Councilman Jimmie L. Williams, III began his “Pastor of the Quarter” initiative by honoring Pastor Michael Stiles for his leadership, dedication and faith. Councilman Williams will be honoring a new pastor each quarter to showcase the diverse religious leaders of the Homestead community. Pastor Michael Stiles serves as the senior pastor and was instrumental and oversaw the 100th year celebration of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in 2014.
“Pastor Stiles has turned his trials into triumphs,” said Councilman Jimmie Williams. “St Paul’s is a bedrock of the South West community for over 100 years. Thank you for your leadership. In spite of your hardships, you continue to grow and triumph. That is something we can all learn from.”
Pastor Stiles then spoke about leadership in the community. “Thank you to the council and the City of Homestead and the great things that they are doing, I don’t talk about changes, I make changes and we can all make changes in our community.”
Pastor Michael Anthony Stiles is originally from Brunswick, GA. Pastor Stiles was raised by his paternal aunt, Sister Dorothy Stiles, whom he calls mother. At the age of nine, Pastor Stiles received salvation. By age fifteen, Pastor Stiles was preaching the gospel. Pastor Stiles has a Master of Science degree in Psychology from Morehouse College and Liberty University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary.
During the ten year span of 1996 – 2006, Pastor Stiles worked diligently in ministry. He has been a Sunday School BTU Teacher and the Assistant Secretary for the Zion Association. Pastor Stiles also labored in the vineyard at First African Baptist Church in Saint Simons Island, GA were he operated in several leadership capacities, including Youth Minister, Assistant Pastor, Interim Pastor, and Pastor.
After taking time off to care for his terminally ill father, Pastor Stiles returned to ministry as the Assistant Pastor at Saint James Missionary Baptist Church in Brunswick, GA, where Pastor Ozell Massey was the Senior Pastor. Pastor Stiles remained at Saint James Missionary Baptist Church from 2007 – 2012.
While vacationing in Miami, Florida, Pastor Stile’s cousin, Dr. Norma Stiles, introduced him to Sister Michele Dye. The two have been inseparable ever since. As a result, Pastor Stiles relocated to Miami, FL in 2012, and in 2013 the pair wed. Currently, Pastor and First Lady Stiles reside in Homestead, FL. Their immediate family consists of their sons, Kenneth John’L Stiles, Matthew Antonio Matthew-Stiles and Alexandra Dye, the niece of Sister Stiles.
