Dr. Jim Motes earned two associate degrees, one in Electronic Engineering and the second in Liberal Arts. He then pursued his BA in Religion and Philosophy from Mars Hill College in North Carolina. After this he completed his MDiv/RE at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Later he completed an MS in Management at Southern Wesleyan University. He received his Doctorate in Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hampton, Mass. His doctorial thesis is “Faith Integration in the Work Place.”

He is married to Carrie Ann Motes (they met while at Mars Hill) and they have three grown children and six grandchildren. Jennifer completed her Masters at AU and teaches 8th grade English, Stephen is a Fire Fighter/Paramedic, and Sarah is a student at AU. They have a Boxer named Turner and a cat named Tippi.

He has brought over 20 years experience in Church related ministry from service in Churches in Virginia, North and South Carolina. He has worked in Associational Missions, has taught and continues to teach a variety of subjects in church settings, and is published in Sunday School Leadership magazine. As an “Army brat” his upbringing has enriched his multi-cultural perspective for ministry.

Dr. Motes now seeks out opportunities to expand awareness of the vital issue of sharing and living one’s Christian faith in the work place. He enjoys teaching and placing students in internships both locally and around the world where they can put into practical application the biblical, theological, and ethical education they each receive at AU.

"I deal with students on a regular basis who are both excited and struggle with what each refers to as their “calling from God.” I too believe and live the experience of being called to ministry and to teach. We are called first to a personal relationship with God our Father through Jesus His Son, our Savior. The classroom has a calling to be faithful to God’s Word, God’s missional purpose, and to the student who trusts that the teacher comes prepared. The classroom is not a place for the study of theology in a vacuum but a place to hear and come to terms with the practical application of the theology, theory, philosophy, history, and ethical studies. Bringing experience into the classroom and pursuing experiences outside the classroom completes the educational process.

I have served churches as a Youth Minister, Music Minster, Minister of Education and Youth, Minister of Education, and Minister of Education/Business and Administration. I continue to teach as an assistant Sunday-School teacher and Director and teacher in our church’s Discipleship Training. Preaching and occasionally performing weddings for former students are always very positive experiences that I bring back to the classroom." ~ Dr. Jim Motes