Our Story

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. — James 1:22

Mission Saint James is a church plant of All Saints Anglican Church (ACNA) dedicated to gospel ministry in the downtown/midtown area of Jackson, Tennessee. Rooted in the Anglican tradition, Mission Saint James longs to love and serve our community in the name of Jesus Christ. We began gathering for fellowship in October of 2021 in the home of Kevin and Liz Vailes for meals, fellowship, and worship. Beginning in the latter part of 2022 and early 2023 we began a season of monthly preview services at Lane College. On Sunday, April 23, 2023, Mission Saint James launched weekly services at Forest Heights United Methodist Church. Over the next year, we met major benchmarks for establishing a new congregation from filing for legal status to staff development. As we move forward into the future, we are committed to our mission to be a place for wanderers to dwell.

We belong to the Anglican Church of North America (ANCA) and the Anglican Diocese of the South (ADOTS). We are part of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), which is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Our Timeline

  • A group of 29 adults and children gather for the first of many Sunday afternoon gatherings. Partly named from the acronym for Jackson Anglican Mission and partly named after a desire to distribute homemade jam to our neighbors, Sunday JAM became a weekly event that included a meal, prayer, and Bible study.

  • After nearly six months of gathering, Sunday JAM grows to 45 adults and children (12 households). Bishop Foley Beach officially names the mission: Mission Saint James. Weekly Eucharist is celebrated and discussions about future preview services begin.

  • A presentation to Mission Saint James and All Saints Anglican Church is held. The mission, vision, and financial needs for the upcoming season is shared. The first preview service is announced.

  • Mission Saint James holds its inaugural public service at Lane College with 82 in attendance. Eight more monthly services are held including the Great Easter Vigil. Services move to Forest Heights United Methodist Church. The Mission Saint James Launch Team is formed.

  • All Saints Anglican Church holds a commissioning service for the Launch Team. Mission Saint James prepares for official launch the following week.

  • Mission Saint James begins weekly services with 81 in attendance. Many from All Saints attend in support.

  • The first Advisory Team is established at Mission Saint James. A small team of laity and clergy are appointed by Fr. Ben Williams to help plan for the future and guide the fellowship from mission to parish.

  • As internal giving increases and external giving tapers, Mission Saint James provides stipends for an Administrator and Music Minister.

  • Mission Saint James files Articles of Incorporation with the state of Tennessee. This is the first of several steps toward self-sustainability.

  • Mission Saint James moves into the LANA/Downtown neighborhood. After much prayer and discernment, an agreement with historic Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Church is made and MSJ begins weekly services in her target neighborhood.