Dr. James Wagstaff – Old Testament Survey, Lucent University
Faculty — Old Testament Survey

Dr. James Wagstaff

Professor of Old Testament Survey

Dr. James N. Wagstaff teaches Old Testament Survey at Lucent University. D.Min. from Gateway Seminary and Regional Director at Samaritan's Purse.

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  • Regional Director, Samaritan's Purse / Operation Christmas Child
  • 450+ Children served daily in Kibera, Kenya
  • Medical clinic in Tanzania — nearly eliminated local malaria
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Education

Doctor of Ministry
Healthy Organizations and Leadership Development
Gateway Seminary, Ontario, CA
Master of Arts
Education, Leadership and Policy Studies
University of Colorado, Denver, CO
Bachelor of Arts
Communications & Media Studies
University of Westminster, London, England

Professional Experience

Regional Director
Samaritan's Purse / Operation Christmas Child
2021 – Present
  • Directs vision, develops, and trains leaders and teams across a five-state Southwest region to expand global operational reach.
Adjunct Professor
Gateway Seminary & Lucent University
Present
Senior Pastor
North Metro Church — Thornton, CO
2006 – 2021
  • Served as CEO and strategic planner; paid off organizational debt and grew attendance 70% in the first six years.
  • Established a medical clinic in Tanzania, nearly eliminating local malaria.
  • Founded a school and feeding facility in Kibera, Kenya serving 450+ children daily.
  • Opened an orphanage for special needs children in Hyderabad, India.
  • Co-founded Cold Weather Care, transitioning 75% of annual guests into permanent housing.
  • Led COVID-19 pivot to fully integrated online operations reaching 1,500+ global viewers weekly.
Education Specialist / Executive Team
Applewood Church — Wheat Ridge, CO
2003 – 2006
  • Managed holistic education programs (birth through senior adults); increased class attendance by over 30%.
Counselor, Educator & Coach
Faith Christian Academy — Arvada, CO
1999 – 2003
  • Managed curriculum oversight, teacher training, and student guidance counseling.
Athletic Director
Grace Christian School — Clear Lake City, TX
1996 – 1999
  • Built a competitive K–12 athletic program from scratch, fielding 13 sports within three years.

Board Leadership & Affiliations

Board Member, Chair & Vice-Chair
New Hope Initiative
2010 – Present
Founding Member & Consultant
Cold Weather Care
2007 – Present
Leadership Team Member
Ponderosa Retreat and Conference Center
2013 – 2018
Board Member
Manna Worldwide
2003 – 2006

Publications

Seven Essentials
Guide to Understanding the History of the Bible
Translated into Hindi
D.Min. Thesis on Leadership Development
Gateway Seminary

Areas of Expertise

Project Management Change Management Organizational Health Curriculum Development DEI Portfolio Management Teaching & Presentation Vision & Strategy
By the Numbers
20+
Years across education, nonprofit & church
70%
Attendance growth in first 6 years as pastor
450+
Children served daily in Kibera, Kenya
1,500+
Global viewers weekly (COVID pivot)
Global Impact
Medical clinic in Tanzania — nearly eliminated local malaria
School & feeding facility in Kibera, Kenya
Orphanage for special needs children in Hyderabad, India
Conferences in Europe, India, East Africa & USA
Athletic Achievements
3× State Soccer Champion (Men's & Women's)
88% career winning percentage
State Coach of the Year
NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year