About

ABOUT BRIAN L. POWELL

Dr. Brian L. Powell serves as the District Superintendent of the Kentucky District Church of the Nazarene. The Kentucky District is a network of over 100 congregations scattered across the Bluegrass State. The District is comprised of metropolitans, small cities, rural communities, and everything in between.

Through the leadership of Dr. Powell, the Kentucky District cast a vision to Renew, Equip, and Connect (R.E.C.) pastors, leaders, and churches. The vision implements a strategy of Corporate Prayer, Church Planting, Congregational Revitalization, and Compassionate Ministries. Since 2015, the Kentucky District has planted more than sixty 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 in central Illinois. During his tenure, the church developed a vision for reaching the community and experienced notable growth. From 2005-2013, Dr. Powell served as the lead pastor of Amplify Church (formerly Raleigh First) in North Carolina. Through his leadership, the church established a missional focus and also experienced significant growth. Amplify Church made GROW Magazine’s top 50 church growth list for two consecutive years.

Dr. Brian Powell served as a church planter from 2002-2005 and an associate pastor from 1997-2001. He is also an adjunct professor for the School of Theology and Christian Ministry at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL.

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 (M.T.S.) from Houston Graduate School of Theology. He completed his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) at John Wesley College, where he graduated valedictorian of his class.

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Brian and his wife Heather, met in high school and were married in 1991. Heather is a registered nurse with career experience as a nursing home administrator and nurse consultant. They have four children: Jake (married to Emily) is a registered nurse and a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University. Amaya is a junior at Liberty University. Kacey is a senior in high school, and Lilah is in ninth grade. In December 2019, Brian and Heather’s first grandson was born: Jesse Alexander Powell. The Powells reside in the greater metro area of Louisville, KY.

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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).

God’s call on my life is to cultivate and sustain a culture of renewal, discipleship, and mission as it relates to the church. When people regularly encounter the presence of the Holy Spirit (renewal) and are equipped to become devoted followers of Jesus (discipleship), they naturally become world-changers (mission).

If what is happening in the local church isn’t affecting the community, it doesn’t matter how good the weekend services are. The transforming power of Christ is the only answer for human brokenness, spiritual complacency, and religious consumerism.

Renewal comes through corporate prayer, passionate worship, and biblical preaching. Discipleship equips people to walk in close proximity to Jesus, as intimacy with Him is the key. Mission puts flesh on the gospel, as we become the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.

~Brian L. Powell