James Colten
James was born and raised in Wheaton, IL, and is a recent graduate of Hope College in Holland, MI. While at Hope, he studied Political Science and Sociology, while incorporating the things he was learning with his faith. He was very involved with the campus social justice organizations and campus ministries’ activities. In addition to on-campus activities, he volunteered at a local church throughout his college years, playing piano (and sometimes organ) with the worship team and guitar for the Kids Club.
When not studying, you could probably find him throwing a Frisbee outside, biking to Saugatuck, or jamming with his friends. In his free time, James also enjoys listening to music (especially local bands Bald and Beautiful, Stationary Travelers, and Ordinary Neighbors), running, and playing team sports. He currently craves fair trade coffee and chocolate as well as tomatoes and green beans from his family’s garden.
An activist, James is very excited to be working at Sojourners this year. His “hot-button issues” include poverty, immigration, human trafficking, and keeping the earth beautiful (aka environmental issues). A semester in South Africa taught him that faith is not just a Sunday morning event—it should infect every aspect of a person’s life and being. “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace” – Jimi Hendrix
