Reverend Michael Neely
Michael grew up with bruises hidden behind his Bible. Today, he’s a pastor who preaches healing and liberation for survivors.
My Story
Reverend Michael Neely lives in sunny Tampa, Florida. He is the founder and former Senior Pastor of New Millennium Community Church. He is one of two Co-pastors at University Baptist Church after a merger. He has a strong passion for God’s word, compassion for the community, love for God’s people, and commitment to the community.
His experience as a male survivor of a 15-year marriage involving domestic violence has instilled in him a profound concern and passion for victims of abuse, particularly within the faith community. Pastor Neely has been a dedicated Domestic Violence advocate for over twenty years. His commitment to supporting victims of domestic violence led him to become an executive board member of the Family Justice Center, where he served as a volunteer chaplain and spiritual counselor. Currently, he is the designated Chaplain for the Spring of Tampa Bay. He is certified to train clergy and churches on the fundamental
aspects of domestic violence. Additionally, he collaborates with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in developing the Safe Space Initiative. His church was the first in the state of Florida to receive official recognition from DCF as a safe space for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Pastor Neely is also the president of the Florida Program to End Domestic Violence (FPEDV) and an active member of the Hillsborough County Domestic Violence Task force. He is also the author of the book; “Black Eyes and Sweet Talk”: Till death do us part doesn’t mean until my spouse kills me. In 2009 he was the recipient of the Hillsborough County Domestic Violence Volunteer Award.
Reverend Michael Neely is married to Katonya Neely and has one daughter, two grandsons, and one granddaughter. In his free time, he bowls, plays basketball, and sings. He is a Classical Lyric first tenor and performs classical music, love ballads, and gospel.
Prior Speaking Engagements
- April 2024 Keynote Speaker for the Alliance of Hope Conference in San Diego California.
- June 2024 Keynote Speaker for the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence Advocacy training in Olive Branch Mississippi.
- July 2024 Keynote Speaker for the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence Advocacy training in Biloxi Mississippi.
- October 2024 Keynote Speaker for the DV Symposium sored (Hold, Heal and Center) sponsored by DA Anita Howard in Macon Bibb County Georgia.
- October 2024 Keynote Speaker for the “Night of Hope Gala” Sponsored by the Marion County Children’s Alliance.
- April 2025 Keynote Speaker for the“Love shouldn’t Hurt” Domestic Violence Conference Sponsored by the Shiloh Baptist Church.