James (Jamie) W. Koerts
I was born in upstate New York, where I spent all of my childhood. Being raised in a Christian home with godly parents, I learned at a young age to love God, and eventually trusted Christ as my Savior. It was natural for me to love God, as my parents diligent fostered and reinforced that love. It was, however, a challenge to recognize my need of a Savior (Romans 3:23), understand that there is a penalty for my sin (Romans 6:23), realize that Christ paid to redeem me (Romans 6:23; 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21), trust in His finished work (Romans 10:9, 13), and become a Christ-follower. I’m grateful for the gift of salvation, and for the assurance I have that my life is safe in God’s hands, now and forever.

Growing up we attended a Christian & Missionary Alliance church which was full of faithful mentors and godly men and women. It is there that I was given many opportunities to serve and grow. According to my mom, long before I took any piano lessons, I was playing the piano on the back of the pew in front of me as we sang the congregational hymns. An lady—a retired one-room school house teacher by the name of Lillian Harrington—noticed my musical interests, and offered to pay for my piano lessons. She continued to do so through my middle school and high school years, and even into college. This godly saint, who is now in heaven, cared a great deal to invest her life into the lives of others, and I feel privileged to be a part of her godly heritage.

While studying church music at Bob Jones University, I had the privilege of studying choral arranging and orchestration under Joan Pinkston and Dwight Gustafson. While in college, I was also privilege to have my first songs published, as well as travel with a male quartet, the Voices of Praise. We ministered in churches all throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and a week long tour in Indiana. It was during this time that I grew as a church pianist and accompanist, was able to write songs for the quartet, and be involved in three recordings that the group released.

After college, I the Lord led me to Victory Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, where I served with Pastor John Van Delinder. While there, I had the privilege of serving in the Christian Academy as a music teacher and piano instructor. My load regularly consisted of teaching assorted classes, directing choirs and band, teaching approximately twenty piano students, as well as assisting in the duties of the church music ministry. Also at Victory, I met my wife, Beth (Riley). She came on staff as a first grade teacher, and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with her!

Beth and I were married on June 17, 2005 at Victory Baptist Church. We continued to serve at the church and school for another two years, during which time we had our first child, Michael. The Lord led us from that ministry to Mikado Baptist Church in the summer of 2007, where we currently serve with Pastor Rusty Smith. After the move, Beth and I had our second child, Katelyn. Together, Beth and I love children, and we find so much joy in raising them and being with them. Our favorite family activities involve going on vacations, and going to parks together. Beth has a passion for educating children, and serves in our church with the children’s ministry.

In 2008 James and Beth were given the awesome privilege of starting a Newlywed Sunday school class in their church. Together they enjoy serving the newlyweds of the church, and have a strong desire to see young married couples strengthen their relationships and build a solid foundation for a long-lasting marriage.