After graduating from Wilberforce University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Apostle Ragland moved back to Virginia and began his service to the church under the leadership of his father, the late Apostle Randolph Ragland.

In 1972, Apostle James was appointed Deacon and was ordained shortly thereafter. He served faithfully as a Deacon of the church for 25 years. During his tenure as a Deacon, he began expanding his service in the church and served in additional roles, including but not limited to:

Local Choir Director and President
Local YPU President
District YPU President
Appointed to the Local Trustee Board

Having served in these local and district roles, Apostle James was elected National YPU President of the House of God. It was in this capacity that he provided leadership and spiritual guidance to the next generation of the church. He has always had a heart for young people; to see them grow and develop into their full potential. He willingly followed the call of God on his life and began to focus on restoring the young people’s passion for Christ and the church.

In 2001, Apostle James formally accepted his calling as a Minister of the Gospel and was licensed during the National convention. Three years later, in 2004, he was ordained as an Elder of the House of God. In October 2005, during the Fall Feasts, Apostle Randolph Ragland appointed Apostle James as Co-Pastor of the House of God, Gordonsville, where currently serves.

In 2008, Apostle James was appointed to the National Board of Directors and became its Chairman. In 2011, he was promoted to Vicar Bishop for a period of approximately 3 years. In 2014, he was elevated to Bishop-Elect and formally ordained as a Bishop of the House of God during
the 2015 National Convocation in Jacksonville, FL, and appointed Pastor by the National Church. He has been in pastoral leadership for 14 years.

Apostle James is supported by the love and strength of his wife, Leading Lady Evangelist Jane Ragland, who has served faithfully and honorably by his side.