Bishop Michael Strickland: Educator of Children, Fisherman of Men

“I think many of our religious denominations within Christianity are becoming more exclusive while young people are becoming more inclusive.” 

written by Dominique Huff

Bishop Michael Strickland is a teacher, prophet, husband, and father. He wears many hats and lives daily by faith in his calling to the people. He is rethinking ministry as we once knew it and making it more people-centered and people-friendly, not about idolizing and worshipping the preacher.  

Like many of Generation X, he attended church regularly with his parents. But as the child of a preacher, he spent copious amounts of time in the Lord's house. He was there with his parents, whether at church, another ministry, or a religious-based event like Vacation Bible School or retreats. 

Strickland is on an assignment to make people feel more included and welcomed in the church. 

Last year, the Gallup Organization reported that 30 percent of Americans attended religious services every week, down 12 percent from 2000 to 2003. The University of Denver College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences noted younger people are looking more into each other and spirituality for moral support. 

Christy Cobb, an associate professor of Christianity at the University of Denver, previously interviewed Susan Dugan about her views on the trend of churches becoming more exclusive than inclusive. 

“I think many of our religious denominations within Christianity are becoming more exclusive while young people are becoming more inclusive. The students I teach feel disconnected from the Christian denominations they grew up with and don’t feel represented by them or their beliefs,” she said. “I think many of our religious denominations within Christianity are becoming more exclusive while young people are becoming more inclusive.” 

At Victory Tabernacle Church International, Strickland is changing the church's culture to meet people where they are, make them feel welcome, and let them know they have a place to change their lives on their terms and in their own time. 

“We want to create a culture where people belong and are loved,” he said. “They can bring whatever is happening in their lives, and they can walk out where their lives are changed, and their minds are transformed.” 

Members of the church can expect to be greeted by friendly team members with love and warmth from the moment they arrive. We are dedicated to serving the community with passion and humility. This is their way of helping people become one with God and apply the word. 

Strickland recalled that churches used to talk at people and emphasize prayer and forgiveness. While these are great, people are not taught their value, significance, and importance or how to correctly execute and use the tools they are given. 

“I’m praying, but what am I praying for? We were talked at but not talked to,” he said. “We were talked to but not taught. How do we apply the word to make it through these areas?”

This is why Strickland refers to himself as Fisherman of Men. When one catches a fish, it comes straight out of the water, and he thought critically about how it applies biblically. 

“When people come to Christ, they come fresh out of whatever,” he said. “That is how we want people; we want them just to come.” 

Strickland received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Valdosta State University in 1991. He later obtained a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, and a Master’s in biblical studies from Beulah Heights University. He preached his first sermon in January 1996 and has not looked back. 

His church is built upon the pillars of prayer, worship, family, education, evangelism, wealth development, and community empowerment. 

“I am a relational pastor, not because of the house size. I am available, touchable, and present, and I reach out to our members,” he said. “I am more concerned about you as a human, not what you can do for the ministry.” 

When he says welcome all, come as you are, he means it and doesn’t pass judgment or force lectures down one’s throat. He refers to members as partners, emphasizing the togetherness in the journey. 

“I’m not that guy who points out an obvious flaw like if I have a partner coming in here smelling like marijuana. We have partners that I know who are deep into other things,” he said. “I will not begin to magnify what is incorrect, and I give it up to Christ. When they are ready, we are here and ready to serve.” 

The partners receive tools for their empowerment, such as learning how to forgive and why you pray. 

“Here, we partner with God,” he exclaimed. “In the journey, we show how to understand forgiving. We are told to have faith in God, but no one ever told us to partner with God but that’s what we do!” 

Outside the sanctuary, you can find him educating children in the Atlanta Public School system as a music specialist. 

From empowering children during the week to nourishing souls on Sundays and during other appointed times, Bishop Michael Strickland understands the assignment.