Bio
James is a fourteen-year Christian camping veteran and the program director at Trout Lake Camps- where he acts as a staff supervisor, camper entertainment coordinator, and teacher in one of the greatest ministry settings in the world.

As a professional speaker, James loves to interact with youth, college students, adults, and camping professionals- bringing a message of God’s life changing grace through out of the ordinary Bible character studies and over the top presentations.

As an author, James is working to find creative ways to reach out to Gen Y with new twists on Biblical teaching, while also finding outlets to engage with other camping professionals and youth leaders.

James' voice comes from who he is- an overachiever, blessed beyond reason- walking the line between personal struggle and pure joy. He is committed to connecting with others that are willing to stand up and do what they can to change themselves and the world around them in the name of the Savior. 

Questions
Where do you live? Trout Lake Camps, Pine River, Minnesota. And, yes- it gets stinking cold up here.

What is your message? Everyone is called to do extraordinary things in their walk with Jesus. That’s why I’m so drawn to Timothy, not only was he just like you and I, but he has Gen Y written all over him. Like them, he had a heart for the people around him, yet he also had similar issues to overcome- a struggle with who he was. But, when he was called on to step up - he followed through. I know that Gen. Y is capable of doing the same.

What is your target audience? I love Gen Y. This group has something that Gen X doesn’t- a heart for the world around them. These kids are looking for purpose, something real that they can become a part of. They are desperate for someone to step up and lead them. When I am on stage, I know that leader, the guy or gal that changes everything, just might be in the audience- that’s why I speak.

I also enjoy the opportunity to work with Men's, Father/Son and CCCA and youth leader events.

Why is Biblical content so important? I hire speakers too. I have watched, as more and more speakers seem content to tag almost random verses to the end of funny or emotional stories. Although fun at the time, this method has little long-term effect.

In my ministry experience, long-term change requires keying in on Biblical teaching. We are called to "preach the Word". My goal is that my audience falls in love with the Biblical narrative- connecting with stories and relationships within the text. Don’t get me wrong- we’ll have fun, but God’s word must never be a side point.

What makes you different? Lecture is the poorest from of teaching, we all know that, yet we still make our youth- with little or no attention spans - sit there and listen. I'm a camp guy. That means two things- we will have fun and there will be surprises. I love to bring the audience on stage- becoming part of the story lines and teachable moments. There is a different feel to the room when anyone at any moment could be brought up. I love the risk, humor and reward that comes with that kind of participation.  

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