I began serving as New Holland Baptist Church's Lead Pastor in March 2019. Prior to that, I served as Senior Pastor for four separate churches in Georgia starting in 1989.

I grew up in Dalton, Georgia, and after high school attended Dalton Junior College and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where I majored in Business Management and Finance. After accepting the call to ministry in November of 1986, I attended the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

The attributes that best describe me as a pastor are strong preaching, leadership development, and helping others grow in their personal walk with Christ. I devote time each day to Bible study, prayer and encouraging people. My ministry has also been highlighted by counseling, as I have taken a special interest in helping those in addiction since 1994. I love all outdoor activities, sports, the Georgia Bulldogs, and anything with Lynne beside him.

I have been happily married since 1988 to my wife, Lynne. We have three adult children: Jay, Jared, and Jodi. I also have a beautiful granddaughter named Evangeline who calls me "Pops."

Harriet and I were both raised in military homes, moving often throughout our childhoods. We each surrendered our lives to Christ as teenagers, and in God's perfect timing, He brought our paths together in 1985. We were married on August 1, 1987, and the journey began. 

Since that day, God has blessed us with four amazing, God-honoring children, three godly sons-in-laws, nine beautiful and bright grandchildren, one chocolate Lab, and five lovable grand dogs.

We've had the privilege of serving in some incredible churches and mission fields, ministering alongside faithful believers whom the Father has used to pour into us. We are forever grateful for the love, kindness, prayers, and generosity shown to us throughout our ministry journey.

My walk with Jesus is a daily pursuit. I strive to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of the Word each day. I seek to live as Christ and die to myself-because, truthfully, I am a selfish and prideful man. My greatest struggle is getting out of the way and letting God work, recognizing He doesn't need my help (though I often act like He does). That's why I pray daily for surrender, desiring to lay everything at Jesus' feet. He has worked in every area of my life and has always proven Himself faithful, even when I don't understand. Psalm 40:1-5 is my life verse. 

My desire is to:

* Love and honor the Father with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength - serving Him with humility, faithful obedience, and integrity.

* Honor, respect, and serve my wife, loving her as Christ loves the Church

* Be a godly, loving father to my children.

* Encourage and lead my sons-in-law.

* Be a "Paw-Paw" who shows humility, admits when he's wrong, and spoils the mess out of his grandkids.

* Faithfully point people to Christ - whether by leading them in worship in Spirit and Truth or by sharing His love through my testimony.

* Help raise up the next generation of ministry leaders, guiding them in discovering their true gifts and God's direction.

* Walk with people through the hard seasons of life through our counseling ministry, JourneyWorks Counseling Center - pointing them to the hope found in Jesus and walking alongside them in their journey.

It is an honor to serve Here at New Holland!

James and Harriet

I am originally from St. Louis, MO, where I received Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior on August 26,1977.  After moving to Georgia, I met my wife Rinda, and we were married in May 1979. We have 2 children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. 

I was ordained as a Deacon at NHBC in September of 1988. In 2003, I assumed the responsibility of leading Sunday Worship Services at Autumn Breeze assisted living home. A second assisted living home, Ashton Senior Living, was added to the ministry in February of 2012. 

In addition to the assisted living ministry, I was called to International Commission to serve as an Enlistment Coordinator in August of 2004. International Commission is an Evangelistic Association based in Dallas, TX.  As an Enlistment Coordinator I worked to partner churches in the United States with churches overseas and conduct evangelistic services and visitation. I had the privilege to lead projects in 14 countries.

I was licensed to preach in November of 2007 and was ordained into the Gospel Ministry in October of 2015. In February 2021 I accepted the call to serve as Ministry Pastor at NHBC working primarily with Senior Adults. 

I was born and raised in Georgia and accepted Christ as my Savior at the young age of four. I began playing the piano when I was 6 1/2 years old, and my love of music has continued to grow.

I have been playing the piano now for almost 18 years. The Lord has blessed me by allowing me opportunities to play the piano for worship services. I began working in church ministry as a pianist in 2021 for West Hall Baptist Church. In 2025, the Lord opened another door, here at New Holland Baptist Church, my home church, to be their pianist. Along with being a church pianist, I enjoy accompanying students at Truett McConnell University for the music department, accompanying high school and middle school chorus groups, and playing for special events. My favorite style of music to play is upbeat and jazzy.

I received my bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in creative writing, along with my minor in music, from Truett McConnell University. Currently I am working on my MFA in Creative Writing. My love of writing has helped me pursue one of my dreams of being an author. God has helped me publish two books, Broken Mirrors and Burning Letters. Through my writing I hope to share the love of Christ and help others come to know Him!

In my spare time, I enjoy being out in nature, drawing, reading, and being around all kinds of animals. With everything I do, I strive to give honor and glory to God!

I have been New Holland's secretary since March of 2016.  I have an Associate's in Executive Secretarial from Haywood Technical Institute in North Carolina.  I don't see my work at New Holland as a job, but as a ministry that I thoroughly enjoy.  My favorite things to do are take photographs, go hiking, and reading.

I have been married to Bill White for almost 38 years and have a son in college.