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Pastor Provides A Healing Transition

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By SARAH ROTHWELL

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 13, 2008

TAMPA PALMS - Steve Ezra believes in the healing power of God's grace.

As the newly appointed pastor at St. James United Methodist Church, he leads a congregation whose previous pastor, Brian James, stepped down after revealing his addiction to online pornography.

Rather than dwell on the negative perception of the church stirred by James' resignation, Ezra focuses on the positives.

Q. You came to St. James following a difficult situation. How did you handle it and help the congregation with the transition?

A. Well, the congregation handled that situation in a mature, loving and Christian way. The previous pastor was an excellent pastor. He did a lot of great things for the church. The congregation recognized what he needed was their love and concern. It was a sad situation, but when he left they chose to keep moving forward. The interim pastor, Riley Short, brought healing. Transitions can take a while, but I hope to be a steady presence and bring peace to the congregation.

Q. What is your background?

A. I was born and raised in a small town in Indiana. I grew up in a Christian home and gave my life to Christ at age 16. That's when I decided to go into ministry. I went to college at Purdue University and then to seminary at Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. After I was ordained, I pastored at churches in Indiana for over seven years.

Q. What brought you to Florida?

A. In the United Methodist Church, you are appointed to a position. I got asked to come to Florida in 2003 to pastor at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater.

Q. Why did you become a United Methodist pastor, specifically?

A. I grew up in the United Methodist faith. When I decided to pursue ministry, I felt the denomination fit what I was about. The church puts emphasis not only a personal inward relationship with God but the importance of bringing Christianity to social issues. The church is very big into missions, in feeding the hungry and helping the poor. It's a good balance.

I also like the church structure. We follow an Episcopalian system. We have bishops. All of the churches are connected. I am full partners with other United Methodist churches in the area. I like that.

Q. What changes will you bring to St. James?

A. Not many. It's such a strong church and they're already doing so many good things. I want to jump onboard with what they're doing and help them keep moving forward.

Q. What are your sermons like?

A. It varies. I use various preaching styles based on the subject matter and the needs of the people. Sometimes I'm serious. Sometimes I'm more relaxed. Sometimes I sit on a stool. Sometime's I'm very narrative. Whatever style I use, it's not about me. It's about God. I want people to walk away thinking, "I experienced God today."

Q. What are some things people don't know about you?

A. I like automobiles. I have a 1929 Model A. I love NASCAR. I play softball. I love technology. I love to read and to learn. I love music. I play guitar. I love to travel with my family.

Q. Name a place you've visited.

A. We went to Washington, D.C., and took a tour of the White House.

Q. What qualities make you a good leader?

A. I'm a good teacher. I'm well-organized. As a pastor, your call is to love your people and I feel I have a good track record of doing that.

Q. How long do you plan to stay at St. James and what is your main goal while at the church?

A. Depending on the needs of the church, I could be here five years or 20 years. While I'm here, I want see the church continue to grow and reach more people for Christ. The church is about giving people a strong sense of God's love and grace. We are all saved by grace.

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell

IF YOU GO

WHAT: St. James United Methodist Church

WHEN: Services at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays

WHERE: 16202 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

INFORMATION: Call (813) 971-4790 or visit www.stjamestampa.org.

@tampatrib.com.

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