Bishop Michael A. Strickland is a devoted servant of God, respected pastor, educator, preacher, recording artist, and gifted encourager whose life and ministry are marked by a steadfast commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God. The proud son of the late Rev. Dr. Hopie Strickland, Jr. and Lady Linda D. Strickland, Bishop Strickland carries forward a legacy of faith, service, leadership, and excellence. He is married to the former Brenda E. Clark, and together, they are the parents of Briana Michelle, Morgan Lynn, and Audria Hope Celeste.
As senior pastor of Victory Tabernacle Church International, Bishop Strickland faithfully and diligently leads the congregation with a singular desire—to build a church with which God is pleased and smiles upon. The vision God has entrusted to him for the ministry is to: “Expose God, Explore God’s Word, and Exemplify God’s character in the earth.”
Bishop Strickland earned an undergraduate degree in music education from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA; a master’s degree in library science from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL; a master’s degree in biblical studies from Beulah Heights University in Atlanta, GA; and is currently pursuing a doctor of ministry degree from Beulah Heights University.
His career in education spans more than 25 years of distinguished service as a music specialist with Atlanta Public Schools. During his tenure, Bishop Strickland was twice named “Teacher of the Year” and was recognized in the Collegiate Edition of Outstanding Educators, reflecting his enduring commitment to educational excellence and to empowering the next generation. His passion for encouraging and developing people extends into his ministry, where he is affectionately known as the E3 Guy—who will Empower, Encourage and Equip others to become all that God has called them to be.
Bishop Strickland accepted his call to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in December 1995, preached his initial sermon the following month, and served as pastor of Little Bethel Baptist Church in Mableton, GA from 2000-2004. After which, he was led by the Lord to return to Victory to serve in the similitude of Joshua as assistant to his father until Dr. Stickland’s transition on July 12, 2007.
On September 9, 2007, Bishop Strickland assumed the mantle of senior pastor of Victory Tabernacle and was elevated to the office of bishop on July 12, 2009 by Archbishop Ruth W. Smith, presiding prelate of the Light of the World International Interdenominational Association. His ministry has afforded opportunities to preach and ministered internationally in London, England, as well as Andobakedash and Chennai, India.
As an independent recording artist, Bishop Strickland expanded his ministry and reach through a growing body of Gospel music that reflects his passion for faith, worship, encouragement, and the transformative power of God. His releases include “Right There” featuring the Voices of Victory; “If My People,” featuring national recording artist Sherri Jones-Moffett; and his latest single, “Favor Fall on Me.” Bishop Strickland was honored to receive the national distinction of 2026 Gospel Choice Music Award Male Artist of the Year, celebrating his artistry and commitment to using his God-given gifts to inspire, uplift, and minister to audiences beyond the walls of the church.
Above all, Bishop Strickland remains committed to growing in Christ and passionate about worship, serving, preaching, singing, and empowering others to discover and fulfill their purpose in God. He gives all glory, honor, and praise to God as he strives to do what he loves doing—being who God would have him to be.
