Profile, Rev. Jim Hopkins, Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church

This is the profile of mighty preacher, the Rev. Jim Hopkins of Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church.  During our photo shoot on the busy sidewalk in front of the church building, I asked Rev. Hopkins to do a little preaching for an action shot.  He did, with one hand holding a Bible and the other raised toward heaven.  This man embodies the words of Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..."

Q: What is your favorite verse of scripture?

JH:  "Jeremiah 29:7, 'Seek the peace of the city you are in, for in its peace you will find your peace.'"

Q: What verse of scripture does your community most need to hear?

JH:  "'No more of this.'  Jesus in response to one of his friend's using a sword while Jesus was being arrested (Luke 22:47-53).  I think Jesus is speaking to the use of violence in general."

Q: What signs of hope are occurring in your community?

JH:  "People are recognizing that if we can pay for an unnecessary foreign war, we can pay for health care for everyone who needs it."

Q: How is God at work in your community?

JH:  "God is at work to remind us that in Oakland, in this city where the people of the world come together, we have an opportunity to 'Do justice, live kindness, and walk humbly.'"

Thank you to Rev. Hopkins of Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church for participating in Oakland Christian Community.  Please e-mail Matt with story or photo suggestions or to recommend a Christian Leader for my profile series.