FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH-DETROIT WELCOMES our new pastor and mrs. anthony neal
We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to Pastor and Mrs. Anthony Neal to the Friendship Baptist Church family! Pastor and Mrs. Neal come to us from First Baptist Church of Badin, North Carolina, and bring a profound passion for preaching, teaching, spiritual leadership and pastoral care. We eagerly anticipate their leadership and the spiritual growth that lies ahead.
For more information on Pastor Neal and his family, please see his bio below.
Our upcoming welcome reception and installation services for our new Pastor, will be announced at a later date.
REV. DR. MARVIN T. SMITH, INTERIM PASTOR #1, 2024-2025
rev. dr. desmon r. daniel, interim pastor #2, 2025-2026
rev. dr. anthony e. neal bio
Reverend Dr. Anthony Eugene Neal was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland. He is the oldest of three sons born to Jessie Claggett and B. Eugene Neal. He received his early education from the Montgomery County Public School System. Dr. Neal participated in organized sports to include football, baseball, basketball, wrestling, and track, throughout his youth and in college. He proudly served in the United States Army for three years and received several awards during his military service. He then pursued his academic interests, earning a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Bowie State University, Bowie, MD. He furthered his education by receiving his Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the M. Christopher White Divinity School at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. Pastor Neal's thirst for knowledge led him to earn his Doctor of Ministry degree from Hood Theological Seminary, with a concentration in Leadership. He recently completed a Master’s Certificate in Cybersecurity from Colorado State University Global. He is also a member of the illustrious Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Reverend Dr. Neal has excelled in a career in Information Technology (Management, Network, and Desktop Support) since 1997. In 2007, he answered his calling to preach and teach the gospel. He served as an Associate Minister at Greater Galilee Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, under the Leadership of Rev. Dr. Robert L. McGowens, Sr., before being called to First Baptist Church's pastorate. Reverend Neal was licensed by Greater Galilee Baptist Church in January 2010 and ordained by the United Missionary Baptist Association in April 2012. In February 2014, he was elected as Pastor of First Baptist Church in Badin, NC. This union between Pastor Neal, Lady Neal, and First Baptist Church has been a blessing. The Lord has given Pastor Neal a vision to lead the church and serve the community through various outreach and community involvement. Equipping God's people for His Purpose is what Pastor Neal strives to do in this ministry. There have been several ministries formed and church improvements since he was elected as Pastor, including a Media/Internet Ministry, Bereavement Ministry, LOVE Women's Ministry, Outreach Ministry, a new roof over the classrooms and fellowship hall, audio equipment improvements, implementation of Live Control live stream and installation of a new HVAC system. He served as the President of the Holy Week Association, leading the community activities and church services of five local churches in the West Badin Community for four years. Dr. Neal is a member of the United Missionary Baptist Association's Executive Board, serving as the President of the Disaster Relief Auxiliary. His leadership has led to growth in the church's membership and increased community engagement, with numerous successful outreach programs and initiatives. Pastor Neal is a devoted family man married to his best friend and the love of his life, Lady Christie Neal, a Licensed Counselor in private practice and a certified Travel Advisor. They have three beautiful children, Arielle, Simone, and Anthony, who are the pride and joy of their lives. He is known as 'Papa' to his grandsons Jayden, Raheem, and Qadir, as well as his granddaughter Faith. He is also a Paw-parent to a Miniature Pinscher named Zeke, who brings joy and laughter to their home. He has a heart for winning souls for Christ and lives by the scripture Matthew 17:20, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."