Pastor James Kelly has served as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Woodburn since May 1, 2023. Before stepping into that role, he spent two years as Associate Pastor, getting to know the congregation, the community, and the shared heart of the church. For Pastor James, ministry is first and foremost about people—walking with them in faith, pointing them to Christ, and encouraging them to live out the courage to say “yes” to God’s call.

Pastor James brings a rich and varied life experience into his ministry. He earned an Associate Degree with honors from Andersonville Theological Seminary and is deeply committed to preaching and teaching God’s Word in ways that are clear, practical, and rooted in grace. His sermons and leadership reflect a belief that faith is not just something we profess on Sundays, but something we live out every day.

Before entering full-time pastoral leadership, Pastor James retired from GE Nuclear Energy after 37½ years of service. During that time, he worked as an Engineering Assistant with a focus on CNC programming and developed proficiency in 3D drafting. Those years shaped his appreciation for careful preparation, faithfulness over time, and the value of steady, behind-the-scenes work—qualities he now brings into church leadership.

In addition to ministry and engineering, Pastor James has been a licensed North Carolina General Contractor since 2004, a vocation he still practices today while working on a residential project. This hands-on experience keeps him grounded and connected to everyday life, reminding him that God is at work not only in sanctuaries, but also in homes, workplaces, and communities.

Pastor James has been married to his wife for 46 years, and family plays a central role in his life. He is the father of four sons, including a set of twin boys, and values the lessons learned through marriage, parenting, and life’s many seasons. These experiences deeply shape his pastoral heart and his desire to walk alongside others with patience, compassion, and hope.

Pastor James is grateful to serve the First Baptist Church of Woodburn and the Leland community. He believes the church is called to be a place of welcome, healing, and growth—a people who love God, love one another, and faithfully live out the gospel together.