Today we’d like to introduce you to Charmaine James. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Charmaine James – Pastor of Apostolic Ministries & Director of Not In My City® at One City Church in Beaumont, TX.
Pastor Charmaine James is an intercessor and ordained minister with a passionate desire to see revival and transformation happen across the world. She connects with churches, leaders, and ministries from around the world to help establish God’s kingdom in their areas of influence. Charmaine believes that if the church will minister to the hearts of the individuals in our communities, they’ll have a desire to embrace the body of Christ. The church holds the keys for transformation in their region; stepping out of the four walls of our churches will help unlock the destinies of our regions. Charmaine is honored to be a part of a movement that began in 2016 “Not In My City ®.” God released NIMC to her through intercessory prayer. God’s desire for Not In My City® is to help bring racial reconciliation inside and outside of the four walls of the church. Charmaine believes regional transformation results in national transformation.
She is a graduate of Covenant Bible College and Seminary of Tallahassee, Florida with a degree in Theology. Charmaine is honored to be an ordained minister and member of One City Church; she is the first African American ordained minister in this church’s history. With the leading of her Lead Pastors, Charmaine has connected churches, ministries, and leaders from all areas of social and economic systems to advance the kingdom of God and bring racial reconciliation. Charmaine will leave a legacy of establishing God’s kingdom by empowering others to recognize and operate in their God given gifts and to bring healing to racial issues in our nation.
Not In My City® Unite
The Not In My City@ movement came from interceding about the racial issues in the United States of America and in the local churches across this nation in 2016. The desired outcome from NIMC is to heal the racial division that causes us to have preconceived ideas that are not based on actual experiences or evidence about each other. Working together we can overcome these issues that has plagued our nation.
Not In My City desires to be a bridge between city leaders and citizens. Opening lines of communication will show the citizens; they can trust their leaders in peaceful and disturbing times. Local leaders working well together gives citizens the reassurance that their city is safe and well prepared for any issues that may arise. We will partner with other organizations and churches to help bring unity to our communities.
The Major Key
A major key to unity is transformation. Embracing the diversities of others and engaging with different cultures will unite our communities. Uniting together empowers us to make important changes in every area of our lives and cities.
“Transformation is an ongoing process that tends to appear ordinary, when, in fact, something extraordinary is taking place.” Suzy Ross
Your Voice Means Something
We must realize that everyone has a voice. Everyone wants the privilege of being heard. Choosing to have an opened mind about others and listening instead of being judgmental will create platforms of unity. These platforms can assist in solving social issues in our cities and nation.
Count The Cost
We’re asked why we do what we do. The cost of fighting injustice is high; but God! We’ve counted and know that Jesus has paid it all for us. Our desire is to be a part of healing our nation; so that the next generation won’t have to overcome the same obstacles. As leaders we’re the first line of defense for our cities and nation. Our mission is to correct some of the injustices that have occurred in our nation.
On December 9, 2020, Not In My City extended its platform by launching a YouTube channel. The Not In My City® Unite channel exists to inspire and provoke us to work together to bring transformation to our spheres of influence. We will discuss relevant topics with our local and national leaders which will change mindsets and empower people to become leaders who will then transform their communities and our nation. Working together we can overcome age old issues that have plagued our nation for centuries.
As of November 2021, the Not In My City® Unite show has become a part of the 20TV Live Katy HTX family. We look forward to expanding our movement across the nation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s gotten me this far. Being the first African American person/female hired at a church that had a reputation in my community of not welcoming Black or Hispanic people was a challenge. In 2006 Pastors Randy and Suzann Feldschau took over leadership and began the mission of diversifying the church. In 2010; I arrived at a church that had never had a black person working in their administrative offices. I never had struggles/issues with my co-workers. Monday -Friday was my safe days. Sunday services was the hardest due to stares and sometimes words. Unnecessary struggles also come from people from other churches and believe it not my own race. My family had some concerns but trusted me and my decision. I became the first African American ordained minister in the history of the church. First African American lead intercessory prayer leader and pastoral staff. As I think about some of the struggles I’ve endured; sense of hope arises in me. Someone has to be the first so that others can crossover. It’s lonely but it’s necessary.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Pastoral duties inside and outside of the church. Speaker, community activist and media personality.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Podcast: On One with Angela Rye, The John Maxwell and One City Church
Books: Boundaries for Leaders by Dr.. Henry Cloud, Good Morning, Holy Spirit by Benny Hinn, Where Do We Go From Here Chaos or Community and Stride Toward Freedom by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration of Discipline The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster.
Contact Info:
- Email: cjames@onecity.church | notinmycity16@gmail.com
- Website: http://www.not-in-my-city.com | https://www.onecity.church
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charoja | https://www.instagram.com/nimcunite
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Not-In-My-City
- Youtube: Not In My City
Image Credits
Michelle Simon
