James W. Hampton was born on August 5, 1940 in Crugar, Mississippi to the late Dave Hampton and the late Mother Elma Hampton.  He is one of ten children (five preceded him in death).  Sometime after moving to Chicago, he had given his life to the Lord as a young man.  He joined Faith Temple COGIC and served under the mentorship of the late Bishop Harry W. Goldsberry whom he adored and began his grooming as a promising leader.

Bishop Hampton is married to his only lady, Missionary Eddie Mae Hampton since 1972; a marriage that withstood the tests of time.  They are the proud parents of four children; Yolanda, Tanya, James and Trumane and thirteen grandchildren.  Their oldest son, Elder James Hampton, Jr., is the church’s administrator.  Bishop’s four living siblings are actively serving under his leadership which is a great feat in itself.

Bishop James W. Hampton has been the Pastor of Zion Healing Temple since 1979 which started out as a small prayer band in the kitchen of the late Mother Velma Edward’s home (his mother’s sister and one of the church’s pioneers).  It was after the band began to grow and moved to the basement it became a church and he accepted the call to Pastor.  As the church outgrew the basement, it moved to a small storefront at 9320 S. Halsted.  Pastor Hampton proved his call by stating to the congregation that, “If we don’t outgrow this place within five years, I will step down as Pastor.”   The move of God was upon him as the ministry trail blazed with revivals, crusades and anointed services.  He told God to even give him people that no one else wants.  Exactly five years, in 1984, the church outgrew the storefront and moved to its current location.

The Lord blessed Bishop Hampton with a very powerful and unique deliverance ministry.  He is commissioned by God to preach the un-adulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost and dying soul.  His own life’s experiences are a true testimony and inspiration to those who struggle between the world and life with Christ.  The joy of the Lord is truly his strength and brought him through many battles.  In his own words, “It’s Good To Be Here.”  That is, to be alive and serving our Lord and Savior.

The knowledge and wisdom Bishop Hampton didn't obtain from extended education, he obtained from the Spirit of God which brought him before great leaders.  He has traveled to places like Bermuda and Korea in crusades preaching the word of God.  It’s his desire to spread God’s Word as far as he can.

In August of 2005 Pastor Hampton was elevated to the next level and ordained as Bishop in a powerful and anointed ceremony. Bishop Hampton developed the Unity Fellowship, a quorum of Pastors of various denominations that fellowship together on a monthly rotation that honors Jesus Christ.  Its purpose is to provide Spiritual and Financial support to the churches of the Fellowship in hopes of growth and development; to encourage harmony and oneness in the fellowship according to the will and expectation of God whom we all shall serve.  Zion Healing Temple serves as its headquarters.   The goal for UF is to provide an atmosphere of worship and common faith and maintain a pool of resources for its members’ use.  He also has a long time relationship with other churches who dubbed him as “The Happy Preacher”.

Bishop Hampton is a man of faith and believes in the power of prayer.  He is a true giver, a true worshiper and a true support to those in need.  Bishop loves his family and congregation; he loves the Lord and is committed to his service.  He is a living example that when you surrender to God, He will fight your battles.

Proverbs 16:7  “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”