“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21
#EnMisionJuntos o #JuntosEnMision
#InMissionTogether or #TogetherInMission
Since 2016 our NT-NL tagline has been #EnMisionJuntos/#InMissionTogether. This was meant to build upon our recognition that the context we serve is a mission field. And that we do this mission together as synod.
In these years we have seen our communities-towns, cities, congregations, families-become ever more deeply fractured by the divisions of our political and economic contexts. This has challenged the idea that we can assume we are together in the mission we share.
In conversation with Spanish speaking members of our community they reminded us that while #EnMisionJuntos is grammatically correct, perhaps #JuntosEnMision would be more appropriate. They remind us that if we are not first together, how can we truly be in mission?
Our 2024 assembly will focus on this identity of being one in Christ, Together in Mission. Despite our differences we come together. Gathering at Iglesia Santa Maria de Guadalupe, a congregation that was once separated from our fellowship but is now again a part of who we are together. We will explore how we lead in divisive times centering on our baptismal identity in Christ.
James Hopper has been a leader in education for 40 years. As a former superintendent with sixteen years of experience, he currently mentors others through the New Superintendents Academy. He also trains School Boards in good governance and supervises field service agents in meeting the needs of seventy-six independent school districts, and twenty charter schools. Mr. Hopper navigated his school district through the world-wide COVID pandemic, and he led his Gulf-coast school district through Hurricane Harvey. With a passion for the underdog, Mr. Hopper has worked tirelessly for students from low-income homes and those classified as English Language Learners. For his efforts, the Venus ISD School Board nominated him Superintendent of the Year, 2021.
A community stakeholder, Mr. Hopper has chartered two education foundations, two ministerial alliances, A Kiwanis International Club, and served on the local Planning and Zoning Commission. James also created a local organization for the unification of community diversity to counter a nation-wide trend in racial conflict.
A lifelong servant, Mr. Hopper has served as a Sunday School teacher, preached in numerous churches, and served as church Elder. He currently serves as part of the Boiler Room Prayer Team in his church.
A lifelong partner, James and Linda have been married 43 years, have two grown children, and seven grandchildren.
A lifelong athlete, James stays active with ultra-trial running/speed hiking, lifting, and chasing his grandkids.
A lifelong learner, Mr. Hopper has a bachelor’s degree from Angelo State University, and a master’s from the University of North Texas, Mr. Hopper is a candidate for a PhD in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction. His research topic, “The Pros and Cons of a Culturally Fixed Mindset” comes from a lifelong passion for equity in student academic performance across all races, ethnicities, and socio-economic disparities.