About

Dr. Brian L. Powell serves as Lead Pastor of Springdale Nazarene Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was elected in June 2026. Prior to coming to Springdale, he served for nearly twelve years as District Superintendent of the Kentucky District Church of the Nazarene, providing leadership and oversight to a network of more than 100 congregations across the Commonwealth. 

Before his election as District Superintendent, Dr. Powell served as Lead Pastor of Decatur First Church of the Nazarene in central Illinois, where the congregation embraced a renewed vision and experienced meaningful growth. From 2005 to 2013, he served as Lead Pastor of Amplify Church in North Carolina. During his tenure, Amplify experienced significant growth and was recognized multiple times by GROW Magazine among the nation’s fastest-growing Nazarene churches.

Since 2015, Dr. Powell has also served as an adjunct professor in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry at Olivet Nazarene University. His ministry experience spans nearly three decades and includes serving as a lead pastor, church planter, associate pastor, youth pastor, and district superintendent.

Dr. Powell holds a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Nazarene Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) from Houston Graduate School of Theology. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from John Wesley College, graduating as valedictorian.

At the heart of Dr. Powell’s ministry is a passion for helping people know Jesus and become more like Him. He is especially committed to preaching the gospel, equipping leaders, revitalizing churches, and developing missional systems that mobilize people for ministry.

Brian and his wife, Heather, met in middle school, began dating in high school, and were married in 1991. Heather is a registered nurse with extensive experience in administration, consulting, and management. Together, they have four children and three grandchildren.