BISHOP Joseph e. Purnell Sr.

Bishop Joseph E. Purnell, Sr. is the founding pastor of Healing Balm Ministries and has served as senior Pastor for 29 years as a devoted servant of God with over 40 years of faithfulness to God's Kingdom. 

His wife for 39 years, Esther M. Murray-Purnell, serves by his side as Executive Pastor. Bishop Joe is so honored to have his daughter, Jennifer, grandson, Joshua; his son, Joseph, II, daughter-in-love, Chanel and granddaughter, Chanel, serve with him in ministry. Bishop Joe is also blessed to have two of his brothers, sister-in-love, brother-in-love, his only sister, and portions of their families working and building with him in this part of God’s Vineyard.

In addition to the spiritual and biblical training received, Bishop Joe received formal training from the former Eastern Theological Seminary, now Palmer Theological Seminary, and Deliverance Bible Institute.

Bishop Joe has remained committed to preaching the Gospel, nurturing spiritual growth, and leading with integrity, compassion, and unwavering faith. His heart for people and passion for healing—both spiritually and emotionally—are at the core of Healing Balm Ministries’ mission.

Bishop Joe continues to inspire, teach, and serve with humility and dedication, impacting countless lives through his leadership and devotion to the work of the Kingdom.

These years have proven to demonstrate the true love and devotion of God. God has promised to complete that which He has started, and Joseph is grateful and humbled that God would choose him to carry out the work assigned to his hands.