By REV. DR. JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

Area ministers were sitting at the IHOP breakfast table hearing reports of God's anointed work in Birmingham, England where prayer has been the focus. Spontaneously, without any prompting or coaching, Rev. Jim Willis said, “Well, let's have a prayer meeting at our church tonight.” He followed through by personally inviting many other ministers and calling his own members. That night we heard wonderful reports of what God was doing in England and we prayed!

At North Fayette Baptist Church Dr. Willis—for he holds an earned doctorate—demonstrates consistently that he does not fit into various political camps, denominational strongholds, nor religious cliques. He does fit, however, into the hearts of people. He holds near and dear those for whom many others don't care: the powerless, the handicapped, the senior citizen. And you know he cares because he shows it.

He's not a power grabber, but a heart hearer. He listens better than most of us. He doesn't judge others, but he does have a difficult time with self- appointed judges.

This year the folks at North Fayette Baptist Church celebrate 20 years of ministry. Jim and Jesus started North Fayette with Jim's devoted family (Terry, Jennifer, Benjamin) and Ralph and Martha Daniels. Then, as now, Jim trusted God to show him the way. After four years and with the help of Jim Daniels and Jim Rogers, Dr. Willis built a beautiful facility to the glory of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Willis has been proactive in the unity movement among south metro churches. Since many of his members are senior citizens, when North Fayette comes to a unity event, it's obvious. However, Jim has taught his folks how to enjoy and appreciate different traditions of worship. I remember one unity service when the music was fast, the beat was heavy, and the sound was loud, the North Fayette folks hung in there and enjoyed every minute. They went home not complaining, but exclaiming the goodness of the Lord. I believe with all my heart, they responded that way due to the loving and kind leadership of their pastor.

These days the neighborhood of North Fayette Baptist Church has been in transition. When Jim started the church 20 years ago, it was all white. Not now. There's a growing African-American presence. North Fayette, nevertheless, doesn't plan to move south. They seek to minister effectively to the people God is bringing in around them. Currently, they are planning to add two new staff positions: one for children and one for youth. That kind of planning for a senior citizen church means they are planning for the future. The are also laying the groundwork to build an educational building next fall.

But not to ignore their largest group, North Fayette plans to add an additional staff member to minister solely to the needs of its senior citizens.

Many of us south metro ministers are blessed to call Jim Willis our friend. He's much like an active gold mine. The more you go along with Jim, the more riches you discover. The community of faith wishes Dr. Jim Willis and North Fayette Baptist Church blessings, prosperity, more love as they move into their third decade of ministry.

The Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor of River's Edge Community Church in Fayetteville.

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