In December 2024, James Wilson Jr. was driving across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel on the way to visit family when he experienced a panic attack that changed his trajectory.

James had been serving as the campus pastor of a church launch in Norfolk. He was doing well, the church was doing well, and he was in a ministry context that he enjoyed and working for a church that he loved.

What was missing?
 

A clue to this missing piece lay in an experience James had in February 2024 on a trip to Africa. During the trip, James and his team worked with, trained, and encouraged a group of 40-50 pastors. As he and the team ministered, something happened in James that set his heart on fire, giving him a sense that he had hit a unique spot where his passions ignited in a new and life-giving way. Reflecting on the trip, he realized it wasn’t necessarily being in a different country that got his passions flaring; instead, it was the ministry of encouraging the pastors.

God got his attention.
 

When he returned home, James wasn’t quite ready to consider what action he might need. But after months and months of not following up with God’s prompting, James’ body finally gave him the sign on that bridge that it was time to enter the Circle, consider what God was saying to him, and respond.
 

The weight of change was heavy. There were so many things to consider: the well-being of his family, how he would earn an income, where they would live, and how James would follow God’s prompting to build up leaders within the church. Internally, he battled many conflicting feelings about leaving his position—fear of being disloyal, of betraying and disappointing others.
 

However, Jesus’ invitation was stronger than all James' doubts, questions, and concerns. James took a leap of faith and began conversations with the leaders of his ministry context in February 2025, which eventually led to his preaching his last sermon at Freedom Life Church Norfolk in May 2025. From that point on, James took time to pursue God and to dream with God about what He might be calling him to do.

Every step of the way, God has been providing for James and his family—from having exactly what they needed while he stepped away from his previous church, to moving back north to Allentown, NJ, and finding a beautiful space and place to live through connections with the people of God. Now, James is taking a leap of faith to start his own motivational speaking and leadership consulting business. In addition, he is serving as associate director of Uptick Catalyst.

Though things aren’t easy on this faith road that the Wilsons have been asked to walk in this season, James wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s been invited into this intimate place of deep trust with the Lord, he is emotionally well, spiritually clearer, relationally present with his family, and using his new home already as a place of peace for his neighbors. He feels more alive and well than he has in a long time.

James is passionate about helping church leaders thrive within their context. If you, your students, or your leadership team is looking for a reset or a refresh for your leadership, you can reach him as a resource at jameswilsonjr.com.