Prof. Jim Motes

Biography:

Prof. James E. Motes earned two associate degrees, one in Electronic Engineering and the second in Liberal Arts. He then pursued his BA in Religion and Philosophy from Mars Hill College in North Carolina. After this he completed his MDiv/RE at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Later he completed an MS in Management at Southern Wesleyan University. He will receive his Doctorate in Ministry from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hampton, Mass. later this Fall. His doctorial thesis is "Faith Integration in the Work Place."

He is married to Carrie Ann Motes (they met while at Mars Hill) and they have three grown children and two grandchildren. Jennifer completed her Masters at AU and teaches 8th grade English, Stephen is a Fire Fighter/Paramedic, and Sarah is a student at AU. They have three dogs (Otis, Max, and Turner) and a sixteen year old cat named Tippi.

Prof. Motes is Associate Professor of Christian Ministry at AU and has brought over 20 years experience in Church related ministry from service in Churches in Virginia, North and South Carolina. He has worked in Associational Missions, has taught and continues to teach a variety of subjects in church settings, and is published in Sunday School Leadership magazine. As an "Army brat" his upbringing has enriched his multi-cultural perspective for ministry.

Prof. Motes now seeks out opportunities to expand awareness of the vital issue of sharing and living one's Christian faith in the work place. He enjoys teaching and placing students in internships both locally and around the world where they can put into practical application the biblical, theological, and ethical education they each receive at AU.

Personal Narrative:

Called. I deal with students on a regular basis who are both excited and struggle with what each refers to as their "calling from God." I too believe and live the experience of being called to ministry and to teach. We are called first to a personal relationship with God our Father through Jesus His Son, our Savior. The classroom has a calling to be faithful to God's Word, God's missional purpose, and to the student who trusts that the teacher comes prepared. The classroom is not a place for the study of theology in a vacuum but a place to hear and come to terms with the practical application of the theology, theory, philosophy, history, and ethical studies. Bringing experience into the classroom and pursuing experiences outside the classroom completes the educational process.

I have served churches as a Youth Minister, Music Minster, Minister of Education and Youth, Minister of Education, and Minister of Education/Business and Administration. I continue to teach as an assistant Sunday-School teacher and Director and teacher in our church's Discipleship Training. Preaching and occasionally performing weddings for former students are always very positive experiences that I bring back to the classroom.

In The Know Prof. Jim Motes

We sat down with soon to be Prof. Jim Motes to find out a little more about him personally. Below is an excerpt from our discussions with the professors.

1. What’s your favorite book of the Bible and why? 

It's actually two books, Luke-Acts. I enjoy Luke's perspective on the Gospel. His keen interest in the marginalized people that Jesus reached out to is to me profound. I also enjoy how he picks up the gospel story in an upper room and finishes the story in Rome.