James Granger serves as the Holt Venue Pastor and RivCommunities Director at Riv, where he oversees everything from ministry teams and classes at the Holt Venue to leading the direction and development of RivCommunity content and ministers. His passion lies in equipping leaders to help others grow in their faith, while also staying grounded in his love for reading, thinking, and a little time to himself.

James first encountered the Gospel through Young Life as a high school junior, and it changed his life. After moving to Lansing in 1991 to join the Young Life staff, he visited Riv, heard Pastor Steve preach straight from Scripture, and has been part of the Riv family ever since.

When he’s not pastoring or mentoring, you can find James spending time with his wife, sons, and friends, diving into a good book, shooting hoops, golfing, or challenging someone to a word game. He’s also been known to make a beeline for Chick-fil-A—his favorite spot in Lansing.

James draws strength from Romans 8:18, a verse that holds special meaning as his son Luke’s life verse: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.”

A few of James’ go-to recommendations? The Bible, The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman, The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom, Band of Brothers, and—if you’re into zombie apocalypses—The Walking Dead.