Jim Showers Assumes Position of Executive Director
Dr. James A. Showers took the reins this month as president and executive director of The Friends of Israel (FOI), becoming only the fifth man to do so in the 74-year history of the organization that was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Christians determined to help Europe’s beleaguered Jewish population.
He was appointed by the board of directors in November 2011 to succeed William E. Sutter who retired May 1 after 25 years of faithful and distinguished service. Board Chairman James P. MacLean said, “On learning of President Sutter’s decision to retire, the board, without hesitation, recognized God’s calling and direction in the matter and unanimously appointed Jim to be president and executive director as of May 1, 2012, in which position he will also serve as a member of FOI’s board of trustees.”
Jim’s personal warmth, knowledge, and wisdom, as well as his devotion to the Lord and sincere love for Israel and the Jewish people, are qualities everyone at FOI has valued from the moment he joined the organization in 2002 as director of finance, treasurer, and chief financial officer. He was later named vice president and then executive vice president.
“During Jim’s decade of exemplary service in multiple positions at FOI,” said Bill Sutter, “he has been a huge help to the ministry and a blessing to everyone. While demonstrating capable management skills ministry-wide, Jim has represented the Lord and FOI well in a wide range of public ministries.”
In 2009, in addition to his regular duties, Jim assumed the directorship of FOI’s Institute of Jewish Studies for two years. He structured its transition from a limited, traditional classroom program to a flourishing online school that now reaches all seven continents with an affordable, quality education in Bible.
Then he began developing the Hesed Project, FOI’s new adult-volunteer program in Israel, which took its first group to the Holy Land in March.
Born and raised in the home of a Baptist pastor, Jim Showers graduated from college with a degree in accounting and worked in business for 15 years, holding the positions of assistant controller, vice president of finance, and chief financial officer. He also served as seminary registrar at Baptist Bible College & Seminary in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, as well as president of the BBC Foundation, Inc. and vice president of development.
Dr. Showers earned both his master of divinity (1995) and doctor of ministry (2007) degrees from Baptist Bible Seminary. His doctoral thesis was titled “May They Prosper Who Love You: A Case for Christian Zionism.”
Dr. Showers speaks at conferences, churches, and schools nationwide; is a frequent participant in events supporting Israel; and is a strong advocate of the country’s growing Jewish-Christian alliance. He also has helped lead three joint Jewish-Christian trips to Israel and three FOI Up to Jerusalem tours.
He has been published in The Journal of Ministry & Theology, and his popular series on Replacement Theology concludes in this issue of Israel My Glory.
Jim and his wife, Diane, live in southern New Jersey and have two married children.
Dear Jim,
I know that Renald has been promoted to glory, but I wanted to commend him (and you) for his Pre-wrath exposé!!
I also wrote two articles I invite you to read at:
https://amos37.com/pre-wrath-rapture-principality-decalog/
Thanks again for your work in exposing the deeds of darkness as the Apostle Paul commanded!
Blessings
James Sundquist
Hello,
I know who you are..I have made an inquiry about your leadership with the company in 1982. I went to Israel in Sept. of 82 with your group..I never got a response except this email for a contribution.
My friend Mark Robinson and John Harmeling introduced me to Friends and I spent a lot of time with Marvin Rosenthal..especially with his sister Marion.
I am from India. we are praying for your ministry . God will protect you all in His Mighty Hands .
I’ve been reading an article you wrote in May/June 2020 “Israel My Glory”, in which you said that a Jewish friend told you that the US is the only place Jewish people have lived without the threat of open anti-Semitism. With respect, Australia is another country to which Jewish people have fled to for exactly the same reason. In fact, recently I heard a Jewish lady being interviewed on the radio who said that she loved our country for that very reason. She felt safe. She felt accepted. Over here, we hear more ‘hate speech’ from the USA regarding Jewish people