Remembering Jim Hesterly: A Fervent Servant
After faithfully serving the Lord for fifty-seven years, Pastor and Bible teacher Jim Hesterly entered into his heavenly reward on September 5, following years of battling Parkinson’s disease and other ailments. Jim’s ministry was marked by a deep passion for teaching about the ministry of the Holy Spirit and helping believers walk in the fullness of God’s gifts.
Jim planted and pastored a fellowship in Poway, CA, for twenty years. Beyond the pulpit, he carried a great burden for the persecuted church. He partnered with Brother Andrew’s Project Pearl, an effort that successfully delivered a million Bibles into China. With evangelistic fervor, Jim traveled extensively across the globe, bringing the gospel and the message of the Spirit’s power to countless lives.
His writings continue to minister even now. His book, Touched by the Spirit; Turning On the Flow, is being reprinted, and other works have been translated into Spanish and Chinese, extending his legacy to new generations.
John Miller, senior pastor of Revival Christian Fellowship in Menifee, CA, said of Jim, “I thank God for Jim Hesterly, truly a gift to the church. Jim was a man called by God and used by God so wonderfully. I was so impressed with his humility, integrity, his love for his wife, June, and their children and grandchildren. I consider it one of my great blessings to have been Jim's pastor the last few years of his life. May his life and ministry be an example and encouragement to us all to run well and finish well.”
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Jim’s discernment and steady commitment to teaching about the baptism of the Spirit and the operation of spiritual gifts left a lasting mark. As Pastor Holland Davis recalls, “Leading the Acts 1:8 ministry, Jim taught about the baptism of the Spirit and the operation of the gifts. His commitment to this ministry inspired me to continue the afterglows at Calvary Chapel San Clemente to this day.” Jim’s discernment on the gift of speaking in tongues was unparalleled, and he was a favorite of many Calvary Chapel pastors to lead afterglow.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife, June—his partner in life and ministry for sixty-seven years—two children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. June is a favorite teacher herself at many Calvary Chapel pastors wives’ conferences. Jim’s absence leaves a deep void, yet his life resounds with the commendation of his Savior:
“Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:21).
The memorial service for Pastor Jim will be held at Revival Christian Fellowship in Menifee, CA., at 10 a.m. on November 3, 2025.
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