Pastor Jim Hopkins feels his faith evolving. He was raised with a theology that emphasized believing a certain way in order to get into heaven. Now he feels that it is less about heaven to come and more about seeking heaven on this earth.
Pastor Hopkins is celebrating his 35th anniversary leading Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church. He and his community have always been engaged in faith-based organizing. Fifteen years ago they began working with Oakland Community Organizations (now Faith in Action East Bay) on quality public education, affordable housing, and health care.
“Churches are often better at charity than advocacy,” he explained. “Charity is good but change is better. Change is the work of organizing.”
Pastor Hopkins has served on the Faith in Action East Bay Board. He and his wife have three adult kids and five grandchildren. He is proud that his children and most of his grandchildren have been educated in Oakland public schools.
“We are proud to identify as Oaklanders. Oakland is home and home is sacred.”
Now his most important issue is Ceasefire, a violence-reduction program that aims to end mass incarceration, stop gun violence, and build economic dignity. The program contributed to a 52% decline in gun violence until the pandemic hit. Pastor Hopkins hopes for a broader civic engagement of Ceasefire moving into the future. A ballot proposal to increase city funding for Ceasefire is currently in the signature-gathering phase.
“The community will continue to do our part to decrease recidivism and improve community relations with police,” he said. “I am basically a one-issue voter: Where do you stand on Ceasefire?”
Influences
Born and raised in Salt Lake city, he came to California to go to college and ended up staying. He attended the Berkeley School of Theology and then spent some time in Los Angeles. While there, he was influenced by his congregation and their work to “seek the peace of the City of Los Angeles.”
He was introduced to Rev. J. Alfred Smith, Sr., who taught pastors to, “Know your turf. Know your turf. Know your turf. Be familiar with your community and strengths.” Rev. Smith also challenged pastors with the question (in reference to Jesus washing the disciples’ feet), “Do you want a title or a towel?”
Challenges are always a part of the work.
“The challenge is the enormity of the job of organizing in our communities. There is so much that can be done on illegal dumping. housing justice, immigration justice, and public safety. Faith in Action East Bay needs to think and act strategically. We put our energy into effort and shoulder to the wheel. I am excited to just be in the room with the people involved with the work. These are my people.”
