It was on January 12, 1969, that District Superintendent James L. Best, with the approval of Bishop O.M. Kelly, appointed Elder James Childs as the pastor of St. Clara Church of God in Christ in Kingston, New York.  This event did not get recorded in the Kingston Daily Freeman, nor did it get broadcast over the local news channels. 
There was nothing about this occasion or this “little man” to mark it newsworthy. However, we believe that it was good news in heaven, for it spoke of the amazing grace of God, in choosing an “ordinary man” to do His will.  God placed his anointing upon Elder Childs, and gave to him his life’s mission.  Let’s look at the process God used to make this man of God.

In March of 1958, God, through his love, showed this eighteen year old young man that his life was headed in the wrong direction.  He held out to him the offer of abundant life through Jesus Christ.  Jim Childs accepted that offer and was born again!  He received the promised gift of the Holy Ghost and began to live for Jesus.  That same year, God called him to the ministry and for the next ten years prepared him to serve.

 He served his country in the military while holding to his “conscientious objection” to war.  This was an important lesson for Jim.  He learned he could respect authority while holding firm to his convictions.

 In 1961 he eloped and married Dorothy Neal and began to learn what it means to love, care, share, and be responsible.  He became father of four children: Paula, Cynthia, James and Timothy.  From this experience God taught him that the “church” is like a “home”.  If love is there, then peace, joy, happiness will dwell there also; for God is love!  He learned the importance of developing love and also of providing for his own family.  The scripture came alive to him that says, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” (Eph. 5:25)  Over the years their family grew with the addition of daughters-in-law Ralphine Brandon and Annetta McLymore, and the birth of seven grandchildren: Jordan, Brandon, Jara, Codi, Jeremiah, Jocelyn and Kierstin