Meet The Pastor

Lead Pastor James Shupp
James likes to tell the story this way, “I’m an average guy who grew up in a 14X80 trailer at the end of a dirt road in Midland, TX. But ever since Jesus saved me and called me, I’ve been chasing Him with reckless abandon.” It’s really something of a miracle that James is even with us today. Tragically, his mother was raped when she was only 15 years old. When it was discovered that she was pregnant during a routine medical examination, the doctor tried to force her to have an abortion. What happened in his office changed the fragile teenage mother-to-be and her unborn child forever. The physician walked over to the cabinet, pulled out a few instruments to perform “a procedure,” and then approached the young girl. He was determined. She was frightened. Crying, completely hysterical, and not knowing how to react, she heard the voice of God: “Stop him! This one belongs to me.” Although she was not a Christian at the time, the startling words from somewhere up above shook her to the core. This is how our pastor’s story began—with a voice from the unknown. And fortunately, it’s not how the story ends. The mysterious voice ignited something from deep within her to protect this unborn child. "My mother's courage and determination to obey God's voice," says James, "is the only reason that I'm alive today." James has been the lead pastor of several churches over the last two decades. They range in membership from a few dozen to several thousand. He holds a BA in Bible from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene and two masters’ degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth. He is the author of One Blinding Vision: The Quest to See Jesus. James has been married to Cherry for twenty-eight fantastic years. Together they raised two “PK” sons. He enjoys reading, writing, and lately, church planting. He founded The Movement Church of San Antonio after God shook him up and rattled his bones. It’s a long story, but suffice to say, it was an irresistible invitation from God to join Him on a mission to go after hurting and confused people. In addition, James is frequently invited to share the story of his birth at "Crisis Pregnancy Center" banquets and prolife events. He’s been known as a pastor’s best friend and does some private consulting for churches on the side. James loves to speak at church retreats and camps. He also gets a kick out of mentoring engaged couples and performing their wedding ceremonies. Our pastor would love to talk with you personally. He’s just an email away. You can ask him about The Movement Church or the latest book he’s writing. He loves people and is always looking for someone who wants to grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat in order to discuss spiritual matters.
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