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.