Our Pastor & First Lady

Pastor Sam and Lady Jamie serve as the spiritual leaders of Greater Liberty Hill Baptist Church. They both have a passion for service, seeking justice, and love for God's people.

About Pastor Sam & Lady Jamie

Pastor Sam and Lady Jamie met in 2016 in Capetown South Africa during a 10-week leadership program. At the end of the program, they committed to pursuing a long-distance relationship, and Pastor Sam committed to returning and marrying her one day. The two dated long-distance for three years. Pastor Sam traveled to South Africa once a year to see Lady Jamie in person. After marriage, they settled in Atlanta, Georgia, and began serving in ministry together.

Pastor Sam acknowledged his call to ministry early in life. As a young boy, he sang in churches throughout Alabama and spent important time kneeling by his grandmother's bedside and next to her couch praying for her. Lady Jamie was raised by God-fearing parents who taught her the true meaning of service. She grew up in Angelus Mission Church in Durban, South Africa where her parents were ministry leaders.

Pastor Sam and Lady Jamie are the Founders of Reckless Love Fellowship, an outreach ministry in the US and South Africa. In June 2022, they were called to lead Greater Liberty Hill Baptist Church as its 10th Pastor and First Lady.

SAMUEL L. WHITE III

The Reverend Samuel Lee White III serves as the Senior Pastor of Greater Liberty Hill Baptist Church in East Atlanta. Pastor Sam is a theologian, community activist, and spiritual adviser from Bay Minette, a small town in Alabama.

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Janalene J. White

This dynamic Woman of God is a native of Durban, South Africa. Affectionately known as "Lady Jamie," she received her Associate's degree for Georgia State University in 2023.

Pastor Sam's Education

2015-2016

Master of Theology (Advanced)
Emory University

Pastor Sam received his second and advanced Master's degree in preparation for PhD study in the future. His master's thesis studied black liberation and prophetic language.

2012-2015

Master of Divinity

Emory University

Pastor Sam enrolled at Emory University's Candler School of Theology to pursue his Master of Divinity degree in response to answering his call to ministry. His years at Candler were formative.

2003-2011

Bachelor of Communication
The University of Alabama

Pastor Sam's first degree was a hard-fought battle. After a tumultuous start, he nearly flunked out of college. Pastor Sam persisted and became the first in his family not only to attend but to graduate from college with a major in communications and a minor in computer applications. He went from academic suspension to the Dean's List.

Lady Jamie's Education

2021-2023

Associates of Science
Georgia State University

Lady Jamie is a first-generation college student at Georgia State University. After a ten-year hiatus, she returned to the classroom and earned her associated degree. Lady Jamie will complete her bachelors in Business Administration with a focus in Human Resources