ABOUT US

Early in the morning on January 4, 1920, Reverend C.D. Thornton stood in front of Mt. Carmel African Methodist Episcopal Church at the base of Fair Street in southwest Atlanta. He was joined by a group of twenty-four other adults and children, including Mr. H.B. McIver. Together, they marched up Fair Street, from the “Bottoms”, to establish their church. Initially located on Larkin Street, it eventually moved to Fair Street and came to be known as Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church. Reverend Thornton was appointed to Mt. Carmel by Bishop Joseph Simeon Flipper, Thirty-third Bishop of the A.M.E. Church, and Presiding Bishop of the Sixth Episcopal District comprising the State of Georgia. With the insight of a visionary, Reverend Thornton sought out a better location for the Church. With the faithful assistance of his Presiding Elder, Dr. L.A. Townsley, a site was purchased in December 1919 through the Graves Real Estate Company. With the establishment of the Church at its new location, the need to form a number of organizations was necessary to move the Church to greater heights. To that end, Mr. H.B. McIver was named Superintendent of the Sunday School and Mr. John Heard was named Assistant Superintendent. Reverend Thornton appointed Bros. McIver, Heard, Ernest Allen, and Tobe Peters as the first Class Leaders. In addition, the first choir was established. It was announced during the 1922 Annual Conference that Reverend J. G, Brown would assume the pastorate. He continued the organizational pattern begun by Reverend Thornton, by naming the first Stewards and Trustees and organizing the first Stewardess Board and Missionary Society. Just as the first Sunday of 1920 had been a day of rejoicing, the third Saturday night in March 1925 was one of sadness for the Flipper Temple family. It was on that date that the Church was completely destroyed by fire. Although grieved because of the loss of their church building, the faithful members soon began to worship in the parsonage adjacent to the Church. A setback like the fire posed unexpected challenges for such a small congregation, but with faith and determination, the congregation was soon able to return to the sanctuary for worship services. Reverend Brown was transferred on the third Sunday of June 1927, and the Reverend J. F. Moses was named new Pastor of Flipper Temple. Church membership increased at a rapid pace under Rev. Moses’ leadership, and it became clear that the existing Church building would soon be inadequate for the growing congregation. Renovations to the structure were made to accommodate the Church’s physical needs. Rev. Moses is credited with reducing the Church’s indebtedness and establishing what was probably its first bank account with First National Bank of Georgia. During his tenure, as many as fifty-three organizations existed in the Church. During the General Conference of 1928, Bishop Flipper was moved to another Episcopal District and the Right Reverend William Alfred Fountain became the Bishop of Georgia. It was during this period that Flipper Temple became known as the “fastest growing A.M.E, Church in Georgia”. At the Annual Conference of 1932, Rev. Moses was appointed Presiding Elder of the South Atlanta District and the Reverend H.M. Parker was appointed to lead the Church. He organized the Progressive Choir, Junior Steward Board, the Trustee Board, and the Parker Junior Club. He remained Pastor until 1938. It was then that the Reverend T. David Norris was transferred to Flipper Temple from the Macon Conference. Reverend Norris succeeded in retiring the Church’s debt and burning the mortgage after only eighteen months. A new site was purchased from the Graves Real Estate Company. On the second Sunday in March 1940, Bishop William A. Fountain, members, and friends witnessed the groundbreaking for a new church building. It was with the guidance and leadership of Rev. Norris that the church was able to establish a building fund for the Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church. During the General Conference in Philadelphia in May 1944, Rev. Norris was elected to the editorship of the Christian Recorder. The members of Flipper Temple had long recognized his ability as a writer, and they were elated to know that their pastor would be elevated to the rank of a general officer of the A.M.E. Church. On the third Sunday in May 1944, Reverend William L. Brown became the pastor of Flipper Temple. A renowned church builder, Rev. Brown accepted the Flipper Temple appointment with the understanding that he was to build a new church. He faced some opposition from within the congregation, but because of his strong and bold leadership, construction on the present church building began. Rev. Brown is credited with increasing Church membership significantly. Rev. Brown was succeeded in 1951 by the Reverend L.G. Long, who had been transferred to Atlanta from Alabama. He was labeled “Preacher of His Time” due to his spirit-filled pulpit demeanor. He was in great demand as a preacher and travelled extensively throughout the United States. Bishops, Presiding Elders, Pastors, and Lay Members alike were honored to have this Man of God preach the Word during any special event. Flipper Temple continued to grow under his leadership. Reverend Reuben T. Bussey became the pastor in December 1959 after having been transferred to Atlanta from a prominent church in Macon. He came to Flipper Temple with the reputation as “one who always finished the task at hand”. His work at Flipper Temple added to that reputation because he left the Church on sound financial grounds and with a completed edifice. He was assigned to Atlanta’s Big Bethel A.M.E. Church in June 1964 after having overseen the establishment of the Cathedral Choir and the Art Guild. Following eight successful years as pastor in Athens, Georgia, the Reverend Julius C. Williams came to Flipper Temple on the second Sunday in June 1964. He arrived with the mandate to renovate and complete the construction project, and his personal desire to build an educational complex. Not only was he successful in these endeavors, but he also contributed to the Church’s well-being and stabilization in countless other ways, including the installation of the Church’s elevator. It was under Rev. Williams’ leadership that the Bell Choir was established, and Flipper Temple became the first A.M.E. church in Atlanta to use Acolytes during the worship service. His successes are evident to all those who, today, work and worship in the Flipper Temple complex. Reverend Williams entered into Eternal Rest in 1988, and Bishop Ernest L. Hickman came to Flipper Temple to finish his unexpired term. His task, to bring solace to a grieving congregation, was enormous. After beginning the healing process and offering encouragement, Bishop Hickman stepped aside and passed the torch onto Elder L. J. Jones who did much to restore the congregation’s spirit. He was followed in the pastorate by Reverend Benjamin Gay. Reverend Gay, in his kind and gentle manner, and with wisdom and knowledge, added greatly to the development of the Church. He reorganized the choirs and class leaders, and he oversaw the publication of two church directories. He led the congregation in the purchase of real estate for a parking lot, a bus, a new marquee, and office equipment. He posted identifying signs on the education building and led efforts to restore the stained glass windows. Monthly Official Board meetings were established under Rev. Gay ’s leadership, and programs for feeding the hungry were initiated. Reverend Dr. Thomas L. Bess, Sr. came to Flipper Temple in February 1991 and, with great enthusiasm, continued the legacy begun in 1919. Assuming the pastorate at a time when the congregation was still adjusting to the loss of a beloved leader, Rev. Bess approached the pastorate with sensitivity, understanding, and the ability to lead. Perhaps most significant among his contributions was his influence among the youth of the church. He stressed academic achievement and scholarship as a means for young people to reach their goals in life. Scholarships for those seeking a higher education, regardless of their area of concentration, have now become the norm at Flipper Temple. During his tenure, Rev. Bess oversaw the establishment of the Thomas L. Bess Gospel Choir which was recognized throughout Atlanta as one of the area’s most talented musical aggregations. The group reflects the vitality and commitment that exemplified Rev. Bess’ role in the Church and the community at -large. When Rev. Bess was called to another charge in the city, Flipper Temple was blessed with the appointment of Reverend Dr. C. Edward Wells, Sr. as pastor in May 1997. He was Flipper Temple’s fourteenth pastor and proved to be a strong and forceful preacher and leader who strove for excellence in all that he did. During his administration, a Saturday Pre-Communion Prayer Breakfast/Love Feast preceding each First Sunday was re-established, and the Class Leaders were reorganized. He initiated the Birth Month Clubs, Community/Neighbor Day, and Friends and Family Day, while working to modernize the Church by orchestrating the renovation of the office complex and installing an updated audio-visual system in the sanctuary. Once again, and unfortunately, members of the congregation were saddened by the loss of their leader when, on February 18, 2004, Rev. Wells was called to his reward. Greatly missed, Rev. Wells is fondly remembered as one who set the Church on a new course of worship, spirituality, stewardship, and community service. Following Rev. Wells’ untimely death, we were happy to learn that Presiding Elder Charlie Tatmon would serve on an interim basis until a permanent pastor could be named. During this unexpected transitional period, Presiding Elder Tatmon proved to be the calming and reassuring presence that the congregation needed. God’s people always seem to be able to endure weeping for a night knowing that joy will come in the morning. Such was the case when the Reverend Dr. Gregory Vaughn Eason, Sr. entered the Flipper Temple pulpit as pastor and leader of the flock. In less than six months, he was able to breathe new spiritual life into worship, and a sense of Church Family among the congregation. Rev. Eason demonstrated through his powerful sermons, gentle manner, and a clear vision that Flipper Temple was, indeed, a church on the move. In December 2005, Rev. Eason was appointed to pastor Big Bethel A.M.E. Church. Reverend Augusta H. Hall, Jr. was appointed as the new spiritual leader. He was a dynamic and charismatic preacher, and an enthusiastic leader with a clear vision for leading the church in the twenty-first century. To that end, he spear-headed the purchase of a new fifteen passenger van while working to reduce church indebtedness. A new parking lot was completed, and a renewed effort was launched to reach out to students in the Atlanta University Center. Members of the congregation expressed great pleasure with the degree to which the ministerial staff invigorated the Bible Study Programs. On June 10, 2016, the Reverend Dr. Gregory Vaughn Eason, Sr. returned once again as Senior Pastor of Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church. Dr. Eason’s vision of the future focused on, “Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk Taking Mission & Service, Extravagant Generosity, and Focused Evangelism and Temple Care.” Pastor Eason led Flipper Temple faithfully during the Covid-19 worldwide pandemic, and the paradigm shift to meeting and worshiping virtually. In addition, major improvements were made to the church’s sanctuary and educational building. In August of 2024 at the 52nd Quadrennial Session of The General Conference of The African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbus, Ohio, Rev. Dr. Gregory Vaughn Eason was elected and conscrated the 148th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Eason was the first pastor to be elected from Flipper Temple. On October 11, 2024 Bishop Michael L. Mitchell appointed The Rev. Elijah S. Shafah to serve as the 18th pastor of Flipper Temple. After serving a pastoral charge in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Pastor Shafah returns to his childhood church home as the senior pastor. Things certainly are looking up under the leadership and vision of Rev. Shafah.

The Motto "God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit Our Comforter, Humankind Our Family" is a great summary of what the African Methodist Episcopal Church believes. Also known as the A.M.E. Church for short, the denomination is Methodist in terms of its basic doctrine and order of worship. It was born, through adversity, of the Methodist church and to this day does not differ in any major way from what all Methodists believe. The split from the main branch of the Methodist Church was not a result of doctrinal differences but rather the result of a time period that was marked by man's intolerance of his fellow man, based on the color of his skin. It was a time of slavery, oppression and the dehumanization of people of African descent and many of these un-Christian practices were brought into the church, forcing Richard Allen and a group of fellow worshippers of color to form a splinter denomination of the Methodist Church. To find the basic foundations of the beliefs of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, you need look no further than The Apostles' Creed and The Twenty Five Articles of Religion. The APOSTLE'S CREED I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only son our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead; and buried. The third day he arose from the dead' he ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Church Universal, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen. What We Believe as A. M. E’s We believe that all people are sinners. We believe that The Lord loves all people and hates sin. We believe that Jesus Christ died to save all people. We believe that the Holy Spirit is given to all people to guide them in the will and way of the Lord. We believe that all that repent of their sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will receive forgiveness of their sins. We believe that all who receive forgiveness of sin are at the same time made new creatures in Christ Jesus. We believe that all that are made new creatures in Christ are accepted ad children of God. We believe that a person that is born of God is consecrated and set apart for divine service. We believe that all who are accepted as children of God may receive inward assurance that they are saved and are part of the family of God. We believe that all that seek to do so may love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and their neighbor as themselves. ARTICLES OF OUR FAITH 1. OF FAITH IN THE HOLY TRINITY There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom and goodness; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this God-head, there are three persons of one substance, power and eternity; the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. 2. OF THE WORD OR SON OF GOD, WHO WAS MADE VERY MAN The Son, who is the Word of the Father, the very and eternal God, of one substance with the Father, took man’s nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin; so that two whole and perfect natures, that is to say, the God-head and manhood, were joined together in one person, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God and very man, who suffered, was crucified, dead and buried, to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men. 3. OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST Christ did truly rise from the dead, and took again his body with all things appertaining to the perfection of man’s nature, wherewith he ascended into heaven, and sitteth until he returns to judge all men at last day. 4. OF THE HOLY GHOST The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty and glory with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God. 5. THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES FOR SALVATION The Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation; so that whatever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scriptures, we do understand those canonical books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church. The Names of the Canonical Books: Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth The First Book of Samuel The Second Book of Samuel The First Book of Kings The Second Book of Kings The First Book of Chronicles The Second Book of Chronicles The Book of Ezra The Book of Nehemiah The Book of Esther The Book of Job The Book of Psalms The Book of Lamentations The Proverbs Ecclesiastes, or the Preacher Cantica, or Songs of Solomon Four Prophets, the Greater Twelve Prophets, the Lesser All the books of the New Testament as they are commonly received, we do receive and account canonical. 6. OF THE OLD TESTAMENT The Old Testament is not contrary to the New; for both in the Old and the New Testament, everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man, being both God and man. Wherefore, they are not to be heard, who feign that the old fathers did look only for transitory promises. Although the law given from God by Moses, as touching ceremonies and rites, doth not bind Christians, nor ought the civil precepts thereof of necessity be received in any commonwealth; yet notwithstanding, no Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the Commandments, which are called moral. 7. OF ORIGINAL OR BIRTH SIN Original sin standeth not in the following of Adam (as the Pelagians do vainly talk) but it is the corruption of the nature of every man, that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam, whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and of his own nature inclined to evil, and that continually. 8. OF FREE WILL The condition of man after the fall of Adam is such that he cannot turn and prepare himself by his own natural strength and works to faith, and calling upon God; wherefore, we have no power to do good works, pleasant and acceptable to God, without the grace of God; by Christ preventing us, that we may have a good will, and working with us, when we have that good will. 9. OF THE JUSTIFICATION OF MAN We are accounted righteous before God only for the merit of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by faith, and not by our own works or deservings; wherefore, that we are justified by faith only, is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort. 10. OF GOOD WORKS Although good works, which are the fruit of faith, and follow after justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of God’s judgments: yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and spring out of a true and lively faith, insomuch that they by them a lively faith may be as evidently known, as a tree is discerned by its fruit. 11. OF WORKS OF SUPEREROGATION Voluntary works, besides, over and above God’s Commandments, which they call works of supererogation, cannot be taught without arrogancy and impiety. For by them men do declare that they do not only render unto God as much as they are bound to do, but that they do more for His sake than of bounden duty is required; whereas Christ said plainly,” When ye have done all that is commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants.” 12. OF SIN AFTER JUSTIFICATION Not every sin willingly committed after justification is the sin against the Holy Ghost, and unpardonable. Wherefore, the grant of repentance is not to be denied to such as fall into sin after justification. After we have received the Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin, and by the grace of God, rise again, and amend your lives. And therefore they are to be condemned who say they can do no more sin as long as they live here; or deny the place of forgiveness to such as truly repent. 13. OF THE CHURCH The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in which the pure Word of God is preached, and the sacraments duly administered according to Christ’s ordinance, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same. 14. OF PURGATORY The Romish doctrine concerning purgatory, pardon, worshipping, and adoration, as well as images, as of relics, and also invocations of saints, is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded upon no warrant of Scripture, but repugnant of the Word of God. 15. OF SPEAKING IN THE CONGREGATION IN SUCH A TONGUE AS THE PEOPLE UNDERSTAND It is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the custom of the primitive Church, (to have public prayer in the Church,) or to minister the Sacraments, in a tongue not understood by the people. 16. OF THE SACRAMENTS Sacraments ordained of Christ are not only badges or tokens of Christian men’s profession, but rather they are certain signs of grace, and God’s good will towards us, by the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm our faith in Him. There are two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord, in the Gospel; that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. Those five commonly called sacraments, that is to say, Confirmation, Penance, Orders, Matrimony and Extreme Unction, are not to be counted for Sacraments of the Gospel; being such as have partly grown out of the corrupt following of the Apostles; and partly are states of life allowed in the Scriptures, but yet have not the like nature of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, because they have not any visible sign, or ceremony ordained of God. The Sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried about; but that we should duly use them. And in such only as worthily receive the same, they have a wholesome effect or operation; but they that received them unworthily, purchase to themselves condemnation, as St. Paul saith. 17. OF BAPTISM Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and mark of difference; but it is also a sign of regeneration, or the new birth. The baptism of young children is to be retained in the church. 18. OF THE LORD’S SUPPER The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign of the love that Christians ought to have among themselves one to another, but rather is a Sacrament of our redemption by Christ’s death; insomuch, that to such as rightly, worthily, and with faith receive the same, the bread which we break is a partaking of the body of Christ; and likewise the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blood of Christ. Transubstantiation, or the change of the substance of bread and wine in the Supper of our Lord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ; but is repugnant to the plain words of Scripture, overthroweth the nature of a sacrament, and hath given occasion to many superstitions. The body of Christ is given, taken and eaten in the Supper, only after a heavenly and spiritual manner. And the means whereby the body of Christ is received and eaten in the Supper, is faith. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is not by Christ’s ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshipped. 19. OF BOTH KINDS The cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the lay people: for both parents of the Lord’s Supper, by Christ’s ordinance and commandment, ought to administered to all Christians alike. 20. OF THE ONE OBLATION OF CHRIST, FINISHED UPON THE CROSS The offering of Christ once made, is that perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is none other satisfaction for sin but that alone. Wherefore the sacraments of masses, in which it is commonly said that that priest doth offer Christ for the quick and the dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, is a blasphemous fable, and dangerous deceit. 21. OF THE MARRIAGE OF MINISTERS The ministers of Christ are not commanded by God’s law either to vow the estate of single life, or to abstain from marriage; therefore, it is lawful for them, as for all other Christians, to marry at their own discretion, as they shall judge the same to serve best to godliness. 22. OF THE RITES AND CEREMONIES OF CHURCHES It is not necessary that rites and ceremonies should in all places be the same, or exactly alike; for they have been always different, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men’s manners, so that nothing be ordained against God’s Word. Whosoever, through his private judgment, willingly and purposely, doth openly break the rites and ceremonies of the church to which he belongs, which are not repugnant of the Word of God, and are ordained and approved by common authority, ought to be rebuked openly, that others may fear to do the like, as one that offendeth against the common order of the Church and woundeth the consciences of weak brethren. Every particular Church may ordain, change, or abolish rites and ceremonies so that all things may be done to edification. 23. OF THE RULERS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA The President, the Congress, the General Assemblies, the Governors, and the Councils of State, as the delegates of the people, are the rulers of the United States of America, according to the division of power made to them by the Constitution of the United States, and by the constitution of their respective states and the Councils of States delegates of the people, are the rulers of the United States of America, and by the Constitutions of their respective States. And the said states are a sovereign and independent nation, and ought not to be subject to any foreign jurisdiction. It is acknowledged that the African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the United States. However, the African Methodist Episcopal Church is an international Christian body with constituents around the world, and a Christian witness that is both parochial and global. Article 23 presumes the duty, loyalty and patriotism of our constituents, as citizens of sovereign nations, to obey just laws, to recognize and respect the organizational structure, and to uphold the Constitution of the country or nation-state in which our members hold the rights and privileges of citizenship. Further, obedience to Civil Government is one of the principle duties of all persons, and was honored by our Lord and His Apostles. Though differing in form and policy, all just governments rightfully commend the obedience, loyalty, support, and defense of all Christian men and women they control and protect. 24. OF CHRISTIAN MEN’S GOODS The riches and goods of Christians are not common as touching the right, title and possession of the same, as some do falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought, of such things as he possesseth, liberally, to give alms to the poor, according to his ability. 25. OF A CHRISTIAN MAN’S OATH As we confess that vain and rash swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord, Jesus Christ and James, His apostle: so we judge that the Christian religion doth not prohibit, but that a man may swear when the magistrate requireth, in a cause of faith and charity, so it be done according to the prophet’s teaching, in justice, judgment, and truth.

OUR MISSION To minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people. OUR VISION At every level of the Connection and in every local church, the AME Church shall engage in carrying out the spirit of the original Free African Society, out of which the AME Church evolved: that is, to seek out and save the lost, and to serve the needy. It is also the duty of Church to continue to encourage all members to become involved in all aspects of church training. TAGLINE Connect Here. Grow Here.

Our Pastor

Rev. Elijah Shafah is a visionary leader, sought-after preacher and teacher, and transformative pastor whose ministry is marked by spiritual depth, strategic innovation, and measurable community impact. On October 11, 2024, he was appointed Lead Pastor of Flipper Temple AME Church by Bishop Michael L. Mitchell, returning to his hometown of Atlanta to lead his home church and one of the city’s historic congregations into a new era of vitality and growth. Since assuming leadership at Flipper Temple, Pastor Shafah has guided the church through a season of tremendous spiritual renewal, congregational growth, and organizational strengthening. Under his visionary direction, Flipper Temple is experiencing renewed energy in worship, expanded ministry engagement, increased stewardship, and a bold strategic focus on both discipleship and economic empowerment. His preaching—biblically sound, culturally relevant, and prophetically challenging—has made him a highly sought-after voice across the AME Church and beyond. With a clear understanding that the church must address both spiritual and socio-economic realities, Pastor Shafah has cast and begun implementing an ambitious development vision for the future. Central to that vision is the planned construction of a new community-centered shopping plaza within the next two years—an initiative designed to create economic opportunity, strengthen the church’s long-term sustainability, and serve as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization. He is also the Founder and CEO of the Flipper Foundation, the church’s nonprofit arm dedicated to community transformation and outreach. Through the Foundation, Pastor Shafah is advancing initiatives that address education, economic empowerment, and community development—ensuring that Flipper Temple remains not only a place of worship, but a hub of holistic impact. A second-generation AME pastor, Pastor Shafah carries forward a rich legacy of ministry instilled by his parents, Rev. & Mrs. Henry Borbor. His leadership within the broader AME Church has included service in key denominational roles, including Chair and Dean of the Board of Examiners, Chair of Finance Committees across annual conferences, delegate to the General Conference since 2012, and service on both the Revisions & Reconciliation Committee and the Episcopal Committee. These experiences have sharpened his administrative insight and strengthened his capacity for visionary governance. Pastor Shafah’s life and leadership are anchored in Ephesians 3:20—“God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” This scripture fuels his faith-driven boldness and commitment to building ministries that exceed expectations and expand God’s kingdom impact. Above all, he is a devoted husband and father. He is lovingly supported by his wife, Melanie Shafah, whose partnership in ministry and unwavering encouragement are pillars of his strength. Together they are raising their four beautiful daughters—Meley, Trinity, Elise, and Sage—who remain his greatest joy and constant inspiration. Through visionary leadership, powerful preaching, and strategic community engagement, Pastor Elijah Shafah continues to lead Flipper Temple AME Church into a flourishing future—spiritually vibrant, economically empowered, and faithfully committed to serving both God and community.

LADY MEL

ladymel@flippertempleame.com

Our First Lady

Lady Melanie Shafah "Lady Mel" is a woman of God and is the youngest of six children born to parents Melvin and Irma Cole. Lady Shafah was born in Montgomery, AL where she spent her formative and adult years until a major life change; marrying Rev. Elijah Shafah, Pastor of Flipper Temple AME. Lady Mel trusted Christ early in life, but was called to a deeper relationship with Christ in her early college years. She has a love for helping others and a passion to serve the Lord. As, First Lady at “Flipper Temple” she is known as Lady Mel, where she seeks to serve with humility wherever needed. Lady Mel is the proud mother of four wonderful daughters, Meley, Trinity, Elise, and Sage Shafah. Along with being a wife and mother, Lady Shafah embraces being a role model and mentor. Her greatest treasure in life is spending time with family and serving to advance the Kingdom of God here on earth. Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 New King James Version - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Lady Mel's life is dedicated to living for God, leading by example, and encouraging others in the things of God.

OUR STAFF

Rev. Elijah S. Shafah

Lead Pastor

Sis. Leah Foster

Executive Assistant

Rev. George DeLilly

Sick & Shut-In Ministry & Transportation Ministry

Rev. Delman Smith

Sick & Shut-In Ministry

Rev. Dr. Kenyatta Arnette

Worship & Liturgy &

Young Adult Ministry

Rev. Rosetta
Dubois-Gadson

HIV/AIDS Lead

Rev. Ari Johnson

Engagement &

Higher Education

Rev. Dr. Christopher Johnson

Bible Study Lead

Rev. Jacqueline Johnson

Children's Ministry Lead

Rev. Jerri Porter

Clergy Liaison & Congregational Care

CONNECTIONAL MINISTRY

Bishop Michael
Leon Mitchell

Presiding Prelate 6th

Episcopal District

Mrs. Cordelia Mitchell

Episcopal Supervisor

Rev. Dr. Larry W. Hudson

Presiding Elder South

Atlanta District