Following the worship service where I was the guest speaker, the pastor and his wife invited me to their apartment for lunch. I wanted to accept the gracious invitation, but wondered if they could afford to feed another—for they lived in a country that had serious financial challenges. To not accept would have been inappropriate; so I accepted, deciding that I would leave a meaningful gift.
As we waited for lunch, the young pastor told me he wanted to show me something important. His face brightened as he invited me to see his book collection that was in the corner of the room—a rather small collection, but very special to him. With great enthusiasm he showed me a special section of five or six books and said, “These books are very special to me for they help me with my ministry.” I recognized them for they were published by the Ministerial Association of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In addition to the content of the books, they were special because they were affordable—provided to this pastor and thousands of others around the world at less than one-tenth the retail price.
The concept of providing needed resources to pastors—especially in economically challenged areas of the world—was the dream of James A. Cress, who, after a brief illness, died November 26, 2009. Since his death, words of condolence to his wife, Sharon, and his family have been spoken and words of commendation for his ministry have been expressed by many around the world. On this page—a page where we published his “Pastor’s Pastor”—I wish to express appreciation for his commitment of providing for the needs of pastors around the world. Much could be written about his contributions, but I will highlight some of his outstanding achievements:
• James Cress’s “Pastor’s Pastor,” first published in January 1993, has been a blessing to clergy. Since 1993, approximately 200 “Pastor’s Pastor” articles have been published. The title itself is significant. In the Adventist Church, one of the main roles of ministerial secretaries includes providing support to congregational pastors, and Jim’s “Pastor’s Pastor” column reflected this mission.
• Since 1928, Ministry has been provided to Adventist clergy, and since the mid-1970s it has been made available (six issues yearly) to clergy of other denominations. Jim Cress, during his leadership, expanded that program and now more than 85,000 receive the journal. Additionally, a new way of providing continuing education was introduced in 1998. When I proposed the concept of broadcast-by-satellite live seminars to clergy around the world, Jim enthusiastically embraced and supported the concept and thousands have benefited.
• James Cress’s commitment to pastors was also exhibited when, in 1995, he energetically started local training seminars for Adventist ministers around the world. Scores of such events were held over the next several years, and more than 90 percent of Adventist ministers have participated.
He will be remembered for numerous other contributions, including the start-up and expansion of Elder’s Digest—a journal for key leaders in the churches, and his support of pastoral families and spouses, evangelism, and training of students for ministry. He will be remembered as a pastor and as a pastor to pastors. The pictures here are only snapshots of some of moments in his life. The contributions we have mentioned are only a sampling of his ministry. We thank God for James A. Cress’s ministry and rejoice in the promise of the resurrection.
Those who wish to send a message of appreciation or a message to Sharon, Jim’s wife, please write or email us at [email protected].
–Nikolaus Satelmajer, editor
