James Caminata, BA, M. Div., D. Min. - ETM Training Graduate in 2005, ETM Team Member since 2012.
God called me to Himself during my time at Michigan State University, where I learned about the Gospel through Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU). Their staff equipped me for four years to share my faith boldly and rely on the Spirit for results. I also received foundational discipleship training and participated in two summer projects for further evangelism and discipleship education. I graduated from MSU in 1978, was led to Western Seminary for missionary training, and was mentored by distinguished men. In 1985, the Church in Portland sent me to Italy with unanimous approval.
I became fluent in Italian and served there for 7 years. I also was prepared for ordination by my Oregon pastor and ordained in 1990 after ministerial experience. I have a passion for sharing the Gospel and equipping others for the Lord. I faced many challenges when I returned to Italy and wrote a thesis on Italian culture. This led to teaching opportunities in Russia, where I have made 15 trips during 40 years in Italy, and several trips to Armenia and Romania. I taught courses about “Radiating Christ in Life and Ministry” and “Models for Disciple Makers,” which were voted the best by students every year during their training.
During my first visit to North Carolina in 2005, I received training from Colin McDougall at ETM on the Models for Disciple Makers, which follows Jesus' method of making disciples. This instruction affected my world and the Word continues to have an ever deeper impact on my development. I have spent the last 18 years using the gifts and knowledge of the Word I gained to share with men and married couples. I continue to be instructed and transformed by the Word and the Spirit, with a passion to become His effective agent of change under His will.
It brings immense joy to enable others to become multiplying disciples of Jesus. We have access to His unfailing command, eternal message, divine love, and explosive power to accomplish this task. I have been strengthened to continue this incredible mission. Jesus desires all to live as His disciples and serve until His return. Let us keep persevering until Jesus comes. Let's be ready for eternity. Are you prepared for it? Maranatha!
My prayer for all Christ gives to me to equip as disciple makers with six vital items in Paul’s prayer of Ephesians 3:16-20
~ Submission to God’s Word
~ Strengthened with the Spirit’s power
~ Rooted and grounded in His love
~Comprehend His Incomprehensible love
~ Filled with all the fullness of God
~ Experiencing Him doing far beyond all we could ask or think
