Pastor Michael J. Paden, Sr.

Michael J. Paden is a native Atlantan who graduated from Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama, where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Building Construction. On May 6, 1978, Mr. Paden married Peggy Paden and from this union was born three children; Monica (Shane), Erica (Ivory), and Michael Jr. (Danielle). The Paden’s have four grandchildren.

In October of 1984, Mr. Paden acknowledged his call to the ministry. At the time of his calling, he was serving as Chairman of the Deacon Board and a member of Trustee Board at Tabernacle of Faith United church of God in Christ, Inc. where his father, Bishop Willis Paden is the Founder and Pastor.

After being ordained in to the ministry, Mr. Paden has served as an associate minister of the Tabernacle of Faith United Church of God in Christ, Inc. In October of 1987; Supt. Paden organized what is now known as Holy Fellowship Church of God in Christ, Inc. (Snellville, GA). In September of 2001, Supt. Paden succeeded his father, Bishop Willis Paden as Pastor of Tabernacle of Faith Church of God of Christ. Since that time that church has relocated to Douglasville, Georgia.

In a May 2006 Commencement Service Superintendent Michael J. Paden, Sr. was elevated to Dr. Michael J. Paden, Sr.

Dr. Michael J. Paden, Sr. is currently the Pastor of two growing ministries in the Metro Atlanta Area. He is truly teaching the word of God and being a living vessel for The Master's use.

First Lady Peggy E. Paden

First Lady Peggy E. Paden, a powerful woman of God, is the sunshine of the ministry. She teaches the women of the ministry how to truly be the women that God has called for. Her character speaks wonders of the God she serves. She has spent years raising her children and teaching the women of the ministry. She upholds the character of a virtuous woman. She exemplifies all that God would have a woman to be. First Lady Paden is indeed a model woman of God.  In December of 2004 she was Diagnosed with Stage three Cancer, while believing God for Total Victory she continued to faithfully uphold the Character of Godliness. Then God did it Suddenly, First Lady Paden went from "Stage Three to Cancer Free". And never did she one time doubt God in the midst of this test. She exemplifies the true character of a Woman of God.

Church History

In October 1987, Elder Michael J. Paden, Sr. founded and organized what was known as the Belvedere Holy Fellowship Church of God In Christ, Inc. soon afterward, by the miraculous intervention of the Holy Ghost, Elder Paden and four dedicated supporters were able to acquire a $300,000 church building, with only $160 in the bank. This church, formerly the Belvedere Baptist Church, was located at 1522 Thomas Road in Decatur, Georgia. On the first Sunday in March 1988, the first official service was held in the sanctuary. God continually added to the membership and greatly moved in the midst of His people.

In November 1992, the Lord blessed Pastor Paden and the newly renamed Holy Fellowship Church of God In Christ, Inc. to elevate and purchase an even greater church facility. This church, previously The Greater Traveler's Rest Missionary Baptist Church, was located at 2589 Tilson Road in Decatur, Georgia. The ministry flourished in all aspects and the blessings of the Lord greatly multiplied.

Then, in June 1998, the Lord commissioned Pastor Paden and the Holy Fellowship Ministry to undergo a dramatic experience that would ultimately change the course of the church's history.  Holy Fellowship had now found itself " in the wilderness", but God was yet "very present". The ministry had to temporarily relocate, first to a hotel ballroom, then to an elementary school cafeteria, and before long a church that allowed Holy Fellowship to share their facility with them. In the midst of the seemly unbearable circumstances, God began realigning and redefining Holy Fellowship by separating, shaping and strengthening the ministry. Simultaneously, the Lord began preparing Pastor Paden for the work He had established for him as a leader. Despite much anguish and adversity "the Watchman", Pastor Paden, persevered and never came down off the "wall". With a mindset of victory, the ability to lead, the determination to do God's will, a passion for souls, and a supportive First Lady, Pastor Paden faithfully continued on the path of righteousness. The members of Holy Fellowship undoubtedly upheld him and humbly followed him.

Consequently in June 1999, nearly a year after leaving Tilson Road, God led Pastor Paden to 2866 Panthersville Road in Decatur, Georgia. This former Masonic lodge, situated in the heart of a thriving South Dekalb community proved to be the ideal location for soul winning and for the perfection of the ministry. In this facility God allowed a greater anointing to rest upon Pastor Paden and the Holy Fellowship Ministry. Salvation, Restoration, and deliverance came in great proportions and the Lord was being glorified. By the power of the Holy Ghost, the drawing of souls and an atmosphere of praise, outreach, and agape love being exemplified in such a manner in which only the survival of a "wilderness experience" can create. Victory has surely come and will certainly remain as Almighty God continues to raise up His manservant and His people in this critical hour.

In the year 2004 the God laid upon the heart of Pastor Paden to “Believe Him to Exceed our Expectations”. This was exemplified through the entire year. And God did it Suddenly. The church was led out of the “wilderness” and into the “Promise Land” located at 3691 Centerville Highway Snellville Georgia in a thriving Gwinnett County.

Therefore, it can assuredly be declared that after many years of ministry, God is truly demonstrating to all, through the Founders, Superintendent Michael J. Paden and First Lady Peggy Paden, what it means to have a "Holy Fellowship".