Because of his leadership abilities and spirituality, Elder Purdom was appointed as District Superintendent of the Greater Love District. He was hand picked by the outgoing Superintendent L. David Herron, who was elevated to Emeritus status, and who stated, “I am elated to pass the baton to Pastor Purdom, who I know will take the District to higher heights.

Supt. Purdom was saved in July 1974 at the First AME Church in Los Angeles, CA. He later became a member of First United Methodist Church of Pacoima from 1975 to 1985, where he served as Treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, Bible Teacher, Real Estate Developer, led the Prison Ministries and learned the administrative mechanics of church operation.

In 1985 James Purdom joined Christ Memorial COGIC in Pacoima, CA and was blessed to have personally served under the tutelage of the late, Bishop Benjamin J. Crouch. Little did he know that he was being prepared for a great work in the church. During his tenure there, he served as Associate Elder, Men’s Department Head, Trustee Board, Building Development Committee, Confidante to Bishop Crouch, Juvenile Hall Prison Ministries and was elevated to Chaplain of the LA County Probation Department’s Juvenile Hall. There he gained his pastoral, ecumenical and spiritual training which assists him today in leading his own flock. He is an anointed shepherd, a dedicated servant and a man of faith and commitment to the Word and work of God.

In the business World, Supt. Purdom is a Sr. Loan officer for “The Mortgage House” in woodland Hills, CA. He is a product of the LA City School system and graduated from San Fernando High School. He attended LA Valley College, Pierce College and has completed advanced studies at Faith Bible College in Whittier, CA as well as Moody Bible institute in Chicago, IL. He holds a BS degree in Real Estate management and is currently pursuing an advanced degree.