Meet Pastor Thomas P. Russell

Suffragan Bishop-Elect, Dr. Thomas Russell, a native of Chicago, Illinois moved with his family to Phoenix, Arizona in 1974. He began his spiritual journey in 1983 at First Pentecostal Church where he was baptized in Jesus’ Name and filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance under the pastorate of Bishop David Eddings. After graduating high school in 1985 he felt called to serve his country and enlisted in the United State Marine Corps.

Then, Brother Russell, was called to ministry at God’s House Church, Albuquerque NM, under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Michael L. Shelby. He later received orders to Okinawa, Japan, where he founded the Pentecostal House of Praise. In 1998 he merged his ministry with another ministry which became Camp Kinser Gospel Services and later that same year he accepted the charge to pastor Bibleway Apostolic Church in Okinawa, Japan.

Upon his return to the States and retiring from the Marine Corps, the mantle of Apostolic Grace Temple was entrusted to Pastor Russell and his first wife, the late Lady Bonnie Jean Revels-Russell. It is here that he gladly serves the people of God, and by His grace, has been “equipping the Saints for spiritual warfare” for 25 plus years!

Securely, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, a Master’s in Education, and has worked in the public school system in Arizona as both an educator and track and field coach. His most recent accomplishment is receiving a Doctor of Ministry degree!

Dr. Russell is licensed and ordained with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. and holds the office of Vice Chairman of the Mountain States Council, where he will soon be elevated to the office of Suffragan Bishop! He also serves as the Educational Sector Leader for the African-American Christian Clergy Coalition (AACCC), a coalition of over 100 churches throughout Maricopa County which seeks to assist the African-American community in the areas of civic engagement, social justice, and educational awareness.

Suffragan Bishop-Elect, Dr. Russell has three adult sons, Thomas, Jr. (TJ), Tyler, and Taylor from the union of his late wife of 23 years. He was blessed by God to marry Lady Tahirih Erhabor-Russell in May of 2013 and has been blessed with a bonus son and daughter, Emanuel, and Ariel, and is affectionately know as “Gram-T” to 11 grandkids.

As a widower, husband, father, retired Marine, disabled veteran, and pastor, Pastor Russell testifies to the truth of one of his favorite songs: “Jesus is Real!”