About

This call to ministry led to ordination in the Presbyterian Church where she filled in multiple open pulpits, served as residential trauma hospital chaplain while obtaining Clinical Pastoral Certification, and also served as the Spiritual Director/Pastor of a Drug and Alcohol rehab, all while in Pennsylvania. 

Upon her return to NC, she connected to a more non-denominational church offering spiritual support, teaching, preaching, writing, and speaking for retreats and other conferences. Pastor James eventually moved to Asheville, NC and served as an undercover agent for the Lord working for the NC State Department of Commerce as a Regional Reentry Specialist for Western NC. In all these venues, Pastor James knew even the deepest hurts are able to be transformed by a true encounter with the living God through Christ Jesus. 

For several years, Chaplain James held both positions, full time for the State and part -time for the Detention Center.  Near the end of 2021, she became the full- time chaplain. At the jail, Chaplain James has found it most rewarding when an individual has “a divine revelation” that he/ she needs to truly exam the root causes of their harmful choices. Once an individual realizes the existence of past hurts, this revelation now allows healing, deliverance, transformation, and rehabilitation. The realization of this hurt does not excuse, justify, or even fully pardon the charges or crime. There may be some legal consequences. But, with this revelation, healing, deliverance, transformation, rehabilitation and moving forward become a real possibility. 

Pastor James believes this revelation is needed in the incarceration venue, the church, and wider community. PastorJames is grateful for the privilege of walking with individuals through their most vulnerable moments and believes this equipping and discipleship will contribute to the Kingdom of God to come upon the earth as it is in heaven. 

Current Position: Jail Ministry Program Director: Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministries
The Reverend/Pastor/ Chaplain Vanessa L James helps provide spiritual guidance to almost 500 detainees at the Buncombe County Detention Facility as the ABCCM Jail Ministry Program Director.  This position includes the overseeing of community and church volunteers who lead small - group studies, leading a monthly prayer service for the incarcerated at various community locations, filling requests for Bibles and other faith-based reading materials, providing pastoral care and comfort to detainees during their time of incarceration, and spiritual support to officers and staff.  

Another key function for Chaplain James is taking phone calls from family members who are struggling during the absence of their family member.  She is also asked to inform detainees about a loved one’s passing. Chaplain James must literally walk with the individual through the valley of the shadows of death, helping them to fear no evil and assuring them that God is with them. Sometimes there are words; other times, she must be present as tears flow.