Buncombe Street Methodist Church Pastor Justin Gilreath of Greenville, South Carolina has sadly passed away. He died by suicide leaving family, friends and members in shock. He was confirmed dead through a Facebook post that reads “Please pray for the people of Buncombe Street Methodist Church in the wake of the death of our beloved Senior Minister, the Reverend Doctor Justin Gilreath.”
Justin served as the Senior Pastor at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, a role that allowed him to shape the congregation’s spiritual life and outreach with wisdom and compassion. Before becoming Senior Pastor, he served faithfully for eight years as the Associate Pastor at Buncombe Street, where he worked alongside church leaders to foster a spirit of community, service, and growth.
His academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to learning and spiritual development. Justin earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Clemson University, a degree that would lay the groundwork for his strong work ethic and leadership skills. His passion for learning continued as he pursued a Master of Divinity at Duke Divinity School, where he honed his theological knowledge and pastoral skills.
Justin’s first appointment in full-time ministry was at Piedmont United Methodist Church, where he served as pastor for nine years. During his time at Piedmont, Justin developed a profound understanding of the church’s role in nurturing both spiritual and relational growth within the community. It was there that he completed his Doctor of Ministry at Erskine Theological Seminary, focusing on the importance of Christian community and church unity.
In addition to his commitment to community, Justin has a unique ability to celebrate and preserve the rich traditions of the church while also finding innovative ways to connect those traditions with contemporary culture. He has consistently sought to ensure that the worship services, outreach programs, and fellowship activities at Buncombe Street are both meaningful and relevant to the world we live in today. For Justin, innovation is not about abandoning tradition, but rather about finding new ways to communicate timeless truths that speak to the hearts of people across generations.
As Senior Pastor at Buncombe Street, Justin led with vision and humility. His leadership was marked by a deep love for people, a dedication to making the church a place of welcome, and an unwavering commitment to the teachings of Christ. Through his preaching, teaching, and pastoral care, Justin inspired countless individuals to grow deeper in their faith, embrace the power of community, and live out their calling to be a part of the body of Christ.
My heart breaks over this sad news. His sermons always struck a chord with me. Continued prayers for his wife and daughters at this unbelievable tragedy.