Get to know Pastor Brad.
Passion & Leadership
Armed with a degree in Communication Arts from Georgia Southern University and John Maxwell certification in corporate facilitation and life coaching, Pastor Brad brings skill and heart to his ministry. His down-to-earth teaching style and passion for practical application of Scripture help people live out their faith in everyday life. Brad has a heart for city-centered evangelism, looking beyond church walls to serve the broader community. He finds joy in mentoring others and equipping them to reach their God-given potential. He often shares a favorite Zig Ziglar quote: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great,” – a reminder that every journey begins with a single step of faith.
Personal Life
Outside of church, Pastor Brad is just as vibrant and approachable. He’s a foodie and avid cook who loves exploring new flavors. Brad appreciates creativity – he collects a variety of styles of art and loves spending time outdoors as well as visiting art galleries and exhibits. When he does slow down, you might find him with a good book and a cup of coffee, or at a local café enjoying his go-to Americano. His congregation jokes that he has “only one speed: Wide Open.” They tease him about his unique love for tofu and coffee, and they know a playful remark or funny face is coming whenever he peers over his glasses. Pastor Brad considers the church his family and pours his heart into those he serves. He enjoys quick getaways to Savannah. Fittingly, his theme song is “Coffee and Jesus” – a perfect anthem for a pastor who runs on equal parts faith and caffeine.
Mission & Purpose
Above all, Pastor Brad’s heart is driven by a simple purpose: to see lives transformed by God’s love. He lives each day to help people experience the “new heart” of Ezekiel 36:26, to cultivate a Psalm 63 thirst for God, and to guide others into an authentic relationship with Him.
Get to know Bishop Holland.
Bishop James Holland has faithfully served in full-time ministry for more than 50 years alongside his wife, Shirline, whom he has been married to for over 55 years.
A seasoned evangelist and shepherd of God’s people, he devoted 40 years as Senior Pastor of First United Pentecostal Church in Glennville, Georgia, where under his leadership the congregation experienced significant spiritual growth and oversaw building expansions, including the construction of a new sanctuary.
In 2021, after decades of fruitful pastoral ministry, he was called to the office of Bishop. Bishop Holland has served the UPCI in numerous capacities, including Georgia Men’s Ministry Director, Home Missions Director, District Presbyter on the State UPCI Board, and Children’s Ministry Director. Highly respected for his evangelistic preaching style, passionate emphasis on grace, mercy, prayer, and revival, he has also been a featured speaker at district conferences, youth camps, and ministry events.
A mentor to young ministers — including current pastor, Pastor Brad Pickren — and an ordained minister deeply committed to discipleship, Bishop Holland is also the author of several books on spiritual growth. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, he and Shirline are parents to Michael and Michele (married to Daniel Fennell) and proud grandparents to Micah.
A seasoned evangelist and shepherd of God’s people, he devoted 40 years as Senior Pastor of First United Pentecostal Church in Glennville, Georgia, where under his leadership the congregation experienced significant spiritual growth and oversaw building expansions, including the construction of a new sanctuary.
In 2021, after decades of fruitful pastoral ministry, he was called to the office of Bishop. Bishop Holland has served the UPCI in numerous capacities, including Georgia Men’s Ministry Director, Home Missions Director, District Presbyter on the State UPCI Board, and Children’s Ministry Director. Highly respected for his evangelistic preaching style, passionate emphasis on grace, mercy, prayer, and revival, he has also been a featured speaker at district conferences, youth camps, and ministry events.
A mentor to young ministers — including current pastor, Pastor Brad Pickren — and an ordained minister deeply committed to discipleship, Bishop Holland is also the author of several books on spiritual growth. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, he and Shirline are parents to Michael and Michele (married to Daniel Fennell) and proud grandparents to Micah.
Get to know Pastor Justus.
Youth Pastor Justus Wampler has served First United Pentecostal Church of Glennville since September 2016, marking a decade of dedicated ministry to the next generation. Known for his passionate, evangelistic preaching style, Justus communicates Biblical truth with clarity, creativity, and passion. His heart is to see young people encounter God, grow in discipleship, and step boldly into their calling.
As the leader of the Royal Tribe Youth Group, Justus cultivates an atmosphere that is Spirit-filled, relational, and grounded in Scripture. Whether through dynamic youth services, discipleship, outreach, or summer camps, he consistently creates environments where students experience God in life-changing ways. His influence extends beyond Glennville, having previously served as Project 7 Director for Georgia and Section One Youth Leader. He was also instrumental in helping launch student-led P7 Bible clubs in our local schools.
Beyond youth ministry, Justus serves as a praise team leader, summer camp leader, and frequent speaker at Loving Hands Rehabilitation Center, while also assisting with the church’s nursing home ministry — believing that ministry happens wherever God opens a door.
Born in Kingsport, Tennessee and raised in Gate City, Virginia, Justus brings small-town warmth and big-faith energy to everything he does. He and his wife Morgan are proud parents to Tripp, Wrenley, and Westin, who keep life full, loud, and joyful. A self-proclaimed foodie, Justus loves trying new restaurants, cheering on Virginia Tech, and enjoying a cold Sprite with a slice of tres leches whenever possible. Above all, his greatest joy is watching others flourish in their God-given gifts.
As the leader of the Royal Tribe Youth Group, Justus cultivates an atmosphere that is Spirit-filled, relational, and grounded in Scripture. Whether through dynamic youth services, discipleship, outreach, or summer camps, he consistently creates environments where students experience God in life-changing ways. His influence extends beyond Glennville, having previously served as Project 7 Director for Georgia and Section One Youth Leader. He was also instrumental in helping launch student-led P7 Bible clubs in our local schools.
Beyond youth ministry, Justus serves as a praise team leader, summer camp leader, and frequent speaker at Loving Hands Rehabilitation Center, while also assisting with the church’s nursing home ministry — believing that ministry happens wherever God opens a door.
Born in Kingsport, Tennessee and raised in Gate City, Virginia, Justus brings small-town warmth and big-faith energy to everything he does. He and his wife Morgan are proud parents to Tripp, Wrenley, and Westin, who keep life full, loud, and joyful. A self-proclaimed foodie, Justus loves trying new restaurants, cheering on Virginia Tech, and enjoying a cold Sprite with a slice of tres leches whenever possible. Above all, his greatest joy is watching others flourish in their God-given gifts.
Meet the team.
We are blessed with a dedicated team of pastors, leaders, and volunteers who are passionate about loving God and serving people. Each member of our team brings a heart for ministry, a commitment to biblical truth, and a genuine desire to help individuals and families grow in their walk with Christ.
Together, we work to create a welcoming, faith-filled environment where lives are transformed, relationships are built, and everyone can discover their God-given purpose. We consider it an honor to serve our church family and our community.
Together, we work to create a welcoming, faith-filled environment where lives are transformed, relationships are built, and everyone can discover their God-given purpose. We consider it an honor to serve our church family and our community.
Jeryl Bacon
Minister
Jeryl Bacon is a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church International.
Jeff Hartman
Minister
Jeff Hartman is a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church International
Gala Jasinski
Administrative Assistant
Growing up in the church, Gala recently joined the staff after retiring from her Civil Service job at Ft. Stewart Army Base.
Haley Nickell
Social Media Director
Haley has grown up in the church and currently is a school counselor at South Tattnall Elementary School. She is also very involved in the local church, and serves in her passions and talents.