Our Pastors

Who We Are

• Our Pastors
• Our Statement of Faith
• Our Core Values
• Starting POINTE
• Sunday Celebration
• Contact Information

Our Life

• HOME Groups
• POINTE Blank
• Kid's POINTE
• Community Outreach
• Ministries

Upcoming Events

• Calendar
• Getting Connected
• Newsletter
• Announcements

Tools For Growth

• Bookstore
• Streaming Video
• TNT  Bible Study(Tuesday Night Teaching)

Facilities

Senior Pastor Jim Childs
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. Click here for the rest of Senior Pastor's bio.

 James B. Childs (Pastor J.B.) is a minister, consultant, and facilitator.  Speaking across the country in settings ranging from seminars to conferences, James utilizes Biblical principles as he speaks and facilitates learning in the area of diversity, leadership, conflict resolution and mediation. With an extensive background in corporate America, as well as volunteer work with non-profit organizations, James brings to his ministry a keen understanding of the need for diversity and the awareness of its implications. His open and often humorous style of communication energizes and challenges audiences as he fosters the "unlearning" of foundational concepts upon which many of society's problematic interactions are based.  His background includes extensive work with adolescent youth in a variety of training and counseling positions, as well as motivational presentations to audiences ranging from college to adults.

James Brian Childs, born November 19, 1964, the third of four children born to James and Dorothy (Neal) Childs, was reared in the City of Kingston, New York where he attended public schools, and graduated in 1982.  He completed a Bachelor of Science in computer science from State University of New York at New Paltz in 1986 and graduated in May 2007 with a Master of Divinity in Practical Theology and a Master of Arts in Human Service Counseling from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. James was joined in marriage to Ralphine Brandon on October 3, 1987. They have four children; two sons: Jordan and Brandon, and two daughters: Jara and Codi.

          Ralphine Childs recently received her BS in Community and Human Services (June 2007). Her various interests include creatively sharing God's Word through drama, music, dance and other visual arts. As Worship Leader and head of the entire Music Ministry at the Pointe, Ralphine enjoys organizing and creating programs both inside and outside of the walls of the church to edify and challenge people for Christ. She works extensively in with children and youth as Program Director for the King’s Kids Community Program.  Additionally, she has written and produced musical theatrical productions, written and recorded songs, and has authored two books “Don’t Let The Devil Ride” and “Motherly Advice.”

Together this powerful couple, state their desire to be happily married and freely admit that life is not with out conflicts and challenges. Their goal is to live their lives to make Christ attractive to their children and others.

They both are constantly exploring ways to help improve the ministry at Point of Praise. Their desire is to build teams of people to take the ministry to the “next level”.

Even before being called to the spoken Word ministry, James has used and continues to use his God-given musical talents in service as Minister of Music. He founded and led the contemporary gospel group “Shining Light” and has provided production assistance for various recording projects.  James was appointed as Pastor of Pointe of Praise Family Life Center in November of 2005 and works closely with his father and Senior Pastor, Supt. Jim Childs.  With a creative, multi-media approach to ministry, together they are forging the realization of a vision to expand and grow a diverse ministry that is inclusive of the many differences that exist in the Greater Kingston and Hudson Valley area.