Reverend Corey J. Neal was born December 27, 1975, in Fort Benning, Georgia. Shortly after his birth, Reverend Neal moved to Pemberton, New Jersey. He received a Christian Education at Kings Academy Christian School. After graduating from Kings Academy, Reverend Neal decided to return to Columbus, Georgia to be closer to his grandparents and other family members. Immediately, Reverend Neal began attending worship services at Greater Peace Baptist Church, pastored by his grandfather, Reverend E. L. Sullivan. He always enjoyed hearing his grandfather minister the Word of God and wanted to emulate him as a God-fearing man.

Reverend Neal attended Columbus State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, with a special emphasis in Business Administration. Later, he earned his master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University at Fort Benning, Georgia. Reverend Neal earned another master’s degree in Organization and Management from Capella University. Currently, Reverend Neal is working toward his Ph.D.in Organizational Management with an emphasis in Human Resource Management at Capella University.

At the tender age of twenty-seven, Reverend Neal finally accepted the call into the ministry. This acceptance came after a Job-like experience. He had plans to leave Georgia, but just like Job, Reverend Neal lost it all. The employment opportunity was withdrawn, the place he was going to live was flooded, and the people he counted on walked out of his life. It was at this moment that he relinquished his plans and yielded to the plan of God, which was to preach God’s Word in Columbus, Georgia.

Reverend Neal’s spiritual journey began as a child at New Life Assembly Church in Wrightstown, New Jersey. Before being called as the senior pastor of Greater Peace Baptist Church, Reverend Neal was Director of Christian Education, Youth Pastor, and Assistant Pastor at Greater Peace Baptist Church. He took immense pleasure in serving under his grandfather, Reverend E. L. Sullivan, whom he always admired.

Reverend Neal is married to Victoria Bass-Neal, a science teacher at George Washington Carver High School. They have one daughter, Meghan Obleton.

Reverend Neal serves as a member of various community and civic organizations. He has a strong commitment to serve the community and to spread the Word of God. Reverend Neal desires to nourish the total person as well as the spiritual soul with the Word of God. He has sponsored workshops on various topics, such as health, finances, and employment for the church and the community.

Reverend Neal is a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and is an active member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Columbus (GA) Alumni Chapter. He is a member of the Columbus Georgia Family Connection Coalition, and the 100 Black Men of America (Columbus, Georgia Chapter).

Presently, Reverend Neal serves on the Mayor’s Commission on Unity, Diversity, and Prosperity and the Mayor’s Opportunity Center Task Force.

Currently, Reverend Neal serves as the Vice-President-at-Large of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia. Reverend Neal has been certified by the National Baptist Sunday School Publishing Board; consequently, he is a certified instructor for the local, state, and national Congress of Christian Education.

Reverend Neal is not only a preacher of the Word but also a teacher and motivator. His teaching and preaching ministry is a blessing to all who listen with receptive hearts. He believes in bringing down denominational walls; so that, all of God’s children can worship together. While Pastor Neal has distinguished himself by his great accomplishments and his service on various community board, he feels it is only noteworthy that he is…. A Child of God!