Mike Griffin

Michael R. Griffin is a native Georgian. He was born in the southern part of the state in Thomasville. He graduated from Thomas County Central High School in 1978. He earned his undergraduate degree at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville, Florida, in 1984.

For 27 years, Michael and his family enjoyed living in Hartwell, Georgia. Michael and Liza have been married for 42 years; they have four children and six grandchildren.

In 2019 Michael completed serving 22 years as the founder and senior pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Hartwell, Georgia. He now resides in Bethlehem, Georgia. Michael had been a Southern Baptist pastor for over 35 years.

In 2006 Michael ran as the Republican candidate for Georgia State Representative in the 29th District. After his run for state office, he represented Georgia Right to Life at the State Capitol and served as the organization's State Field Director for eight years. Michael has also served in the past as Vice President of Georgia Right to Life.

In April 2010 Michael was considered to be one of Georgia’s top 50 “most influential” Republicans at the state Capitol. The AJC article: “Georgia Influencers” ranked Michael at #11 among Republicans with the most influence at the Capitol. Also, he served as State Field Director for Senator Jeff Chapman when he ran for the Republican nomination for governor in Georgia during 2010. 

In January 2014, Michael accepted a position with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board as their Public Affairs Representative. In January 2020, he began working full-time for the GBMB. His duties include lobbying at the state Capitol and speaking on moral and religious liberty issues around the state.