where he ran cross country and track. He met his wife, Tami, right here at Friends Church, and together they have built a beautiful family. They have four children: Jonathan, Jordan and her husband Dante (who brought the first grandchild into their family) along with Jeremy and his wife Maddie, and Julian, who also serves on staff at Friends! 

Before ministry, Jim dreamed of becoming a carpenter, and he even attended trade school and worked summers in construction. In a full-circle moment, he later built his own home in Kirtland, which stands as a reminder that God uses every part of our story to build something lasting.