"I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." 1 Corinthians 9:22b
Jim Chester the Evangellusionist |
After many years as a successful professional entertainer, Jim responded to the Lord’s call to use his talent in a unique ministry. With sleight-of-hand and comedy, Jim demonstrates how the enemy uses deception to distract and lead us away from the truth, which is Jesus Christ!
"Whatever gift each of you has received, use it in service to one another…" 1 Peter 4:10
Jim Chester is not only an award-winning professional illusionist and comic, he is a committed Christian as well. His program illustrates deception and, more importantly, it proclaims the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His use of illusions and comedy allows him to reach many who may not respond to more traditional methods of outreach. Jim is an adept entertainer, but also a powerful speaker. He can bring a message from the pulpit for revivals that will stir your church. In all of this, Jim acknowledges the work of Jesus Christ in his life and shares how his life has been changed since receiving Christ as Lord.
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit." 1 Corinthians 12:4
An ordained Baptist minister, Jim attended the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. While enrolled he worked as a radio announcer for Christian station WBSN-FM. Jim also served for 5 years as Moderator of the St. Tammany Baptist Association and was on the Executive Board of the Southeast Baptist Assembly (Camp Living Waters) for 13 years. In both the foreign and home mission fields, Jim’s programs entertain while he shares the Gospel message in a way that reaches believers and non-believers of all ages.
The message is powerful and the entertainment is great!
Click for: Jim Chester's Personal Testimony
Programs
Jim's primary focus is on family ministry. Often churches will have a separate program for the kids while an evangelist speaks to the adults. But Jim’s program is designed to be entertaining and relevant for the entire family, bringing them together to hear the message of the gospel.
Of course, there are times that a church will need a program specifically for kids, youth, even senior adults. Jim has programs for each of these groups, from simpler tricks for young kids to a music and illusions program for senior adults.
- Jim Chester Evangelism Weekend Extravaganza: an equipping minstry and outreach combined in one spectacular weekend!
- VBS
- Banquets
- Lock-ins
- Crusades
- Revivals
- Camps
- 5th Quarters
- Disciple Now Weekends
- Upward Sports Awards Programs
Awards and Volunteer Positions
Member of the Louisiana Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists
Moderator, St. Tammany Baptist Association, 1999 – 2004
Vice President, National Association of Baptist Performing Artists, 1998 – 2000
Board of Directors, Camp Living Waters, Loranger, LA, 1997 – 2010
Volunteer Missionary
1993, St. Kitts, West Indies
1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, Caxias do Sul, Brasil
1998, 1999, Chilanguera, El Salvador
New Orleans area "Magician of the Year"
Twice Louisiana "Close-up Magician of the Year"
National Finalist on Showtime Television's "Funniest Man in America" contest
