James Odden Email & Phone Number

Mcneil Island, Washington

This role primarily revolves around nurturing the spiritual and emotional well-being of incarcerated individuals: organizing and leading religious services, offering counseling to residents on matters of faith and personal development and providing essential emotional support during challenging moments. This includes fostering collaboration among diverse religious groups, coordinating religious programs and educational initiatives and ensuring adherence to institutional policies while respecting residents' constitutional rights to observe their own faith traditions. Oversight of the chapel library, the indigent clothing program and the 12-step programs are also my responsibility. At all times I aim to be a compassionate presence and guide, fostering hope, reconciliation and personal transformation among residents within the environment. My position at the SCC includes an active role on the CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) team and on the state BHA EDAI (Behavioral Health Administration Equity, Diversity, Access and Inclusion) team.

Chehalis, Washington, United States

In this role, I served a congregation marked by a unique mix of individuals—some hoping to preserve traditional practices and others eager to adapt to future needs. I approached this division by emphasizing our shared goal of working toward a better world, fostering unity and understanding among members despite differing perspectives. I led the congregation in worship, preaching and teaching, offering spiritual guidance, pastoral care and counseling. As part of our community outreach, we initiated and sustained impactful partnerships. Congregants prepared meals in St. John’s commercial kitchen for local soup kitchens and partnered with the American Red Cross to use our gymnasium as an emergency flood shelter, strengthening community ties and providing vital services in times of need.I collaborated closely with our skilled office administrator, providing oversight as needed, coordinating meetings and addressing any unusual issues that arose. Together, we ensured the smooth running of day-to-day operations, balancing routine tasks with new initiatives.My primary goals were to reforge connections within a congregation once united but increasingly divided by opposing viewpoints and to elevate our community engagement and visibility. While I did much good in this role, I found that bridging the widening ideological gap was challenging. Some members remained steadfast in an "us vs. them" perspective, making progress difficult. Nonetheless, this experience deepened my understanding of the complex dynamics within congregational life and furthered my commitment to compassionate, inclusive ministry.

Dunseith, Overly & Rolette Nd

In overseeing the three congregations of the MVM parish, I served communities with deep-rooted histories and close intergenerational ties, some families stretching across five generations. Two of these congregations were founded as pioneer churches, each approaching their 150-year anniversaries, while another, located near the Turtle Mountain reservation, was uniquely diverse for the area. One congregation blended Methodist and Lutheran traditions, reflecting a past merger, and alternated liturgical styles.Pastoral care was particularly focused on grief, loss and life transitions, not only in response to bereavement but also in adjusting to assisted living or other major lifestyle changes. Premarital and relationship counseling were also frequent, underscoring the community’s tight-knit nature. Given the closeness among members, weddings and funerals were often joint events, with each congregation’s kitchen crew playfully competing to “out-host” one another, ultimately working in harmony to provide for each occasion. Annual worship services, picnics and holiday events were regularly celebrated collectively.I maintained dedicated office hours at each church weekly, meeting one-on-one with members and fostering direct, open communication. Collaboration with councils and lay leaders mirrored my approach from prior supervisory roles, where I focused on ensuring team members had the materials, tools and confidence needed for success. Encouraging open questions and shared learning, I worked to instill a sense of mutual support and empowerment across the congregations.

Alexandria, Minnesota

In this interim chaplaincy role at Knute Nelson Health Care, I guided residents and staff through a period of transition while balancing the facility’s need for stability with my own synod transition from NW MN to Eastern ND. This 7-month assignment was a mutually beneficial match, allowing me to focus on pastoral care, consistent scheduling and transitional preparations for the incoming long-term chaplain.I ensured records were accessible and up to date for the next chaplain, setting up clear schedules for Bible studies and worship to maintain regularity across Knute Nelson’s three nearby campuses. The revised schedule allowed more flexibility for one-on-one visits and dedicated charting time, ensuring that residents received the pastoral care they needed, particularly during critical moments. I prepared a structured weekly guide detailing times, locations, normal rounds, and equipment locations for each campus, along with charting protocols and a list of local ministerial contacts. This foundation aimed to support the incoming chaplain, providing a smooth handover to facilitate continuity in resident care.This role was clearly defined, with realistic needs and expectations. Residents felt reassured by the continuity I provided, and many expressed their appreciation, welcoming both my presence and the eventual arrival of a new chaplain to guide them long-term.

St Cloud, Mn

In this role, I provided spiritual and pastoral care to Veterans and staff at a 600 bed VA hospital setting, with primary responsibilities in the Community Living Center (CLC) and addiction and recovery programs. Additional rounds included urgent care and the infusion clinic, where continuity of care was essential. During my tenure, I also completed six units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), at both levels one and two, enhancing my understanding and responsiveness in this highly individualized care setting.For Veterans in addiction and recovery, I recognized two distinct motivational groups: those committed to making life changes and those present due to external pressures, such as court orders. Each group found hope in different ways, requiring a nuanced pastoral approach to meet them where they were.In addition to caring for Veterans, I offered consistent support to staff, especially following the death of long-term CLC residents or regular infusion clinic patients. For many, discussing patient loss or work-related stresses provided valuable emotional relief, allowing them to continue their roles with resilience and compassion.My role at the VA hospital was both impactful and instructional, allowing me to witness resilience in both Veterans and staff and to grow as a pastoral care provider. The combination of CPE training, pastoral responsibilities and interdisciplinary teamwork enriched my capacity to provide compassionate, individualized support for Veterans and the staff who cared for them.

Rollag, Mn

During my vicarage, I fully engaged in all aspects of ministry across three congregations, embracing a blend of rural and close-knit community life on the edge of the North Woods and the Great Plains. I preached weekly, regularly led Bible studies and confirmation classes at each church and in local assisted living homes, and provided pastoral care through hospital visits, shut-in calls, and home visits. As the first vicar in Gran-Park-Rollag Parish’s history, my role brought mutual learning, with congregants and leaders embracing their “ownership” of my formation. I was fortunate to have an exceptional mentor, whose guidance deepened my understanding of ministry in multi-point rural settings. The parish community, although deeply connected to the land and rich in agricultural heritage, was open to fresh ideas, defying some rural stereotypes. In addition, the parish played a central role in local traditions, such as operating a prominent food booth at the area’s renowned steam thresher reunion. Though leading worship at this event rotated among local congregations, participating in this gathering underscored the congregation’s role in preserving and celebrating regional history. Being 100 miles from my family six days a week was one of the greatest challenges, yet this experience taught me the resilience and adaptability essential to parish ministry.

Alexandria, Mn

As owner and carpenter, I managed all aspects of operations, including bidding, consulting with clients, hiring and training staff, purchasing materials, cost control and ensuring compliance with licensing requirements. Our work primarily involved weatherization projects in partnership with community action programs throughout greater Minnesota, emphasizing energy conservation and efficiency upgrades. I worked closely with both team members and clients, guiding projects from consultation through completion and maintaining rigorous standards in safety, quality and cost-effectiveness. Each project was an opportunity to support environmental sustainability while enhancing comfort and cost savings for local residents.

Alexandria, Mn

In this role as the weekend shift supervisor at an injection molding plant, I oversaw operations and staff training for a decade, with responsibilities that included scheduling staff and press operations, ensuring quality control, and emphasizing workplace safety and effective material handling. Automation was a central focus, as was efficient setup and sampling over weekends to keep productivity high.My approach to supervision yielded significant results across key areas: consistently low injury rates, high production metrics, and minimized part rejections. I maintained a culture of precision and safety that allowed us to meet or exceed targets regularly. Notably, I placed a strong emphasis on professional development, resulting in a high number of my team members advancing into supervisory roles themselves. I also supported maintenance and tooling needs as required to ensure optimal workflow and equipment functionality. This position allowed me to develop a management style centered on efficiency, proactive problem-solving and empowering team members to pursue leadership opportunities.

Master'S Degree, Divinity/Ministry

With a focus on multicultural ministry and chaplaincy, my seminary education provided a foundation in biblical studies, pastoral care.

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Philosophy

I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota, with a focus on the philosophy of language. My studies also.

Associate Of Applied Science, Computer And Voice Networking

Activities and Societies: I was active in Business Professionals of America (B.P.A.), where I competed in networking concepts, placing.