Prof. Hight demonstrated a remarkable gift for encouraging people who are walking through seasons of discouragement or what they may wrongly perceive as failure. From the moment he began speaking, he connected authentically with our group of some 50 full-time workers serving in demanding MENA (Middle East and North Africa) contexts. His humble character and patient listening created an atmosphere where people felt heard and understood. What particularly struck me was Jim’s wisdom in not rushing to conclusions or offering premature advice. He listens carefully and thoughtfully, taking time to understand before speaking. Combined with his excellent biblical scholarship, this makes him uniquely equipped to provide both theological depth and practical pastoral insight. Perhaps most tellingly, after spending time with Jim, you find yourself naturally wanting to sit down with him and talk openly about your situation at your work or ministry place. That kind of approachability and trustworthiness cannot be manufactured—it flows from genuine pastoral care and experience. As someone who coordinates care for workers in challenging ministry contexts, I believe Prof. Hight offers pastors a rare combination: scholarly excellence, pastoral sensitivity, and the humble wisdom that comes from serving in both academic and congregational settings. I encourage you to reach out to him. You will find in him a thoughtful mentor and faithful guide.

Dr. Ben Oehler

Staff Care Coordinator for MENA Field Workers

Jim possesses uncommon skills that equip him with an incisive ability to read difficult situations, anticipate problems before they become crises, and chart administrative directions that are both preventive and problem-solving at the same time. Jim saw firsthand the ministry devastation that resulted from the moral failure of a pastor in a small church in Kansas City that he and I were both called upon to assist during that difficult time. The experience reinforced in Jim a clear resolve and commitment to purity, transparency and righteousness in the way that ministry is conducted from top to bottom in the local church. Needless to say, I have the highest possible confidence in Jim and am happy to provide him with my unqualified and enthusiastic endorsement.

Dr. Steve Carpenter

Word & Spirit Ministries