“And I will give you Pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15
Called to speak to the nations of the world, Dr. Victor L. Powell serves as senior pastor of Rhema Word International Ministries in Albany, GA. Under the leadership and vision of Dr. Powell, Rhema Word is one of the fastest growing congregations in the southern region of Georgia.
Formerly WilliamsSpringBaptistChurch, Dr. Powell has led Rhema Word through several ministerial transitions since 1990, including the acquisition of land, the development of a global missions ministry, and the church’s move into its present edifice in 2000. This move, making way for growth and expansion has allowed the previous worship facility to be used as the YouthCampBuilding. In November 2003, Rhema purchased 113 acres of land. Dr. Powell’s God-given vision is that this land will be a gathering place for people from all nations of the world to be trained in areas such as ministry, leadership, economic development, and missions. This land will also be an oasis for the local community of Albany and the southwest Georgia region. The first phase of the vision consists of a state-of–the-art youth center, the second phase will consist of single-parent housing and housing for the elderly, and the third phase will be a cathedral style worship building. The cathedral style worship building will be the first of its kind in the region.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Powell’s leadership credentials include a nine year career in the United States Marine Corps. He completed NoncommissionedOfficersLeadershipSchool, DefenseMappingSchool, and was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant and then Staff Sergeant. He was also an instructor at the Officers’LeadershipSchool. Dr. Powell is a certified trainer with the State of Georgia, having served in that capacity with the Department of Corrections. Dr. Powell has trained hundreds of law enforcement officers for the State of Georgia.His leadership value is further exemplified as he serves as pastor to other pastors all over the world through Covenant Network Ministries. This network was birthed out of Dr. Powell’s burden for the restoration and refreshing of those in the pastorate, along with their families. It provides pastors with spiritual insight and serves as an outlet for pastors and leaders to share and retreat with other pastors.
Known as a man of great vision, Dr. Powell’s ministry is respected locally, nationally, and internationally. Dr. Powell is founder of Stand Up Again Outreach, Inc., a subsidiary of Rhema Word International Ministries. An outreach ministry to the region and the world, Stand Up Again services both the local community and several foreign countries. Stand Up Again has adopted a local housing project that helps meet the needs of the community through a youth reading program, homework assistance, abstinence education and self-esteem education. Dr. Powell has an undying love for those who are hurting and has fervently ministered to them. Since 1985,he has ministered tirelessly to the hungry, alcoholics, prostitutes, drug addicts and the homeless. Regionally, people are impacted weekly by the Word of God through the “Stand Up Again” television broadcast. This broadcast seeks to empower the people of the region to become agents of change in their own communities by challenging mindsets concerning economic empowerment, and political involvement. Internationally, God has used Dr. Powell and Stand Up Again to serve others by sending missionaries and financial resources to other countries. Presently, Stand Up Again serves the countries of Ghanaand Haiti. In 2000, a team of missionaries went to Mexico to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many people experienced healing and deliverance. In Haiti, Rhema Word and Stand Up Again are actively involved in the building of a church and school. Annually, Dr. Powell, along with a ministry and medical team travels to Ghana, Africa to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to provide medical care to thousands of Ghanaians. The medical teams have included doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists with medicines and supplies valued well over $400,000.
Dr. Powell is the President and CEO of VLP, Inc. VLP, Inc. provides training and motivational speaking to corporations and agencies. Training topics include cultural diversity, conflict resolution, how to adapt to change in the work environment, stress management, and customer service. VLP, Inc. uses the concept of “Think Big” to inspire many to discover their purpose and reach their life goals.
In October 2002, Dr. Powell was consecrated to the office of Bishop by Archbishop Earl Paulk of the International Charismatic Communion of ChurchesinDecatur, GA and has served on the College of Bishops for the International Charismatic Communion of Churches. In 2006, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Biblical Studies from Midwest Theological Institute of Indiana.
Dr. Powell is a leader, teacher, and motivator and realizes the mandate on his life is global. He is a world traveler, having traveled to Africa, Asia, and North America. Dr. Powell currently serves on the Board of Directors for AlbanyGeorgia’s Chamber of Commerce, Apostolic Worship Enterprise and Capitol City Bank. He has also served on the Albany Dougherty Governmental Study Commission & County Commission. In 2004 Dr. Powell served as Chaplain of the Day for the House of Representatives in Atlanta, Georgia.
A dynamic speaker, Dr. Powell’s messages are masterfully captured in audio and video series. In 2003, Dr. Powell released his first book entitled, Closet Ministry: The Power of Prayer and the Release of Destiny. This book has become a leading authority on prayer in the Body of Christ, as it helps believers to understand the importance of developing a life of communion with God. Closet Ministry has been used by ministries in many parts of the world as a tool to teachprinciples of prayer.
Dr. Powell is a physician of the soul. He ministers a word of truth, healing, restoration, and deliverance. He uses his life as a testament to God’s faithfulness and love. Dr. Powell has a prophetic word that is relevant for education, business, communities, and various other institutions. He teaches empowerment for all people, especially those who are impoverished and oppressed.
Dr. Powell is married to the former Sandra F. Smiley and has three adult children.