Rev James Adetoro

Rev. James Adetoro James received his calling into ministry at the time he gave his life to Christ. He attended University of Ife, Nigeria (now Obafemi Awolowo University) where he graduated with BA (1983), DMS (1990) and MPA (1992). During his university days he had nothing to do with Christianity which he tagged “a white man’s religion.” In fact he took electives in religion and philosophy to enable him argue with Christian students whenever they come to halls of residence to witness to him. After surrendering his life to Christ he received scholarship in 1993 to attend Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, Ohio, USA. He transferred to The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY to obtain Master of Divinity degree specialising in pastoral care and counselling. He was ordained in 1998 and proceeded for his clinical pastoral education at Emory University Center for Pastoral Services where he served as chaplain resident at Crawford Long Hospital of Emory University, Atlanta, GA. He returned to Southern Seminary to obtain MA degree in Missiology in 2002 with emphasis on church planting, church growth and evangelism. He did his church planting internship at Tropicana Christian Fellowship, in Las Vegas, US. He moved to the UK and lectured theology in a London Christian college. One of his favourite Bible stories is that of the lost son. He would consider himself a lost son by all indications. His father died during his second year in the University. After graduation he needed the legacy left behind for him. All he was interested in was the money and rents accrued from the property. They gave him all the money. He left town and visited major cities, having fun. He lavished all the money and came back home. He said: “The lost son did not change in order to qualify for His Father’s prodigal love and acceptance. In my own polluted life, in my nauseating life the Lord God accepted me when I gave my life to His only Son, Jesus the Messiah. ‘All have sinned and come short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23).” His favourite quotes are: “Attempt great things for God: Expect great things from God” ___ William Carey, 1761 – 1834. “Thinkfulness produces thankfulness.” “No one is so great that God needs him, none so little that God cannot reach him” --- Schlatter.