Our Pastor

Rev. Elijah Shafah is a visionary preacher, pastor, and community leader with a deep passion for serving others and empowering communities. Raised in Southwest Atlanta, he was educated in the Atlanta Public Schools and Dekalb County School systems and went on to graduate from Georgia State University and Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC). Pastor Shafah is a second-generation pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, carrying forward a legacy of ministry from his Liberian parents; Rev. & Mrs. Henry Borbor.

For 23 years, Pastor Shafah has served as a dynamic leader within the AME Church, pastoring with a heart for both spiritual and community development. His ministry has touched lives across many congregations, most notably at Avery Chapel AME in Oklahoma City, where he made a significant impact in Northeast Oklahoma City.

Under his leadership, the Avery Chapel Community Development Corporation was founded, addressing the needs of the community with an after-school feeding program, a financial literacy initiative, and workforce development programs. His visionary approach also led to the establishment of the Avery Chapel Early Learning Center, a preschool that serves three and four-year-old children, providing them with a strong educational foundation.

Pastor Shafah’s leadership extends beyond the local church as he has served the AME Church at various levels, including roles such as Chair & Dean of the Board of Examiners, Chair of the Finance Committee for several different annual conferences, and as a delegate to the General Conference since 2012. Additionally, he has contributed service on the Revisions & Reconciliation Committee and recently served on the Episcopal Committee.

Pastor Shafah is also a sought-after preacher whose inspiring sermons and strategic leadership have garnered widespread respect. As a servant leader, he was instrumental in launching programs aimed at empowering individuals and strengthening communities, always seeking to address both the spiritual and material needs of those he serves.

He is the founder of the Avery Chapel Community Development Center, which sponsors initiatives such as an after-school feeding program, financial literacy workshops, workforce development, and the establishment of the Avery Chapel Early Learning Center. Pastor Shafah’s leadership has left a lasting mark in the Oklahoma City community, and his commitment to uplifting others continues to be at the core of his ministry.

Pastor Shafah’s journey has now come full circle as he and his family have returned to Atlanta, where he currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Flipper Temple AME Church, bringing his visionary leadership to the heart of the city where his journey began. His leadership is not only defined by his strategic initiatives but by his deep commitment to the community and the AME Church as a whole.

He is supported by his wife, Melanie Shafah, who is also a dedicated servant leader, and together they are raising their four daughters: Meley (19), Trinity (13), Elise (5), and Sage (2).

On October 11, 2024, Pastor Shafah received the pastoral assignment to Flipper Temple AME Church, Atlanta, Georgia from Bishop Michael L. Mitchell. 

Pastor Shafah is guided by the scripture, “God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20), and his life and ministry are a testament to this truth. He approaches every challenge, opportunity, and vision with the unwavering belief that God will always exceed expectations. This faith fuels his bold leadership and innovative initiatives, constantly striving to go beyond the ordinary in service to others, knowing that God’s power works mightily through him to achieve the extraordinary.