Bishop James E. Blair
Bishop James E. Blair is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Able Ministries and a devoted servant of God with more than 30 years of ministry experience. His life and ministry reflect a deep commitment to preaching and teaching the Word of God, reaching the lost, strengthening families, and helping believers discover and walk in their God-given purpose.
A LIFE OF SERVICE
His Journey in Ministry
Bishop Blair accepted Christ in 1994 and began faithfully serving at Progressive Life Giving Word Cathedral under the leadership of Apostle Donald L. Alford. During more than 25 years of service, he ministered in numerous areas, including New Members Ministry, Sunday School, marital counseling, outreach, and ministry to individuals in juvenile detention centers and prisons.
Through years of faithful service and spiritual development, Bishop Blair progressed from Deacon to Minister, Elder, and Pastor. Each season of ministry helped prepare him for the vision God would later place upon his heart.
In 2009, God gave Bishop Blair the vision for Able Ministries. That vision became a reality in 2011 when the ministry began with just seven members. With faith, determination, and a heart to serve God’s people, Bishop Blair distributed flyers throughout the community and began holding Bible Study at the Bellwood Library.
As the ministry continued to grow, God opened the door for Able Ministries to establish its church home in 2016 at 433 S. 13th Avenue in Maywood, Illinois.
A HEART FOR GOD & HIS PEOPLE
Ministry, Family & Legacy
Bishop Blair has a tremendous passion for souls, evangelism, outreach, and ministry beyond the walls of the church. His desire is not simply to build a congregation, but to build people—encouraging them to grow spiritually, strengthen their relationship with God, and become everything God has called them to be.
Through biblical teaching, prayer, compassionate leadership, and a genuine love for God’s people, Bishop Blair continues to serve as a shepherd with a heart for ministry and service. His leadership is marked by faith, perseverance, and a commitment to seeing lives transformed through the power of Jesus Christ.
Alongside him in life and ministry is his wife, First Lady Elder Coleda Blair. Together, they have shared more than three decades of marriage and ministry. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Iesha and Jasmine, and grandparents to Malayah, Brian, and Blair.
Today, Bishop Blair remains committed to the vision God entrusted to him: reaching souls, developing disciples, serving the community, strengthening families, and leading Able Ministries forward in faith.
His prayer and desire are that Able Ministries will continue to be a place where lives are changed, families are restored, faith is strengthened, and people discover that through Christ, all things are possible.
