Michael Catt, the groundbreaking Georgia pastor who served as executive producer of the Christian movies “Flywheel,” “Facing the Giants,” “Fireproof” and “Courageous,” has died. He was 70.
Catt’s family announced on May 24 that he had entered palliative care after doctors found a tumor in his brain stem. Catt had battled prostate cancer for five years.
Catt served as senior pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany from 1989 to 2021. Under his leadership, the church developed into a regional, multi-generational and multi-ethnic congregation made up of people from more than 20 nations.
Along with his local church ministry, Catt started the popular ReFRESH conferences held annually in Albany and various other locations across the country to encourage pastors and lay leaders. He also wrote the ReFRESH Bible study. He was an author and podcaster, helped begin ministries like the Alpha Pregnancy Center and Biblical Counseling Center, and was involved in multiple faith-based films.
Catt was ordained into gospel ministry in December 1976 and served at Sherwood Church for 31 years. He was a graduate of Mississippi College and held a master of divinity degree from Luther Rice Bible Seminary and a doctor of ministry degree from Trinity Theological Seminary of South Florida.
University of Mobile connections
Among other roles in denominational life, Catt had a long-time affiliation with the University of Mobile, having served on the Board of Regents. He spoke at many campus events, including a pastors conference in October 2022. Most recently, Catt served on the search committee for the dean of the university’s Alabama School of the Arts.
Catt’s daughters, Erin and Hayley, are University of Mobile alumnae.
Catt delivered the commencement address at UM’s 44th commencement on May 8, 2010, where he was awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters.
University of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett said, “Michael Catt was a great friend of the University of Mobile. He was always willing to give his time and much-valued counsel. Many times I sought out his wisdom.”
Roger Breland, executive director of the university’s Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts, dean emeritus of the Alabama School of the Arts, and founder of one of the first contemporary Christian recording ensembles, TRUTH, said of his longtime friend, “Michael Catt was a prophet, preacher, scholar, teacher, mentor and friend. We met at a TRUTH concert in 1971. We were born in the same hospital in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He hosted concerts for TRUTH and VOICES of Mobile in Mississippi, Kansas, Texas, South Carolina, Oklahoma and Georgia. … Today our tears were met with cheers as Michael Catt entered his heavenly home.”
Catt is survived by his wife, Terri, and his two daughters, Hayley Catt and Erin Bethea.
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