MEET OUR LEADERS
Justin Griffith
Lead Pastor
Pastor Justin Griffith is the founding and lead pastor of Open Arms CLT. Born and raised in Magee, Mississippi, he grew up in a house full of faith as one of four siblings—two sets of twins under one roof. His father, a small-town pastor and entrepreneur, showed him how to lead with grit, humility, and purpose. A former Mississippi State football standout and NFL player and coach, Pastor Justin discovered his passion for ministry through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and years of mentoring and preaching alongside team chaplains and local pastors.
In 2021, after a powerful confirmation during the stillness of the pandemic, he launched Open Arms CLT—a Spirit-led church committed to disciple-making, worship, and real community. He leads like a coach, builds like a servant, and believes the church should run toward people, not away from them.
Pastor Justin is a proud husband to Kim and father of their four boys—Brody, Dylan, Logan, and Ethan. He loves fishing, family time, and sitting outside on cool October days with coffee and the Word.
In 2021, after a powerful confirmation during the stillness of the pandemic, he launched Open Arms CLT—a Spirit-led church committed to disciple-making, worship, and real community. He leads like a coach, builds like a servant, and believes the church should run toward people, not away from them.
Pastor Justin is a proud husband to Kim and father of their four boys—Brody, Dylan, Logan, and Ethan. He loves fishing, family time, and sitting outside on cool October days with coffee and the Word.
Kim Griffith
She’d never ask for a title—but around here, everyone knows she’s the heart of the house.
Kim serves as the lead advisor for the Open Arms NextGen ministry, shaping the culture and care behind every classroom, worship moment, and memory made. Whether she’s organizing lessons, dancing during worship, or stepping in to teach, she helps ensure every child is seen, safe, and loved.
Born and raised in Charlotte, Kim practically grew up in the childcare world. Her parents have owned local daycare centers since she was young, and she’s spent years working behind the scenes and in classrooms—so it’s only natural that she feels right at home pouring into the next generation.
A proud graduate of Howard University with a master’s degree in public health from Emory, Kim also cheered professionally for both the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers. Today, she’s a wife, mom of four boys, a local high school cheer coach, and a quiet force helping make ministry happen with joy, wisdom, and grace.
Kim serves as the lead advisor for the Open Arms NextGen ministry, shaping the culture and care behind every classroom, worship moment, and memory made. Whether she’s organizing lessons, dancing during worship, or stepping in to teach, she helps ensure every child is seen, safe, and loved.
Born and raised in Charlotte, Kim practically grew up in the childcare world. Her parents have owned local daycare centers since she was young, and she’s spent years working behind the scenes and in classrooms—so it’s only natural that she feels right at home pouring into the next generation.
A proud graduate of Howard University with a master’s degree in public health from Emory, Kim also cheered professionally for both the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers. Today, she’s a wife, mom of four boys, a local high school cheer coach, and a quiet force helping make ministry happen with joy, wisdom, and grace.
Mike Griffin
Teaching Pastor
If you've heard Mike preach, you know: you're just as likely to get a gospel truth as you are a throwback R&B, Pop, or Rock lyric—and maybe even a few smooth dance moves.
Mike serves as a Teaching Pastor at Open Arms, where he’s been faithfully preaching the Word since 2021. With over 12 years of ministry experience, he’s known for his dynamic teaching style that blends practical wisdom, biblical depth, and a whole lot of heart. His goal? To help people grow in their faith and realize their God-given potential.
A proud Alabama native and Auburn University graduate, Mike brings decades of experience in finance and leadership, including national roles in retirement planning, wealth management, and financial wellness. He’s a strategic thinker, a people developer, and a steady voice of wisdom for our church.
Mike lives by the “Five F’s”: Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, and Fitness. He and his wife, Carrie, are raising four amazing kids—Reid, Winn, Candler, and Arden—and loving every minute of it.
Mike serves as a Teaching Pastor at Open Arms, where he’s been faithfully preaching the Word since 2021. With over 12 years of ministry experience, he’s known for his dynamic teaching style that blends practical wisdom, biblical depth, and a whole lot of heart. His goal? To help people grow in their faith and realize their God-given potential.
A proud Alabama native and Auburn University graduate, Mike brings decades of experience in finance and leadership, including national roles in retirement planning, wealth management, and financial wellness. He’s a strategic thinker, a people developer, and a steady voice of wisdom for our church.
Mike lives by the “Five F’s”: Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, and Fitness. He and his wife, Carrie, are raising four amazing kids—Reid, Winn, Candler, and Arden—and loving every minute of it.