James Lilly, Senior Pastor

A Shepherd For The Journey. . .

Described as one of Durham's really effective teacher-preachers, Pastor James Lilly's teaching of God's Word is designed to explain, coax, exhort and provoke positive life-changes in all who hear him.  He teaches and preaches the Bible so that people will get an understanding of what God has promised them.  It is his ultimate mission and highest joy to see people receive the promises and blessings of God and grow to have an intimate relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.  An intense, soft-spoken gentleman, Pastor James Lilly shepherds the people assigned to him with gentleness and great loving compassion.  He navigates the ministry with clear vision, direction, fortitude and uncommon leadership skills.

With an excellent education - Associates & Bachelor's Degree in Business from LaSalle College as well as a Master's Degree from Duke University Divinity School, a wealth of life experiences, and a diverse Christian background Pastor Lilly is well-equipped for the call of God to preach the gospel.  In July of 2002, Pastor Lilly was inducted into the International Covenant Ministries now known as the Creflo Dollar Ministerial Assiocation, led by Dr. Creflo Dollar. Also, Pastor Lilly was recently inducted into the Manchester Who's Who Executive and Professional Registry where he was recognized for his excellence in ministry and leadership. 

He grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as an only child in a Christian home.  As a boy, he served the priest in the Episcopal church his father attended and the pastor in the Methodist church his mother attended.  Through these experiences he began to develop a love for the presence of God.  After serving his country as a U.S. Marine Corp sergeant, he returned home and got married.  It wasn't until after serving as a deacon in the Baptist church for four years that he finally accepted his call to preach.  After this total surrender, Pastor Lilly moved his family from Philadelphia to Durham, North Carolina so he could attend Duke University School of Divinity.  After completing the master's degree program, Durham became the family's home and place of ministry assignment.

Pastor Lilly has great compassion for seeing lives restored and rebuilt.  He also has a great passion for raising up Christian leaders.  In his many years of ministry experience, he has observed a leadership vacuum in the church and in the urban community and is working to help fill that vacuum.  He has effectively trained scores of men and women through a mentoring and leadership development training program entitled The Master's Class that he and his wife have established.