Dr. Brian L. Powell serves as the District Superintendent (pastor to pastors) of the Kentucky District Church of the Nazarene. Since January 2015 the KYNAZ District has cast a vision to Renew, Equip, and Connect (R.E.C.) pastors, leaders, and churches across the Bluegrass State. The vision implements a C3 strategy of Corporate Prayer, Church Planting, and Congregational Revitalization. Over the last few years the Kentucky District has planted more than twenty churches and an authentic sense of spiritual renewal is sweeping through many congregations.

Previously Dr. Powell served as the lead pastor at Decatur First Church of the Nazarene in central Illinois. During his tenure the church developed a new vision and experienced notable growth. From 2005-2013 he served as the lead pastor at Raleigh First Church of the Nazarene in North Carolina. Under his leadership the church established a missional focus and also experienced significant growth. Raleigh First Church made GROW Magazine’s top 50 church growth list for two consecutive years. Before moving to Raleigh Dr. Powell was the founding pastor of Covenant Life Church in Greensboro, N.C.

Brian holds a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) from Nazarene Theological Seminary, Master of Divinity (M.Div) from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Master of Theological Studies (MTS) from Houston Graduate School of Theology. He completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) at John Wesley College in High Point, N.C. where he graduated valedictorian of his class.

A few words from Brian:

“Church is not something we do or a place we go, it is who we are. Effective ministry is driven by a clear vision that engages God’s mission in the world:  Where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18). I consider myself a missional revivalist; mission and revival go hand in hand. Authentic spiritual revitalization always spills over into the community in the form of mission. Spirit-led renewal cannot be contained in the walls of a building.”