About James and his family

James Detwiler served as Lead Pastor of FBC Beverly Hills, California from 2008 to 2010 (and Associate Pastor from 2006-2008). Born and raised in Kentucky, James holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Divinity degree from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Christian Preaching at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

James and his wife, Meredith, married in 2004. The two met while serving as short-term missionaries in Hawaii, China, and Thailand. For five years, they served together at First Baptist Church of Beverly Hills, where Meredith led the Women’s Ministry.

Meredith has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and was pursuing a Master of Divinity degree from GGBTS before taking time off for full-time motherhood. She is currently involved in the Seminary Wives Institute at SBTS. The couple had their first child, Eden Moriah, in May 2007 and their second, Joelle Elizabeth, in November 2010.

In his spare time, James enjoys pursuing his interests in music, sports, and cooking. More information is available on the family’s website, www.jamesandmeredith.com.