ABOUT jIM
After more than four decades of transformational church leadership, Jim Bricker brings a wealth of experience in building, leading, and sustaining ministries that make lasting Kingdom impact. As founding pastor of both Miami Vineyard in Florida and Vineyard Community Church in Greenwood, Indiana, Jim has 43 years of hands-on experience growing churches from a handful of people in apartments to thriving communities that have welcomed thousands.
Leadership Experience That Matters
Organizational Development Jim understands what it takes to build something from the ground up. Starting Vineyard Community Church in 1993 with just a small group of friends, he developed systems, processes, and a culture that sustained growth and impact for over three decades.
Vision Casting & Culture Building From day one, Jim championed creating an environment where people could "come as they are and feel loved." This inclusive leadership philosophy drove every decision and created a culture of authentic community that became the church's defining characteristic.
Team Leadership & Development Over 32 years, Jim recruited, trained, developed, deployed, and nurtured countless leaders—both volunteer and staff. He understands the delicate balance of empowering teams while maintaining organizational alignment and vision.
Strategic Transition Management In September 2025, Jim successfully transitioned leadership of Vineyard Community Church to Pastor Elisha Hale, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable leadership and organizational legacy. This transition represents the culmination of intentional succession planning and leadership development.
Core Leadership Philosophy
Jim's approach to leadership centers on practical application of timeless principles. He believes in:
Authentic Leadership: Leading with transparency and genuine care for people
Vision-Driven Growth: Building organizations around clear, compelling purpose
Sustainable Systems: Creating processes that work beyond any individual leader
Community-Centered Impact: Measuring success by positive influence on others
Practical Wisdom: Applying proven principles to real-world challenges
Why Living Stone Consulting & Coaching?
The name "Living Stone" draws from 1 Peter 2:4-5, where believers are called "living stones" being built into a spiritual house with Christ as the cornerstone. This biblical foundation reflects Jim's core belief that authentic leadership—whether in church or business—must be built on solid principles with Christ as the foundation.
Just as living stones are carefully selected and intentionally placed to create something beautiful and enduring, strong organizations are built stone by stone—with each person, each decision, and each relationship contributing to something larger than themselves. With Christ as the cornerstone, leaders can build with confidence, knowing their foundation is secure.
After 32 years of hands-on leadership, Jim is passionate about helping other leaders and organizations avoid common pitfalls, accelerate their growth, and build something that lasts. Whether you're a church leader navigating growth challenges or a business leader building team culture, Jim brings both the experience and the heart to help you succeed.
A New Chapter of Service
“After decades of partnering with God to build Vineyard Community Church, I'm excited to use everything I've learned to serve leaders across both church and business contexts. The principles of authentic leadership, vision casting, and culture building transcend any single industry—and I'm passionate about helping leaders create organizations that truly make a difference!"
Ready to Build Something That Lasts?
Jim Bricker is now accepting clients for executive coaching, organizational consulting, and strategic planning services. Whether you're launching something new or taking your existing organization to the next level, Living Stone Consulting & Coaching is here to help you build on solid ground!
Contact Jim today to dream about the possibilities of what god wants to do in and through you!