Joe W. May started his journey in the Christian ministry at an early age in a small town in Mississippi when he received his license to preach at the age of 16.  He assisted his pastor and occasionally preached in nearby local churches.  To further his educational training, he attended Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi where he served as a student pastor.

Upon graduation from Rust College, Joe was employed by his Alma Mater in the Admissions Office.  Never losing sight of preparing himself for ministry, Joe entered Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.  While attending Candler, Joe served as a student pastor in Newman, Georgia.  Upon completing his theological education in 1978, Joe returned to Mississippi.   He was ordained a deacon in 1976 and an elder in 1979.  Joe has also been awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree from Rust College in 1995.

Joe's pastoral appointments in Mississippi are many.  In June 2002 he was appointed Senior Pastor of Anderson United Methodist Church.

Joe is a devoted husband and father.  On August 9, 1975 he was married to the former Suzette Donner of Dundee, MS.  He is the proud father of three children--April Jozette, Amber Jonetta, and James Vincent.

As a leader, Joe does not call attention to himself, but becomes for others a sign of God's grace.  In every ministry setting he creates an open, hospitable space in which others experience God's healing presence and know their own gifts to be affirmed.  Joe combines the heart of a pastor with the administrative skills necessary to lead our church into the 21st century.