James E. Slauter is a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles, the lead missionary quorum of the Community of Christ. In June 2005, Jim was set apart as president of the Council of Twelve. He is the Director of Field Ministries and also has responsibilities for World Service Corps and Military Chaplains.

Jim was ordained an apostle at the 1996 World Conference. His previous assignments include responsibilities for Young Adult Ministry and Campus Ministry, and the Latin America and Caribbean Mission Field. In April 2002 he was elected secretary of the Council of Twelve, a role he filled until 2005. His previous assignments include the Great Lakes Field, Urban/Metro Outreach Ministries, African American Ministries, and Senior Outreach Ministries. Jim became an appointee minister in 1987 and was assigned to Advanced Leadership Studies. Prior to accepting full-time appointment, Jim served the church in a variety of congregational and stake roles.

A native of Iowa, Jim attended Graceland College and Iowa State University where he earned a D.V.M. degree in 1971. Jim practiced veterinary medicine in Lamoni, Iowa.

In 1988, he received a master of arts degree in religion from Park College. He was then assigned to the Florida Region where he served in the areas of missionary outreach, leadership development, and youth ministries. In July 1991 he became the Florida Region administrator.

Jim is married to Janet Faye Pearson Slauter. Jan is a National Board Certified Teacher and teaches fifth grade in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Jan is an elder in the church and has served in a variety of roles at the congregational level. They have two grown children. Their daughter, Shari, is married to Jason Joles. Shari and Jason have a son, Spencer, and a daughter, Kylie, and live in Boyne City, Michigan. Their son, Brandon, and his wife, Jennifer, have two sons, Andrew (Drew) and Matthew, and live in Orlando, Florida.

Community of Christ International Headquarters is located in Independence, Missouri.