Pastor J. Livingston

Reverend James W. Livingston Sr. was born and raised in Buffalo, NY the fourth in a family of seven.  Depending on which circle of people you find him with, he is affectionately called Reverend J., Coach J. or just plain old J.   Wherever you find him, you will find a preacher, teacher, or coach, who loves all of God�s people.

Throughout his life he has had a penchant for God; therefore, Reverend Livingston has had a special place in his heart for God and always affiliated with the church.  From the time he left home and attended college, he sought out a place of worship.  He was ordained as deacon in two churches, Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, as well as First Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, both in New York. Relocating his family to Georgia, he continued to seek the Lord and accepted the call to preach and teach.  He was licensed by the congregation of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe, Georgia in 1996.  Later he moved to Jonesboro, joining the Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in College Park, in 1997 and was ordained the following year.  Again in obedience to the Spirit of God, he united with the Church of the Good Shepherd in 2008, where he served as an Associate Minister.

Teaching and coaching have continually been a passion for the Reverend, who began his formal education by receiving a Bachelor�s degree from Eastern New Mexico University in 1981. He has also received a Master�s degree in Education from SUNY at Brockport, New York and a Master�s degree in Divinity from Mercer University McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. Continuing the passion Reverend Livingston is presently enrolled in Nova Southeastern University is pursuit of a doctorate in Organization Leadership.

Over the last 30 years, Rev. Livingston has coached over 1,500 young men and women, using athletics as the medium to instill a Christ-centered foundation in their daily walk. His passion for the Holy Spirit is evident in all that he does. 

Reverend Livingston is married to the former Marilyn House and currently resides in Jonesboro, Georgia. They are proud parents of two adult children; daughter Jayelyn and son James, Jr.