COLUMBUS PASTOR ASSUMES LEADERSHIP OF GEORGIA’S LARGEST BLACK BAPTIST CONVENTION

The Reverend Corey J. Neal, senior pastor of Greater Peace Baptist Church in Columbus, has assumed the presidency of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc. (GMBC), following the organization’s constitutional succession procedures.

Founded in 1870 in Augusta, the GMBC is the oldest and largest organization of African Americans in Georgia, uniting more than 600 churches and representing over 450,000 members statewide. The convention, which remains affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.—one of the nation’s largest Black religious bodies with more than 8.6 million members—has long served as a central force for Christian education, leadership training, and spiritual growth.

GMBC operates multiple facilities and ministry centers across Georgia, with its headquarters located at 155 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. N.W. in Atlanta.

Neal previously served as Vice President-at-Large under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Anthony Q. Corbett, who passed away in June 2025. After a 30-day period of mourning, Neal officially assumed the presidency in July, continuing the vision and legacy of his predecessor.

The convention will celebrate its 155th anniversary during its annual session Nov. 11–13 at the Courtland Grand Hotel in Atlanta. Festivities will begin with a “Legacy & Leadership” presidential celebration on Nov. 10, featuring guest preacher Pastor Breonus Mitchell of Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn.

Delegates from across Georgia will convene Nov. 13 for Neal’s first official presidential address. His inaugural theme, “Finishing the Assignment” (Nehemiah 6:3), emphasizes service over self.

“This theme reminds us that the work we do is not for our own glory, but for God’s glory and His purpose,” Neal said.

Neal’s elevation to president marks a significant moment for the Columbus faith community, highlighting the city’s growing influence in statewide religious leadership.

As GMBC enters a new chapter of unity, service, and spiritual renewal, the Columbus community joins in celebrating one of its own leading one of Georgia’s most historic and impactful faith institutions—committed, as Neal says, to “finishing the assignment” God has entrusted to His people.