Pastor Connell and his family came to Oakley, California in January 2003 in answer to the call of God on their lives to start an Apostolic church in our fair city. Pastor Connell loves and preaches the apostle's doctrine. His genuine care and concern for each visitor and each member of the church is self-evident in his preaching, teaching, and care for everyone who steps through the doors of Cornerstone Pentecostal Church.
While serving in the United States Marine Corps, Pastor Connell came to the Lord in a small, home missions church in Beaufort, SC in 1979. He had a tremendous love for Truth planted into him by his first Pastor, John Zehm and will forever be grateful for Pastor Zehm's influence in his life. He attended Apostolic Bible Institute from 1981 through 1983, met his wonderful wife Carol there, and graduated, a married man, with a Bachelor of Theology degree before returning to South Carolina to serve as Assistant Pastor.
Pastor Connell then moved to his roots in Upstate New York where he served on a ministerial staff for a short time before moving to California (now "home") as Assistant Pastor in First Pentecostal Church in Fairfield, CA for 14 years. While in Fairfield, the Lord blessed Pastor and Sister Connell with two wonderful children, Jennifer and Paul.
Pastor Connell has served as a Sectional Home Missions Director in the United Pentecostal Church, served as the first Secretary for the Western Region of the Worldwide Pentecostal Fellowship, has written several articles for Apostolic periodicals, several theological papers, published one book (serving as co-author and editor) regarding a vital interest to Apostolics, and has presented theological works for the Apostolic Theological Forum held in Fort Worth, Texas. Pastor Connell is currently working on another book regarding lessons from Revelation, Chapters 1 through 3. He hopes to have that work completed some time in 2011.
Pastor Connell would also like for you to visit the Pastor's Page for articles and contributions that will give you a feel for his heart as Pastor of our assembly.
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