Cedarville Magazine, Fall 2017

JIM CATO THE WORSHIP LEADER Jim Cato ’83, Associate Vice President of Christian Ministries, first came to Cedarville in the early 1980s, a young married transfer student, searching for deeper meaning in his faith. Now entering his 34th year as a staff member, he credits Cedarville with altering the trajectory of his life. “I’ve grown up here,” he said. “Cedarville changed the person I’ve become — in my marriage, in my faith, everything.” From leading worship, discipling students, and directing Cedarville’s HeartSong teams, Cato has always known he was doing what God had called him to do. “This may sound hard to believe,” he explained, “but there’s never been a day that this has been just a job. God has been gracious to me in letting me have a job that I absolutely love, a job that I’m wired to do.” Years ago, his former boss and mentor Harold Green (or “PG” to the students) taught him that his service to Cedarville had to be all about the students and wanting to see lives changed. And later, other bosses, Bob Rohm ’68 and Jon Wood, reinforced that idea. Watching these men and their love and commitment to students encouraged Cato to maintain a humble, servant’s heart in his work. “I've had the privilege of working under three vice presidents who all had the same passion to center on students and discipleship,” he said. “All of my favorite memories include students, when the light bulb comes on spiritually and they experience true life change because of Jesus.” For Cato, Cedarville was the place where he learned to balance his faith with the rest of his life. “Cedarville brought balance to my life that I didn’t know was possible,” he said. “Before Cedarville, my whole life had been about following rules; there was never a connection between my faith and my daily life. It was the first time I came face-to-face with how to confront culture with the Bible,” he said. And it’s that kind of connection that he wants for students he’s privileged to serve. “What makes Cedarville unique is that we get to help kids embrace the truth of God’s Word and watch real transformation take place,” he said. “We’re seeing students leave here ready to live out the reality of the Gospel.” In a time when pop culture shapes societal values, Cato is grateful for Cedarville’s unwavering biblical stand. “‘For the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ’ is not a cliché,” he said. “It’s our foundation. It gives stability. Everything we do starts and ends with God’s Word. And then the next part, ‘for the Testimony of Jesus Christ,’ reminds us that it’s all about Jesus and what He’s done for us.” While keeping an eye on what has been, Cato maintains his focus on what is yet to come. “The mission of Cedarville must go forward. It matters because God’s Word matters. It’ll never go out of style,” he added. “I’ve never been more excited to be here.” Cedarville Magazine | 15