Formed in Mission with James Mays

Feb 3

Episode Summary

In this episode of KC Underground, we welcome back regular contributor James Mays, who shares his transformative journey from a life of addiction to becoming a beacon of hope. James opens up about his past struggles and how finding faith has led him to a path of recovery and ministry. James discusses the power of art, community, and the profound impact of living on mission. Join us as we explore themes of identity, resilience, and the transformative power of faith in action.

Key Themes & Takeaways

1. “Yesterday’s Drug Dealer… Today’s Hope Dealer”

James gives a fast, honest snapshot of his story: from “thugging, mugging, and drugging” to walking with Jesus since 2017.
He shares that sobriety has been sustained through daily dependence on Jesus, step work, and consistency—not relapse cycles.
“Every day is a Jesus day” becomes both testimony and survival strategy.

2. Mission Keeps Him Healthy

James explains that he stays healthy when he stays outward-focused: helping others pulls him out of self.
His primary mission field is recovery communities, incarcerated people, and people on the edge of relapse or reoffending.
He describes his personal mission statement: “Get the whole world hooked on hope.”

3. Identity: Joy vs. Happiness and Knowing Who He Is

James names identity as the theme that’s been “glaring” at him: Who am I in Christ? Who is Christ?
He shares how early faith challenged his expectations—especially learning joy (deeper) versus happiness (temporary).
Disciple-making for James grows out of genuine love for people, not strategy or image.

4. Formation Through Offense, Mercy, and Transformation

Brian highlights a noticeable change over time: James has grown in compassion and a softer, more Jesus-shaped approach.
James recalls a moment of learning to “let somebody offend you,” tying it to Jesus’ mercy and “Father forgive them…”
Ministry becomes the place where his upbringing gets rewired—he didn’t learn this at home; he learned it by walking with Jesus.

5. From Lone Wolf to Teamwork and Accountability

Brian notes how James once resisted partnership—but now seeks teammates for accountability and shared mission.
The shift reflects discipleship maturity: not only boldness, but humility and structure.
The conversation points to Luke 10’s “sent in pairs” mindset as a lived practice, not just a teaching point.

6. “Bribes,” Incentives, and Repetition as Discipleship Strategy

James shares a surprising approach rooted in Book of Proverbs—using small incentives to draw people into Scripture writing and group discipleship.
Brian clarifies the idea as “positive reinforcement,” like allowance: not manipulation, but a bridge toward relationship and formation.
James connects this to neuroplasticity—repetition creates new pathways in traumatized minds, helping Scripture lodge deeply over time.

7. Art, Beauty, and Identity as a Maker

James describes how a near-relapse moment led him to write down Book of Joshua 1:9—and obedience to that prompt became the beginning of his art ministry.
Using scrap wood from work, he began making Scripture “trinkets,” then realized God was awakening creativity in him.
He connects the Creator identity of God in Genesis 1 to his own calling: “God creates out of nothing. I make out of something.”

8. Authority, Spiritual Warfare, and “Me, Myself, and I”

James shares his framework of inner life: the “old self” (Juby Mays), the redeemed identity (St. James Rhinestone), and the Spirit-led self in daily contact with God.
He emphasizes authority in Christ using Luke 10:19—no fear-driven spirituality, but confident obedience.
He warns that the enemy has no power without consent, and calls listeners to live awake to spiritual authority.

9. Reciprocity and the Hidden Fruit of Faithfulness

James highlights giving as a pathway to serenity and blessing—for both giver and receiver.
The episode closes with a powerful story: someone noticed James seven years ago and wants “to get some of that” when he gets parole—proof that faithfulness leaves a trail.

Final Thoughts

James’ story is a living reminder that disciple-making isn’t reserved for the polished or the professionally trained—it’s for people who are daily surrendering to Jesus and learning to love others well. The transformation Brian and Cory describe isn’t abstract: it’s real growth in compassion, humility, teamwork, and spiritual authority.

If you’ve ever wondered whether God can use your story, your pain, or even your creativity to bring hope to others, this episode offers a clear answer: yes—and often in the most unexpected ways.