Barham joins ABCHomes staff

James Barham has been named the Jonesboro-area director at the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries (ABCHomes), effective May 31.

Barham replaces Tom Stafford who retired in 2010.

In this role, Barham will supervise the area office and the Paragould emergency shelter, as well as offering counseling services.

“James’ passion to be a counseling resource for the local church makes him a perfect fit for Jonesboro-area director position,” said Charles Flynn, ABCHomes program director. “He will also continue a great tradition of being an excellent source of counseling for the Jonesboro community.”

Barham said he hopes to be a great resource to area churches and hurting families. “There are hurting people and families every where ... I’m glad to be a part of a ministry that is meeting the needs of those individuals and families.”

Previously, Barham served as a chaplain with the Lakeside Hospice, New Orleans, La.; a student counseling intern with the Celebration Hope Center, New Orleans, La.; and a special events coordinator at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
He was a English-teaching coordinator in Canakkale, Turkey from 2004 to 2007.

He received a bachelor of arts in religion from Baylor University, Waco, Texas; a master of divinity from Truett Seminary, Waco, Texas; and a master of religion and family counseling from New Orleans Seminary. He and his wife, Mandi, have two daughters, Ella, 4 and Annie, 2.