TRANSITION UPDATE

Dear St. Luke’s Family,

We are overjoyed to share some wonderful news in our season of transition as we kick off the week!

Last Tuesday evening, the Vestry voted unanimously to call The Rev. Michael White to serve as Interim Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. We are thrilled to announce that Michael has accepted this call, and he will officially begin his ministry with us on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

A Georgia native, Michael comes to us with a heart full of faith and a spirit grounded in urban ministry, welcoming worship, pastoral care, and a vibrant children and youth community. His presence promises to be a blessing to our community as we continue to grow, reflect, and prepare for this next chapter as we discern the future God is calling us toward.

Most recently, Michael served as Rector of Christ Church in Savannah, Ga., for 16 years, where he was deeply cherished for his grounded, thoughtful leadership. Under his guidance, the church experienced steady growth in membership, attendance, and financial vitality. We are confident that his gifts will enrich our worship, deepen our fellowship, and guide us with wisdom and grace. Michael said, “As a native Georgian who has spent most of my ordained ministry in this state, I’ve known of St. Luke’s for many years and have long admired its work and witness. It is truly an honor to be called to walk alongside you at this remarkable parish, known throughout The Episcopal Church and beyond for your ministries of worship, community, and compassion.”

Please join us in giving Michael a warm and joyful welcome to our downtown Atlanta congregation. We look forward to walking alongside him in this sacred time of transition.

Below, you’ll find a biography to help you get to know Michael better.

In Christ, with gratitude and excitement,

Deneta Sells
Senior Warden

THE REV. MICHAEL S. WHITE

The Rev. Michael S. White served as the 41st rector of Christ Church, Savannah. Founded in 1733, Christ Church “The Mother Church of Georgia” is the oldest house of worship in our state.  Christ Church is on Johnson Square, the original square of Savannah, which also includes City Hall.  Early rectors include John Wesley and George Whitefield.  After 16 years as rector of Christ Church, Michael retired from this ministry July of 2024.

During Michael’s tenure Christ Church experienced steady growth in membership, attendance, and financial strength. The congregation also engaged in a number of large restoration projects for the church and parish house, including capital campaigns for the restoring the stained-glass window behind the altar and the rebuilding of its Harrison and Harrison English Organ. He leaves behind a congregation known for meaningful worship, a strong music ministry, active and growing children and youth offerings, pastoral care, and a vibrant urban ministry center which includes a daily feeding program. 

Michael previously served as interim priest at Christ Church, Georgetown in Washington D.C., rector of St. Luke’s, Durham, N.C., and rector of St. Elizabeth’s, Richmond Hill, Ga. He graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in May of 1995 and was ordained that same month.  He has a certificate in Non-profit Management from Duke University. He completed the two year Clergy Leadership Project sponsored by Trinity Wall Street and spent one year as a religious outreach advisor in the U.S. Senate.  Michael has also completed a multi-year training offered by the Interim Ministry Network. Michael is married to The Rev. Helen Slingluff White. She is also a graduate of the Virginia Theological Seminary and most recently served as the rector of All Saint’s, Tybee Island, Ga., and Associate Rector of Christ Church, Savannah, where she was instrumental in the growth of ministries to children, youth, and families.  Helen currently serves as a ministry consultant for a number of congregations, supporting their ministries for children and families.

They have two sons, Ethan and Jay. Ethan is beginning his third year of study at Virginia Theological Seminary after serving as a youth minister at St. Stephen’s, Richmond and graduating from The University of the South: Sewanee. Jay is a recent graduate of Princeton University and now lives in Chicago pursuing an acting career.