Rev. J. Michael Culbreth is the lead and founding pastor of ConneXion Church in Savannah. He is known throughout South Georgia and the United Methodist Connection as the “Singing Preacher.” Pastor Culbreth blesses us each Sunday with a powerful message from God.

 

His primary desire is to preach and teach God’s word. Not only does he preach the word of God with power and conviction, he also uses his rich baritone voice to praise God through spirit-filled singing. One of his favorite songs to sing is “My Soul Is Anchored.” He is a preaching and singing pastor.

 

Pastor Culbreth has a passion for racial reconciliation and bringing all people together. He believes in the Great Commission. He  served as the intern/co-pastor of a historically white congregation located in Brookfield, Missouri, and was also appointed as the first black pastor of Grace UMC in Savannah, which is a historically white congregation.

 

In June 2016, Pastor Culbreth was given the privilege of serving as the founding pastor of ConneXion Church in Savannah. ConneXion is a cross-racial congregation formed through the merger of three United Methodist Churches: Aldersgate UMC and Cokesbury UMC - both historically white congregations - and Speedwell UMC - a historically black congregation. Our vision is to connect the disconnected to Jesus Christ and our mission is to rebuild lives and rebuild the city of Savannah.

 

Background 

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Pastor Culbreth is a native of Twin City, Georgia. He is married to Gloria Moore Culbreth, the love of his life for more than 25 years. Pastor Culbreth and Gloria are the proud parents of two sons, Micah Jamal Culbreth and Malachi Jamar Culbreth as well as their daughter-in-law, Layne (Micah's wife).

 

Pastor Culbreth was ordained as a United Methodist deacon in 1991 and as an elder in 1993. He has served churches in both Mississippi and Georgia. Prior to becoming a full-time pastor in 1991, Pastor Culbreth worked as a religion news reporter and general assignment reporter for The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Mississippi, from 1984-1989.

 

Pastor Culbreth is a 1984 graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, and a 1991 graduate of Gammon Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity.

 

Pastor Culbreth has a heart for service and serves in many capacities:

 

●  Coastal District Board of Ministry

●  Delegate to General Conference for South Georgia

●  South Georgia Conference Board of Ordained Ministry

●  Living Tall Ministry Board Member

●  Coastal Georgia Emmaus Spiritual Director

●  Kairos Prison Ministry

●  Ready Set Go Back To School Board Member

●  JUST (Justice Unites Savannah Together) Board Member

●  Mission U Instructor (United Methodist Women)