James Riggs, (Student Pastor) a graduate from Charlotte High School was born a raised in Charlotte County. After he graduated from High School, he spent three years (1997-2000) in the United States Navy. In July of 2000, he moved to St. Petersburg, Florida where he worked as a sales manager at a junior college. Three years from the time he moved to St. Petersburg, he moved to Kissimmee, Florida to attend Florida Christian College. From 2003 to 2007 he spent time working as a volunteer in a student ministry at his local church and earned a degree in Christian Leadership. Also during that time, he met the love of his life, Tara, and after almost two years of dating, they were wed in August of 2005. After graduating in December of 2007, a choice had to be made; whether to continue schooling or go into ministry.  God clearly led him and his wife back home to Port Charlotte, to be close to family, and as they would soon find out, to be apart of God’s work in the youth of Charlotte County. Initially, he was a part time student pastor at New Hope Christian Church of North Fort Myers, Florida. After eight months there, he accepted the offer to become the Student Pastor at New Day Christian Church where he has served for the last 3 years and looks forward to many more. His family includes two dogs, Dazey and Blu and one cat, Yeti.

Birthday: September 13th

Where did you grow up? Punta Gorda, Fl.

What are you reading? The Bible.  

What are you listening to? Lecrae, Disciple and Hillsong United.

Favorite Movies: Top Gun, Taken, Alladin

Interests /hobbies:  Playing basketball, hanging out with his wife and friends.  

Favorite verse: Luke 9:23

Where’d you go to School?  Charlotte High, Florida Christian College.