Did you hear the news?? Jim Stephens, the man who started Life 90.5 and Carolina Christian Radio, and the co-host you hear every day on Life in the Morning is retiring! The announcement was made live on the air and on Facebook. Check it out here:
HOW IT ALL BEGAN WITH JIM
As founder, Jim has been with Life 90.5 since 1993 and was the first and only employee when the stationed signed on that year.
After college Jim was involved in “secular” radio until God got a hold of him in 1977. God soon opened the door to go work at a Christian radio station, WPJL in Raleigh, NC where he remained for almost 15 years.
Through a series of miraculous events, God opened the door for Jim to buy 1490 AM in Wilmington, NC in 1992. Jim says, “It was an off the air station that my wife and I were able to resurrect and we signed on in March, 1993 bringing a contemporary Christian music and teaching station to the Wilmington area.”
SO WHAT NOW?
Jim’s last day will be June 30, 2021. Jim says he plans to retire to Florida to be closer to his children and grandchildren.
Longtime employee Matt Wall, currently Vice President of Development, will replace Stephens as President and General Manager of Carolina Christian Radio. Jim has nothing but great things to say about the transition:
I’ve never retired before, but everyone I’ve talked to who has retired seems to like it… so I’m excited about retiring and for what the Lord has in store for me and my wife’s future. One of the big concerns when a founder begins to consider retirement is what the transition will look like. God has been very gracious to me in this regard. The Lord has raised up a very well prepared and gifted leader who has already been doing the work of leadership for a number of years. As I leave the ministry, I have perfect peace as Matt Wall will be taking over the position as President of Carolina Christian Radio. The most important aspect of leadership is serving, and he has led, loved and served the staff and has helped us all with renewed vision and excitement in serving listeners. God has His hand on Matt, and as you think of him, pray for him for Godly wisdom and direction. I also have peace because of the great team God has brought together to serve our community. We have incredibly talented people here that love one another and love our listeners. We have great chemistry and we have a lot of fun working together. The past 43 years in Christian radio have been an incredible journey. I’ve seen God do incredible and even impossible miracles. I am forever grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to serve Him through Christian radio both in Raleigh and to finish strong for the past 28 years here in Wilmington.
LOVE FROM THE LISTENERS
Many Life 90.5 listeners and long-time supporters shared notes of thanks and love with Jim:
“Blessings to you Jim! Thank you for serving this community with such a heart for Jesus in an excellent way! Much love to you!” – Jeff Stockton
“You will be missed! Congratulations! God bless you for all you have poured into this community under His direction and strength! Happy Retirement.” – Suzanne Hales
“It’s been an amazing ride for these 28 years. We’re sorry you’re getting off at this stop but we’ll continue the ride in capable hands with Matt at the helm. We trust you’ll continue to listen wherever you are and call into the show to give updates on your new travels!! Blessings and protection!!” – Tom Cotton
“Congratulations Jim, you could have gone for another 10 years if they didn’t remind you every morning how old you are but seriously we all are going to miss you.” – Barry Jethwa of Shirley’s Diner
GOD BLESS YOU, JIM
The rest of the staff at Life 90.5 are truly thankful to Jim for all he’s done for the last three decades. Following the Lord’s leading, Jim built a ministry that impacts lives every day in the Cape Fear region. Within the office, he’s built more than a team, but a family that looks excitedly toward the future. Join us in praying for Jim, his wife Cynthia, and their new life in Florida.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” -Numbers 6:24-26
