Michaela Lawrence Jeffery
"Welcome to our faith community! As your Pastor for Discipleship and Congregational Care, I am thrilled to have you here with us. Our mission is to nurture each other in faith, love, and service, as we grow together in our journey with Christ. Whether you are a long-time member or visiting for the first time, know that you are cherished and valued. We are here to support you, celebrate your joys, and walk alongside you through life's challenges. Together, let us deepen our relationships with God and with one another, striving to embody the love of Christ in all that we do. Welcome home!"
biography
Michaela Lawrence Jeffery has been serving as the pastor for discipleship and congregational care since June 2024. For the six and a half years prior to that, she was the pastor of the Athens Georgia Seventh-day Adventist Church. It was her time in Athens that taught her how to care for people by using the gifts and temperament God has given her, in other words, by being herself. That’s a key part of discipleship that she hopes to be able to help others grow to appreciate and enjoy. Indeed, God wants us to be the people he has made us to be.
During the eight years before Athens, Pastor Lawrence Jeffery was the Adventist Christian Fellowship director for Georgia-Cumberland Conference and campus minister at Advent House on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. That’s where she learned the value of inter-faith relationships as she became friends with other campus ministers. It’s also where she realized that telling someone about Jesus was not near as important as showing them Jesus through action and presence.
Pastor Lawrence Jeffery is married to Justin Jeffery, a graphic designer and pianist, and they have two smart and creative daughters who keep them busy and humble. In the midst of family and church life, Michaela makes time for community connections and writing.
