Alumni Post: James McGovern
My Time at The Wesley Foundation
While sitting in psychology class two weeks into my first quarter at Louisiana Tech in fall of 2002, I asked Brittany (Watts) Burnett if she had been to The Wesley Foundation yet? To that point I had not gone. I distinctly remember asking her that question to test the waters, seeing if I was behind the curve for Methodist freshmen I knew from the Louisiana Conference.
It is hard to not recall memories from my college days that do not directly or indirectly involve The Wesley Foundation. Being naturally shy and timid, my time at The Wesley helped mold me into a more outgoing and communicative person.
Within a few weeks from my conversation with Brittany, I was headfirst into just about everything at Wesley. I was in Dan and Anna Rasmussen’s small group. I attended The Well weekly. Renee’ (Murray) Atkins's cooking produced a line that backed out the door for Laid Back Lunch. Renee’s future husband, Ken Atkins, and his dear friend Chad Wages began to mentor me. Later, both asked me to be a part of their wedding party at their respective weddings.
That fall, I became intricately involved with intramurals at The Wesley coaching both guys' and girls’ flag football and guys' and girls’ softball for the next few years. I was using this time to mold myself into a coach, thinking that would become my track in life.
In the winter of 2003, Scott Wright approached me to be on the Wesley Leadership team beginning in the spring of 2003. According to Scott, I became the first freshman to serve on the Leadership team during his time as director of The Wesley.
What Have I Been Doing?
I guess many of you who knew me back then might guess coaching football. Admittedly, I do rekindle that dream every now and then, but no, I am not coaching.
I began a career in insurance after my time at Louisiana Tech and The Wesley. However, in 2013, I moved into a consultant role within healthcare operating out of a company in Jackson, Mississippi. Through the help of Matt Hoffmann (a current physician I initially met through The Wesley in spring of 2003), I became a consultant in east Texas and north Louisiana assisting physicians and medical groups as they transitioned regarding the changes in the Affordable Care Act. I helped these medical practices seek ways to capture more revenue, adding to their already successful practice.
After a few years of consulting, I moved back into insurance. I continue to maintain my various insurance licenses, though it is no longer a primary means of income.
Where Am I Now?
In 2015, for Scott and Marcie Wright’s going away party, someone wanted to show the Wrights their impact, asking those in attendance who are in ministry to please stand up. It was over 60-70%. Sitting at my office desk in the winter of 2018 frustrated and tired of the grind from selling, I opened Google and began searching for seminary options. I guess that isn’t much of a surprise. Scott and Marcie consistently encouraged students to pursue ministry opportunities.
I enrolled in seminary in the summer of 2018 pursuing a Master’s of Divinity. For years I resisted enrolling, but once taken to my wits' end, the Lord allowed for a smooth transition to this phase of my life. I am currently halfway through the curriculum.
In June 2019, John Knox Presbyterian Church hired me to be their campus pastor (non-ordained) for Reformed Christian Students to Louisiana Tech and Grambling. I joined John Knox Presbyterian Church in July 2016 after moving back to Ruston from Marshall, Texas. During my time in Marshall, I became a member at Marshall Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). While there, the elders at Marshall EPC approached me regarding their vacant youth pastor position. That position was my first taste of pastoral ministry.
My Time at The Wesley Foundation Retrospectively
A few years ago, Rachel (Booth) Shipp told me, “Nobody would have expected you to be the theologian from the group.” She’s correct. You see, I often feel I wasted my time at The Wesley. Sure, I gained friends and learned a lot from Scott, the interns, and the relationships formed during those days, but I was not doing much personally to grow in the knowledge of the Lord. I was drifting through life with seemingly little purpose. I cared about football to the point of idolatry, and even now, writing this, I tear up knowing where my heart was. Nevertheless, the seeds of consistently going to The Wesley Foundation continued to channel the Lord’s work in my life.
Consistently attending Wesley Foundation activities created a culture within my life that girded me for life within the body of Christ. It taught me that the ebb and flow of Christian life is cultivated through means of a common fellowship with believers. The regiment implemented by Scott for the roles, duties, and requirements of Leadership staff cultivated habits of doing what is required regardless of emotional disposition. These conditions prepped me for ministerial work. Scott took seriously the call to Leadership staff and often re-evaluated students on Leadership staff if they failed to live up to the requirements outlined in the Leadership Covenant.
I am forever grateful for the principles of these requirements outlined in the Leadership Covenant and my days on Leadership staff.
Though I regret much of my wasted time, the Lord used those years to teach me to know people. At The Wesley, I learned to see that each person possesses desires, emotions, and internal conflicts that permeate the soul.
The Wesley Foundation Beyond My Years at Tech
Beyond the Wrights, The Wesley Foundation at Louisiana Tech continues to be a fabric intricately woven within my life. The recent passing of Rev. William “Bill” Stokes (director of The Wesley 1957-88) highlights the transcendent impact The Wesley Foundation has in my life. About a year ago, I bought “The Letters of Paul: A Guide for Bible Readers” from Rolling Hills. Sifting through this book in my study, I noticed this book previously belonged to Bill Stokes, possessing some of his notes. Moreover, Rev. Andy Hurst (who served as director of The Wesley after Rev. Stokes) was one of my pastors at Trinity UMC in the early 2000s. I greatly admire his love for the Lord and his love for the body of Christ. Furthermore, the love he has for the Lord and his family continues to disciple and challenge me. Additionally, Ryan Ford and I attended the Wesley at overlapping times during the early to mid-2000s. When considered, my relationships with the Louisiana Tech Wesley Foundation extend 62 years. May the Lord give it 62 more years of fruitful obedience of making disciples of Christ!
Those who attended The Wesley anytime between 2002-2006, I am forever grateful for your friendship and conversations. I sincerely hope I was a blessing in your life because you are in mine.
James McGovern is now serving as the campus ministry intern at John Knox Presbyterian Church. His time spent at the Wesley helped to prepare him for his calling today. Anyone meeting James will encounter a servant of God who’s heart and ambitions are set on furthering His kingdom.