Lead Pastor Timothy Brassell and Donna Brassell
On Sunday March 24th Pastor Timothy Brassell, Lead Pastor at NLF and his wife Donna Brassell were honored for their 25 years of devoted service to GCI. The Celebration was led by Jeffrey Broadnax, Regional Director of The Northeastern US at Grace Communion International – GCI.
Pastor T (as he is mostly called) and Donna were presented with a plaque, and 25-year watches by Pastor Jeffery Broadnax, which serve as tangible symbols of appreciation for unwavering dedication, steadfast leadership, and tireless commitment to God’s ministry in GCI.
The ceremony concluded with refreshments and fellowship following the service.
About Pastor T:
How he describes himself:
“I trust only the Father’s description of me, therefore, despite all appearances to the contrary, my identity is wrapped up in my relation to God as an adopted son of the Father-Son and Holy-Spirit-God, Who includes me and all of humanity in His Love and Life, in and through the Vicarious Humanity of His Son, Jesus!”
What he enjoys most about being a GCI pastor:
“What I enjoy most is proclaiming the Good News of the relational God-Father-Son-and-Holy-Spirit revealed in Jesus the Christ freely! I enjoy declaring, against the wisdom of the world, that every human being belongs to God in the most profound way in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ alone, before they can think, say, or do anything about it! Therefore, when they hear the proclamation, each should freely repent, receive, and participate in Relationship with the Father through the faith freely given them by Jesus through the Holy Spirit! I share this every way I can, everywhere I can, beginning with those I am closest to. I love relating, thinking, living, and speaking out of the love and life of the Father-Son- Holy-Spirit-God — with sign religion that points to God but without religiosity, and right in the middle of the deep brokenness Jesus still faithfully and graciously comes to meet us! I greatly enjoy being in a world-wide fellowship of ever-reforming, loving, humble, accessible, free, God-honoring, and risk-taking people (they have to be risk-taking, they called, hired, and put up with ME! Ha!).”
His most memorable moment as a pastor has to do with when he became one:
“My parents told me all my life I would be one. Coworkers on my job told me I would be one. I sensed the call to be one and tried doing all I could to make it happen, but I was “hindered” at every point. Finally, in HIS OWN TIME and GRACE, God brought it about and it was very surprising and unexpected. Wow!”
He feels closest to God when:
“…proclaiming the gospel of the relational God revealed in Jesus, especially when preaching, teaching, praying, and meeting with Him in scripture.” He also feels close to God when hearing others testifying about this same God Who acts in various and creative ways. I also know the presence and inspiration of God when singing and dancing in His joy, and when seeing others sing and dance, distinctly and freely, in this same joy (and especially when they can’t dance or sing, Ha! God is so compelling!!!)”
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The NLF community is immensely grateful to Pastor T and Donna for their dedication, wisdom, and guidance in pointing us to Jesus Christ as God’s Good News in Living Person. Pastor T has been a relational pastor and under-shepherd, guiding us with compassion and courage, inspiring us through God’s steadfast grace and faith, impacting our lives and community for God. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we express our deepest appreciation for Jesus’ sacrificial service and friendship through them. We congratulate them and pray for continued blessings and years of fruitful participation in Christ’s ministry ahead.
Your legacy is one of love, unity, and transformation, as you continue to proclaim The Good News of The Relational God Revealed in JESUS CHRIST and The Holy Spirit. You are leaving an indelible God-honoring mark on our hearts and community here in Baltimore! CONGRATULATIONS!
Your family at New Life Fellowship of Baltimore MD.
