Brian James, Ph.D, the senior pastor of Level Grove Baptist Church since 2006, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Habersham Central High School (HCHS) Lifetime Achievement Award.
A 1990 graduate of HCHS, James is being recognized for a lifelong commitment to faith, education and community service.
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. Additionally, his compassion ministry provides 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.”
James and his wife, Paula, reside in Demorest with their four daughters: Morgan, Aubrey, Annabelle and Aedyn. He will be honored at a ceremony at Habersham Central on May 23, where he will also deliver an address to the graduating Class of 2025.
