Son Takes Over Dad's Alabama Megachurch After 38 Years

New pastor left an 18-year engineering career to lead Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The pastor of a Birmingham megachurch, Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, has retired after 38 years and turned the pulpit over to his son. The new pastor, Rev. James Edward Wesley, was installed on February 22 after leaving an 18-year career as an engineer to answer the call to ministry.

Why it matters

Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church is a prominent and influential church in Birmingham's history, having been founded in 1891. The transition of leadership from father to son represents a significant moment for the congregation and the broader community.

The details

Rev. Michael W. Wesley Sr. has been the senior pastor of Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church since 1988, leading the congregation to a new $6.5 million campus in 2008. During his retirement ceremony, he expressed gratitude for the support and love of the church members. His son, Rev. James Edward Wesley, was installed as the new pastor on February 22 after leaving an 18-year career as an engineer, including roles at NASA, Hawker Beechcraft Services, Gulfstream, and Grumman Corp. The younger Wesley said he never saw himself as the senior pastor but feels called to the responsibility, with a vision to grow the church in all areas of life and reach college students.

  • Rev. Michael W. Wesley Sr. became the senior pastor of Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in 1988.
  • The church moved to its current $6.5 million campus in West End in 2008.
  • Rev. James Edward Wesley was installed as the new senior pastor on February 22, 2026.

The players

Rev. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

The retiring senior pastor of Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, who has led the congregation since 1988.

Rev. James Edward Wesley

The new senior pastor of Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, who previously had an 18-year career as an engineer.

Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

A prominent and influential megachurch in Birmingham, Alabama, founded in 1891.

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What they’re saying

“To say that I'm grateful would be not enough, but it's all I can say. Thank you for the support, thank you for the love, thank you for the uplift, thank you for every good thing that we have done.”

— Rev. Michael W. Wesley Sr., Retiring Senior Pastor (al.com)

“I never really saw myself as senior pastor, but I don't run from the responsibility either. I've always been more of a background person, that's why I love playing the saxophone. When God calls, you've got to answer.”

— Rev. James Edward Wesley, New Senior Pastor (al.com)

“My vision for the church is growth, grow it in all areas, in all phases of life. God's word is relevant for every generation. The mission and vision of the church will not change. It is based on the Bible.”

— Rev. James Edward Wesley, New Senior Pastor (al.com)

What’s next

The church plans to hold a special celebration service to welcome the new pastor, Rev. James Edward Wesley, on March 15, 2026.

The takeaway

This transition of leadership from father to son at the prominent Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church represents a significant moment for the Birmingham community, as the new pastor aims to build on his father's legacy and lead the congregation into the future with a focus on growth and reaching new generations.