About

ABOUT

Dr. Brian L. Powell serves as the District Superintendent (pastor to pastors) of the Kentucky District Church of the Nazarene. Under his guidance, the 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 strategy of Corporate Prayer, Church Planting, and Congregational Revitalization. Since the beginning of 2015, the Kentucky District has planted more than forty churches and an authentic sense of renewal is sweeping through many congregations.

Previously Dr. Powell served as the lead pastor at Decatur First Church 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 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. Previous to his time in Raleigh, Dr. Powell served as a church planter from 2002-2005 and an associate pastor from 1997-2001.

Dr. Powell 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, where he graduated valedictorian of his class.

PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY

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).

Experiencing the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit moves the heart of God’s people from complacency to action. When spiritual renewal is ongoing a group of people shifts from religious consumerism to engagement in mission. God has called me to cultivate and sustain a culture of renewal and mission. When Christ-followers are filled with the power and presence of Jesus they naturally become world-changers.

Authentic revival can’t be contained by bricks and mortar; when the Holy Spirit moves among God’s people the effects are always felt in the community. If what’s happening in the local church isn’t affecting the neighborhood, it really doesn’t matter how great the weekend services are. Without the transforming power of the Holy Spirit and a renewed vision for the Kingdom of God status quo will continue to be the results of our labor in western society.

I believe renewal and mission are inseparable. One fills our soul until it’s overflowing with God’s presence. The other puts flesh on the gospel, as we become the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. My philosophy of ministry can be summarized with those two words: renewal and mission. I am passionate about the pursuit of both.