Pastor Jay Haizlip is a globally recognized evangelist and Christian leader whose life testifies to radical transformation, relentless faith, and enduring impact. Once a pioneering professional skateboarder known as Jay “Alabamy,” he rose to prominence in the sport before a 12-year battle with addiction ultimately led him to a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ.

After surrendering his life to Christ in 1990, Jay immediately stepped into ministry with a burning passion to share the Gospel. His early itinerant evangelism took him across the United States and to international audiences, where he preached with clarity, power, and personal authenticity.

Jay later founded The Sanctuary Church in Orange County, California — a vibrant, multicultural congregation rooted in biblical truth and radical grace. Under his leadership, The Sanctuary has grown into a dynamic community marked by authentic worship, robust teaching, and life-change ministry.

In addition to his pastoral work, Pastor Jay has led revival crusades and appeared on major television networks and programs, including TBN’s Praise the Lord, The 700 Club, Focus on the Family, and secular platforms such as The Wendy Williams Show, MSNBC, and BET. He also gained national visibility starring in the Oxygen network’s reality series Preachers of L.A., bringing his story and ministry into millions of homes.

Jay’s powerful testimony of freedom from addiction, coupled with his ability to make the Bible accessible and relevant, has inspired countless individuals worldwide. His preaching has led many into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ — a legacy of spiritual awakening that continues to shape believers and leaders alike.

Beyond the pulpit, Jay is an author and teacher whose ministry emphasizes spiritual authority, authentic community, and Gospel-centered living. He resides in Southern California with his wife, Christy, and their three children, and continues to advance the mission of the Church with courage, compassion, and conviction.