Jim Baumgardner, Jr.           Family Life Minister  

Jim is a Kansas boy by way of California (somewhat long story). He has a heart for helping people experience God's grace within both their natural and spiritual family relationships. He's been involved in such ministry since 1992, serving in various roles, including youth, family, and preaching ministry for churches in Austin, Dallas, and Dayton. His current ministry focus, since July 2006, is directing Families In Touch, the Family Life Ministry of the Manhattan (KS) Church of Christ.

Along the way God has blessed him with the opportunity to earn the AA in Liberal Arts from York College (1988), BA in Ministry from the Institute for Christian Studies (1996), MA in Family Studies from Cincinnati Bible Seminary (2001), and MA in Counseling from Cincinnati Christian University (2006). He's a Certified Family Life Educator and a Licensed Professional Counselor.

God has also blessed him with his wonderful wife, Mary (a Wisconsin girl), whom he met in 1986 while both were attending York College. They were married in 1989 in Derby, KS and have three precious children: Caleb (1996), Chloe (2002), and Corban (2006). Jim enjoys music, camping, backpacking, softball, High Pointing, reading, disc golf, "nights out" with Mary, and "tickle-tackles" with the kids.