The Power of a Meal
Dr. James Tour and his wife, Shireen, have seen the profound impact of generosity and service as witnessed and practiced in their lives and ministry. For the Tours, the act of giving is not just a duty but a core element of Christian discipleship, learned through example, and passed on to the next generation.
Their journey with CityRise West U Baptist began with a specific connection to Pastor Roger Patterson when he served as Student Pastor. Their daughters loved his teaching and always had fun under his leadership. This initial connection quickly deepened into a strong relationship between the Tours and the church, which has since been a foundational support for Dr. Tour's significant digital outreach. The church actively helped launch his YouTube channel, purchasing all the original camera equipment to begin this digital outreach, and providing personnel to record his weekly college ministry lesson hosted in the West U Baptist gym. This support enables a wide reach, with Dr. Tour noting that in 2024 they had "over 2 million viewing hours" of content from YouTube alone, a testament to the power of shared resources in ministry.
Why Generosity Matters
Both Dr. and Mrs. Tour stress that generosity is a learned behavior and an expected part of a believer's life. Mrs. Tour, drawing from her upbringing, shares a powerful family value: "to whom much is given, much is required." She recalls her parents’ emphasis that "God's people would come first,” always sharing their limited resources with visiting pastors and missionaries, ensuring they would always get their best hospitality and support.
Dr. Tour provides a strong challenge to anyone who has trouble giving, especially students who might feel exempt. He advises them to "skip the cup of coffee and give something to the church." He insists that generosity must be sacrificial. "Give something that takes something out of you that hurts a little bit, that you feel it." This practice isn't for a future salary you may have when you find your perfect job—it’s for the present.
He frames giving as a continuation of a legacy. “You are sitting in a pew that you didn't pay for . . . you give so that someone after you can be blessed.”
Impacting Lives Through Service and Hospitality
The Tours' long-running college ministry powerfully demonstrates the fruit of their sacrificial generosity and service, provided through the church's abundance. For twenty-six years, the Tours have hosted meals at their house, creating a space for college students who often come from broken homes to see what a normal family is supposed to be like. The testimony of a husband and wife loving and caring for college students is a powerful way to minister to young adults in our ministry, many of whom don’t come from a Christian family.
The value of selfless service is also a critical lesson they share with young couples, advising them to look for the person who is serving. Dr. Tour offers this wisdom: "It's much better to be married to a selfless person than a selfish person." Ultimately, the resources shared and given by the church enable a ministry to college students that impacts lives and blesses the body of Christ, creating a ripple effect that helps singles, married couples, and families.
The Tours' story reminds believers that Christian generosity is not merely about money but about a commitment to sacrifice, a willingness to serve, and a deep understanding that our giving prepares a blessing for the next generation.