dr. William A Brownlee Sr.

Meet our pastor

Born on April 15, 1987, in Philadelphia, PA, Dr. William A. Brownlee Sr. has dedicated his life to serving God and his community. From a young age, his spiritual journey was nurtured at the Church of New Hope and Faith under Bishop James McNeal Jr., who recognized his unique calling and anointed him as a Sunday School Teacher at sixteen. By 2006, he was elevated to Junior Deacon.

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Dr. Brownlee’s academic journey led him to Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology on a full athletic scholarship. Despite potential for an NFL career, he fully committed to his faith, which culminated in his ordination as a Minister in 2012. He later pursued a Master of Divinity at Palmer Theological Seminary.

In 2014, he joined the Pentecostal Church of Christ and was ordained as a Pastor the following year. Sensing a different call, he founded The New Emmanuel Christian Center in 2016. Under his leadership, the church expanded to Los Angeles, Houston, and Atlanta, and in 2019, he established the Emmanuel Christian Center Leadership Academy to raise future leaders.

Driven by a passion for education and community service, Dr. Brownlee founded the Brownlee Scholarship Fund, awarding scholarships to alleviate financial hardships for students. He also launched Divine Enterprises LLC, which supports community initiatives and has established over 100 minority-owned businesses.

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Appointed as Chairperson for the honorary deputy sheriff and Chaplains coalition under Sheriff Bilal, Dr. Brownlee is a prominent member of the NAACP and Chamber of Commerce of Philadelphia. He is pursuing a doctorate in Christian minister leadership at Harvest Christian University and an executive MBA at Drexel University LeBow.

Balancing his roles as a bank executive, licensed realtor, and mentor, Dr. Brownlee is dedicated to nurturing the next generation while raising his four children. Shepherding over 500 members and inspiring many through social media, he continues to impact lives through his unwavering faith and commitment to God.

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Dr. Brownlee humbly requests your prayers as he strives to live a life pleasing to God, preparing for what He has in store next.