REVEREND JIM BATES
Pastor, Senior Ministries
Rev. James Bates was born in Hackensack, NJ and grew up in Bergen County, graduating from Westwood High School. He graduated from the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago ('59); Gordon College, BA ('61); Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, M. Div. ('64); and Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, D. Min. ('80).
While at the Moody Bible Institute, Jim met Sandra Weyland who became Mrs. Bates in August 1959. Sandy and Jim have four adult children: Stephen Alan, James Scott, Jonathan David and Jennifer Lynne Cross. The Bates also have nine grandchildren.
Jim was ordained to the Christian ministry in 1966 while serving as the Assistant Pastor at Brighton Community Church, Rochester, NY. In 1969 he accepted a call to become the Pastor of Mansfield Baptist Church, Port Murray, NJ. During his 24 years at Mansfield Baptist, Jim started a senior citizens group called The Golden Agers. He also started a pre-school program called Sonshine Preschool. The Vernon Baptist Church, Vernon, NY extended a call to Pastor Jim in October 1993. He led the church in the building of a new sanctuary and Christian Education building. He recently retired after serving the Lord for 10 years in Central New York. Pastor Jim would be quick to tell you what a wonderful experience it has been introducing people to his precious Savior, Jesus Christ, and seeing many of them grow in Him.
Upon returning to their home in Warren County, NJ, Pastor Jim and Sandy were praying for a new church home and a place to serve the Lord. Both believe the Lord has led them to the wonderful family at Bethlehem Church.
Contact Pastor Jim.
