The Rev. James C. Givens, a native of Lake City Florida was called into service by God and expresses his love for God’s people through empowering community outreach, exciting Christian Education and engaging ministry. This former banker is known as a builder of churches and a fisher of humankind.

 

After several years as pastor of St. Stephen AMEC Miami Gardens and completion of their building project, he was assigned to Mount Olive AMEC Tampa.  They  welcomed him and after receiving great pastoral leadership and the application of his church construction experience, Rev. Givens received an appointment in December 2011 to Mount Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church Fort Myers by the late Bishop McKinley Young, becoming its 41st Pastor.

 

Serving as the Christian Education Director for the 11th Episcopal District of the AME Church he is at the forefront of the planning for the educational structure of our district. He has traveled extensively around the country due to his many other elected and appointed duties representing our Zion on its various levels and many organizational facets.   

 

Having prepared himself academically, but always in pursuit of more learning he holds a B.A. from Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, M.A., Degrees in Pastoral Counseling and Divinity from St. Thomas University Miami, FL and Payne Theological Seminary Wilberforce OH, respectively. His loving family inclusive of his wife Roberta, his adult son, William (a professional engineer) and his beloved mother, Mrs. Lucille Givens encourages and supports all his endeavors.