James was born in 1971 to David and Sue Telgren. He has an older brother, John, who preaches for the Leavenworth Church of Christ in Kansas. He also has a younger sister, Anna, who lives in Omaha with her family of seven. Born into an Army family, relocating was common until the 3rd grade when his dad joined the Army Corp of engineers and was stationed permanently in the Omaha Nebraska area. James grew up in Plattsmouth, a small town about a half- hour south of Omaha. James graduated from Plattsmouth High school and his interests included speech, drama, track and computer programming. He was baptized into Christ at age thirteen. He became heavily involved in youth group activities and was a member of the travelling Christian drama group “Eye Openers.” His mom and dad spent much time volunteering at church and were a great encouragement to his involvement with the youth group. After working in a volunteer capacity in several congregations, James was encouraged to pursue ministry full-time. In 2000 he completed a bachelor's degree from the School of Biblical Studies at Harding University. He also held a part-time preaching position with a small congregation while there. James met his wife Andrea while in Searcy. As he was finishing his bachelor's degree, she was working as an RN in Labor and Delivery. James knew there was something special about her from the moment they met. They were married in Eureka Springs, AR in March of 2002. They moved to Richland Washington in 2002 where James served as the Youth and Family Minister for four years. Desiring to get involved in medical mission work, they moved to Sioux Falls in 2007 where James enrolled in a medical ultrasound program. During this time they first came to know the 41st Street congregation and fell in love with the people there. After moving to Omaha for a brief period, the Telgrens felt God's call to return to Sioux Falls. They have been back with us since January 2010 to minister to the congregation and to share the gospel message in the area. |