Dr. James E. Talbert, Sr. was ordained January 31, 1960, by the First Baptist Church of Bowling Green, South Carolina.

He has been married 54 years to his wife, Marion Cook Talbert. They have two children, Pamela Talbert Welborn, Regional Manager of Binswanger Glass Company; and James E. Talbert, Jr. (Eddie), is a Supervisor for Shaw Corporation which is a subsidiary of Duke Energy Corporation. Dr. and Mrs. Talbert have three grandchildren, Matthew, Jaime and Hannah.

He attended Gardner Webb University, Piedmont Baptist College, Luther Rice Seminary, and Trinity Bible College and Seminary. He earned degrees of Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Theology, Master of Science and Social Studies, and Doctor of Ministry.

He is Founder and President of a worldwide missionary corporation called Covenant International Evangelistic Association, Incorporated, chartered in the state of North Carolina in 1980 with work in seven foreign countries. He is author of five books. He is speaker for Radio Ministry "In Step" on Trans World Radio and Far East Broadcasting System. Covenant International conducts a ministry that gives away tons of food, goods and life support to the poor in Appalachia Mountains of Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia.

He is Founder Hon Guk Theological Seminary in Seoul, Korea. He serves on the Board of Regents of Southern Baptist School for Biblical Study, Alabama Bible College and Emmanuel Bible College. He taught Missiology at Emmanuel Bible College in Peachtree City, Georgia. He is certified Military Chaplain with Rank of Major. He has preached in area·wide crusades in foreign countries, and in churches across America.