Our pastor, Rev. Ellis C. Jackson, is a native of Pavo, Georgia, a small rural agricultural community bordering Brooks and Thomas counties. His parents are Mr. Andrew James Jackson (deceased) and Mrs. Viola (Givens) Jackson. He has four siblings, and he is referred to as the middle child. His early educational experience started at South Coolidge Elementary school. From there, he attended Magnolia and Central High School, where he received his High School Diploma. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Thomas University. He received a Certificate of Public Administration from Columbus State University and a Certificate of Biblical Studies from Zion Bible College. HeHHHHH He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Class 136th Session, Quantico, Virginia.
He has been married to Flora (Davis) for thirty-seven years and they have two sons, Duward Ellis and Craig Lance Jackson, and have been blessed with six grandchildren. They are lifelong residents of Thomas County.
Rev. Jackson has been a member of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church his entire life. His first appointment as a Pastor was at Saint James C.M. E. Church in Pavo, Georgia where he stayed for five years, leading the congregation in spiritual growth. Later, he was sent to Mount Olive C. M. E. in Newton, Georgia to lead the Church for two years to Pastor as well as Pastor Saint James. After serving at Mount Olive for two years, he was moved to Saint George Chapel C. M. E. in Thomasville, Georgia for one year before being moved by the Annual Conference to Bethel C. M. E. Church in Valdosta, Georgia.
He enjoys his role as a Pastor in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. More so, he loves the mission of the Church “….not to be a Hotel for Saints but a hospital for sinners….” One of his objectives is to be an instrument for the church by seeking out those that are hurt and hurting, and lead them to a greater care facility so the Holy Spirit can render healing. This objective is done through effective witnessing, preaching, teaching, prophesying and re-learning the good news of the gospel to all God’s Children.
