Bishop John Alvin McCullough, II

Bishop John A. McCullough, Jr. faithfully served as Senior Pastor of Friendship Christian Church in Gastonia, NC from 1989 until 2024. A native of Charlotte, he holds a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy from Shaw University and a Master of Divinity from Hood Theological Seminary.

Throughout his ministry, Bishop McCullough was deeply involved in community leadership, serving with Gaston Together, the Gaston County Progressive Coalition, and Gaston Clergy Citizens (GC3). He chaired the board of Fresh Start CDC and supported outreach efforts like the Backpack Weekend Lunch Program and “Hope for Gaston,” a community revitalization initiative.

His apostolic call led him to preach the Gospel across the globe, including in Africa, Central and South America, Europe, and Canada. He was ordained as an Elder in 2006 and consecrated as Bishop in 2009, serving as Vicar General with Covenant Ministries.

Bishop McCullough is married to Elder Dekota Grier McCullough, his beloved partner in life and ministry. They are proud parents of two children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Lady Dekota

McCullough

First Lady Emeritus

Elder Dekota Grier McCullough is a Charlotte, NC native with degrees from North Carolina Central University and UNC Charlotte in Educational Administration. A dedicated educator for over 25 years, she has served as a teacher, evaluator, assistant principal, and principal in both Gaston and Mecklenburg County Schools.

Her community involvement spans leadership roles in the Gaston County Missionary Baptist Association, Alliance for Children and Youth, and educational initiatives supporting youth and families. She currently serves as Director of Administration at Friendship Christian Church and leads the Women and Marriage Ministries.

Ordained as an Elder in 2006, Elder McCullough is devoted to living in the perfect will of God. She has been married to Pastor John A. McCullough, Jr. for over 40 years, and together they cherish their two children and three grandchildren.