Brian James, the senior pastor of Level Grove Baptist Church since 2006 and a 1990 graduate of Habersham Central High School, became the sixth person to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at Habersham Central Friday, May 23.
James, recognized for his lifelong dedication to faith, education and community service, will serve as the keynote speaker at Habersham Central’s 2025 graduating class Friday night.
During the May 23 ceremony honoring James, Habersham County Board of Education Member Joey Duncan spoke as a representative of the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce before he offered James a gift and a donation to Level Grove Baptist Church on behalf of the Chamber.
“Brian, it’s great to see you receiving this award,” Duncan told James. “I consider you a friend, and it’s my honor to be here tonight to present this to you.”
School System Superintendent Patrick Franklin, accompanied by Habersham County Board of Education Chairman Russ Nelson and Assistant Superintendent David Leenman, then presented the award to James.
“Looking back from where I came from to where we are now, it’s by the grace of God that I am where I am,” James said. “As I look around this room, every single one of you have made an impact on my life and I’ll never forget that. I just want to say how much I appreciate you guys…everything I have I have because of God’s grace and mercy. I appreciate you all, and I appreciate what you all mean to me and my family.”
Past recipients of the HCHS Lifetime Achievement Award include Dr. Stacy Nicholson, Class of ’77; Dr. Emily Foster Howell, Class of ’96; Marlan Wilbanks, Class of ’79; Air Force Lt. Col. Preston McConnell, Class of ’91; and Dr. Aaron Scott, Class of ’91.
Setting an example
Franklin was one of around two dozen in attendance who took a moment to speak personally of James as a leading pastor in the community.
“I appreciate what you do for the children of Habersham County,” Franklin said. “We have hundreds that attend (Level Grove), and what your group does, I can’t say enough for.”
Habersham Central Principal Adam Bagwell also offered words of appreciation and admiration to James Friday.
“On behalf of Habersham Central High School, Dr. James, I just want to say congratulations on this recognition,” Bagwell said. “More importantly, thank you for the service you provide to our community and communities beyond Habersham County. What you’ve been able to accomplish and do in your life is just really impressive. It sets such a great example for our students. Many of our students know you personally, and have been influenced by you directly, which is just phenomenal.”
Before the end of the ceremony, school officials unveiled a framed dedication of James’ Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be displayed at the high school alongside the others.
From higher ed to a higher calling
James pursued higher education with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness from the University of Georgia in 1996, followed by a master of Business Administration from Brenau University in 1999. His theological journey led him to earn a master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2003 and a Doctorate in Ministry in Expository Preaching from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2017.
A key figure in youth mentorship, James co-founded Camp Koinonia (Camp K), an area-wide discipleship camp that has grown to serve hundreds of children and young adults annually. The camp offers mission training, community outreach opportunities, and leadership development for young counselors, impacting thousands of North Georgia residents.
Beyond his work at Camp K, James has played a pivotal role in global and local mission efforts. His leadership has facilitated mission trips to Haiti, the Bahamas, Honduras and various states across the U.S., including Florida, South Dakota and South Carolina. In partnership with local pastors in the Dominican Republic, he has contributed to the training of ministry leaders. His compassion ministry is known to provide vital assistance to those in need within the local community.
James’ influence extends beyond the church, as he has served on the Board of Directors for the Victory Home Alcohol/Drug Rehabilitation Center and as chairman of the Nominating Committee of the Georgia Baptist Convention. Since 2004, he has also served as Chaplain for the Habersham Raider Football team. His dedication to education and faith has led to the publication of various curricula, including materials for church leaders, premarital counseling and camp programs.
Under his leadership, Level Grove Baptist Church has become one of the largest congregations in northeast Georgia. His philosophy of leadership is rooted in servanthood and humility, believing that “a pastor should not only be the worship leader but the lead worshiper in a body of believers.”
