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Proven Leadership for the Present Age |
Even before being licensed to preach in 1980 at his home church, Liberty Hill A.M.E. Church, Summerton, SC. Reverend Brailsford knew that the Lord had a divine purpose and for his life. At the age of 12 he was obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit and made a commitment to serve God and His people. It is that commitment that has lead to previous pastorates in�Decatur, Georgia, Atlanta, Ga., and Gray Court, SC. He is presently the pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church of Columbia, South Carolina (SC) where for the past 15 years, he has worked diligently with various boards, committees, and organizations�to help build and re-build communities�in South Carolina through education, economic empowerment, evangelism and discipleship.
A native of South Carolina, Rev. Brailsford, was born and raised in Clarendon County, where he later graduated from Scott's Branch High School of Summerton, SC as Valedictorian. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Ga., United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH, and has received an�honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from A.M.E. University of Monrovia, Liberia.
In 1983 Rev. Brailsford married to the former Carolyn Elizabeth Irvin who is an Itinerant Elder in the A.M.E. Church and professional recording artist. Together they have three children: one daughter, Veronica-Carol and two sons; Ronnie Jr. and David.�
A leadership that is defined by perpetual motion and progress continues to be Reverend Brailsford's calling. He has provided 28 years of faithful and visionary leadership in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. His overall ministerial experience covers thirty years and includes campus ministry. Reverend Brailsford has both a very rich and varied professional background which has lead to�numerous academic, professional and community awards and honors. Yet it continues to be his commitment, dedication, determination to serve, and his faith in God that has truly prepared him to serve this present age.
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Ministerial Designations |
· Licensed to preach (1980)
· Ordained Itinerant Deacon (1982)
· Ordained Itinerant Elder (1983) |
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Associate and Pastoral Experience |
· Liberty Hill A.M.E. Church, Summerton, SC,
Associate Minister
· Big Bethel A.M.E. Church, Atlanta, GA,
Associate Minister
· Mount Carmel A.M.E. Church, Gray Court, SC,
Pastor
· Amanda Flipper A.M.E. Church, Decatur, GA,
Pastor
· Bethel A.M.E. Church, Columbia, SC, Senior Pastor |
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Connectional Level |
· Credentials Committee (1996)
· Episcopal Committee (2000)
· General Board (2000-2004)
· General Conference Commission, Executive
Committee (2004-2008)
· A. M. E. C. Retirement Board, Secretary
(1997-Present ) |
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Seventh Episcopal District and Columbia Conference |
· Columbia Annual Conference Board of Examiners, (Chairman)
· Columbia Annual Conference - Finance Committee
· Seventh Episcopal District Board of Examiners
· Seventh Episcopal District Finance Committee
· Pentecost in the New Millennium, Chairman
(Three largest gatherings of A.M.E.’s in the history of South Carolina - 14,000 + average in attendance- 2001, 2002, and 2004.) |
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Community Leadership |
· Columbia Urban League, Former Board Chairman
· Allen University, Trustee Board
· Sisters of Charity Foundation of SC,Trustee Board
· Bethel Bishop Chappelle Memorial Apartments, Board Chairman
· CaBrailSong School of Vocal Arts, Board Chairman & CEO
· Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance
· Bethel Learning Center, Board Chair & CEO, (1995-Present)
· Renaissance Foundation, Board of Directors
· University of South Carolina, Community Advisory Committee
· N.A.A.C.P., Life Member
· Cooperative Ministries, Inc., Board member (1994-1997)
· Interfaith Community Services of SC,
Board Member (1996-2000) |
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Candidate’s Education |
· Scott’s Branch H.S. (1976 Valedictorian)
· University of South Carolina,
Marketing Degree (1980)
· Turner Theological Seminary, (ITC)
Master of Divinity Degree (1983)
· African Methodist Episcopal Univ., Monrovia,
Liberia, Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree (2006)
· United Theological Seminary, earned
Doctor of Ministry Degree (2007) |
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Bethel’s Church Growth and Development |
· Established 62 new ministries
(In-reach / Out reach)
· Established the Bethel Learning Centers (1995)
(started with one student, now have 300+)
Child Development Center
Christian Academy (an accredited school)
Infant/Toddler Program
Afterschool Educational Excellence Program
Bethel Kids University (Summer Camp) |
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Membership (1993-2007) |
· 1,700 plus new joiners
· 1,000 plus conversions |
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Finances |
· From $160,000 in 1992 to $2,200,000 plus annually
· More than $8,000,000 of assets added to the church since 1993 |
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Economic Development |
· Real Estate Property
· Established 50+ jobs for church members and the community on campus
· Established the Renaissance Foundation $5,200,000 + Renaissance Cultural Art Center (Downtown Project in process)
· Founded the Bethel Learning Centers
(8 weeks to 5th Grade) |
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Evangelism (Beyond the Walls) |
· Television & Radio Broadcasts —
Thousands ministered to weekly
· Support for Africa through A.M.E.C. Episcopal Districts (financial, medical, clothes, educational supplies, etc.)
· Partnership with Shandon Cluster of Churches,
adoption of Hand Middle School
· Adoption of Tucker |
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� Brailsford For Bishop 2008 | P.O. Box 7004 I Columbia, SC 29202 | Candidiate Phone (803) 361-5340 I Campaign Line (803) 546-7208 |
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