Pastor George and Shirley Bates are long time friends of the Douglas family and it is always a treat when they visit.

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of ministry here in Asheville.

Pastor George Bates is a graduate of the Pentecostal Bible Institute in Tupelo, Mississippi . He has served as the Public Relations Director for the Ministerial Association of Jesus Christ (MAJC) for the past 10 years. His passion for people makes his position uniquely appropriate as a spokes-person for the Association.

George and Shirley have been in active ministry for forty years (their entire married life). They have served as Care Pastors at Life Church of Winnsboro, Louisiana since 2002 when the church was founded. Their son Kevin Bates is the founding Pastor of Life Church.

George holds “office” hours weekdays at the Winnsboro McDonald’s when it opens at 5:00 AM until about 10:00 AM. You can find him in the third booth on the right counseling over coffee.

They are the parents of a daughter and two sons as well as proud grandparents to six delightful grandchildren.

He is also a gourmet cook with specialties ranging from Southern Fried Catfish to the finest US Prime steaks as well as a wonderful Cochon de Lait (milk fed roast pig). If you ever have the opportunity to eat some of George’s culinary creations take advantage of it.

George and Shirley love God and love people. They are a humble couple that search out God’s will and follow His leading and encourage others to do the same. With hearts of service, the Bates’ are constantly found in service roles supporting the work of the church of Jesus Christ. George speaks from his heart with a passion that is distinctive to him.