Dr. Jim Roden is passionate about expanding the Church of Jesus Christ through church revitalization, church health, and inclusive disability ministry. He cares deeply for pastors and has a burden to help them be successful in pastoral leadership. 

Jim has been in local church ministry for over 30 years, serving in two different churches. He served in multiple positions—youth pastor, associate pastor, and senior pastor. He served 18 years as the Lead Pastor of Journey Church Tucson (EFCA). After a successful leadership transition, Jim remains on staff part-time at Journey Church Tucson while serving other churches and pastors as a church health consultant and as a pastoral leadership trainer and coach.  

Jim is a board member and trainer with Advanced Pastoral Network (A.P.N.), and a Birkman Certified Professional. A.P.N. offers pastoral assessments using the Birkman Method, conducts immersive training events, and coaches pastors in how to lead church revitalization, leveraging A.P.N.’s proprietary, research-based “Turnaround Pastor” profile. Jim is also a leading expert on the relationship between inclusive disability ministry and church health. 

Jim is a graduate of The Master’s University (BA), Western Seminary (M.Div.), and Biola University Talbot School of Theology (D.Min).   

He and his wife, Stacy, have been married for over 32 years and are the parents of four and grandparents of five. 

Endorsements: 

The combination of Jim’s experience, personality, education, and Birkman expertise has helped me successfully navigate challenging relationships while leading the church through growth and change. He has connected me to resources and further training that continue to yield excellent results. 

-Pastor Jake Beaty, Clover Pass Community Church, Ketchikan, AK