I am so glad you are here. I am Rev. Don Purdum. I started the Faith and Trust Foundation with one purpose in mind…
For millions of Americans, the church has become meaningless and without purpose. How many are seeking to “know” God but feel empty in the church? How many feel isolated? How many are broken and hurting and have no one who will listen or minister to them? How many have walked away from the church altogether?
Too many Christians have been led astray as Satan has tricked many churches into embracing lifestyles that run contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, diluting their power and making a mockery of God as churches become organized clubhouses for ordained sin. In other instances, some churches and believers exercise harsh judgment, replacing love, empathy, and grace. The result is bitterness or apathy when it comes to God.
For nearly 15 years, I struggled with attending church for the sake of checking off a box. Sunday morning was an event without a cause. I grew discontent with singing four songs, passing the offering plate, and listening to a sermon that I could barely remember on Tuesday — Only to rinse and repeat every week.
There was little in the way of community. Many people simply wouldn’t commit to the breaking of bread together, hanging out, or living life with one another — Let alone a Bible study.
For years, I felt something was deeply wrong with the Western evangelical protestant model of “doing church.”
Where was Jesus Christ?
Where was the Holy Spirit?
Where was the joy of our salvation?
Where were the miracles?
I ran from God out of frustration. I started numerous businesses. I received a Master’s degree from George Washington University in Political Management. I’ve been elected to local office, run congressional campaigns, and consulted with state legislatures.
All of it left me feeling empty and without a cause.
Let me back up for a moment… In 1999, I graduated from Lancaster Bible College (Lancaster, PA) with a BS in Bible and with a concentration in Pastoral Ministry. I was a pastoral intern at a local church for two years. I was a Deacon in that same church. I was also a Chaplain Candidate (2nd Lieutenant) in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. In 2004, I planted a church outside of Dallas, Texas, while I was attending Dallas Theological Seminary.
So, it wasn’t that I didn’t love God and didn’t want to serve Him. I just couldn’t stomach to do it in a way that I believed didn’t honor His Church.
In the spring of 2023, I met Arch-Bishop Wayne Daniels. Since then, I’ve learned a different way of experiencing God and His Body through the American Orthodox Church. On December 10, 2023, Arch-Bishop Daniels ordained me. It’s a very different office than in the tradition I came from. What I’ve learned has changed how I pray, experience God, understand spiritual warfare, and engage with my fellow brothers and sisters.
The Faith and Trust Foundation seeks to inspire, educate, and inform Christians through Scripture as well as how we can better live in the culture and world around us by being challenged and exploring our ancient faith.
We also seek to better understand spiritual warfare and the realities of today’s world as we strive to be faithful to Jesus Christ and work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Pastor Don Purdum is prolific podcaster, speaker, and entrepreneur.
I seek to present make complex issues understandable through simple logic and experience to try to help others who might be looking for answers. I don’t always offer direct answers to certain questions, but instead humbly seek to show a road one might go down to find the answers they need for themselves.
Don is an Ordained Deacon in the Orthodox Church of America.
We do not have a 501c3 status. We operate under the 508c1a special exemption.
The Faith and Trust Foundation seeks the following:
- Profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
- Provide ways for people to learn practical insights into the Bible, the Church’s historical faith, its Sacraments, and how to live the Christian life with joy and abundance — Whatever your circumstances in life.
- Understand spiritual warfare and the realities of today’s world as we seek to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
- Empower people to experience meaningful marriages.
- Help entrepreneurs conduct business in a culture growing more hostile to the Christian faith while remaining true to it.
- Provide online pastoral counseling to those in need of spiritual and practical help and guidance.
The mission is simple:
Connect believers in Jesus Christ together so that we are one Body living in truth, unity, and love… While growing in spiritual maturity, and serving Him as His ambassador to the world around us in a time of unrest, uncertainty, and calamity.
I hope you’ll join me on the journey. Perhaps how that mission is accomplished in the future as this community grows and evolves.
I am so thankful you’re here and I look forward to sharing with you.
Blessings to you,
Father Don
