Pastor Barry L. Townsend, Sr.
Pastor Barry married his beloved wife, Pastor Linda Gail Townsend, in 1993. Together, they have raised a wonderful family, including Two Sons and One Daughter. Following his Military Service, Pastor Barry joined the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked diligently from September 1994 until his retirement in December 2012.
Raised in the Pentecostal movement at the Church of God by Faith Church, where his Father served as Pastor, Pastor Barry's faith has always been a cornerstone of his life. His commitment to Ministry led him to become Licensed and Ordained in several churches. In 2001, he was Ordained at Grace International Church under the leadership of Pastor Louis Fields, and in 2009, at Philippian Community Church under Bishop Virgil Jones.
Pastor Barry pursued extensive Theological Education, attending COGBF Ministerial School, Zarephath Ministerial Bible College, and the Pastoral Church Planting School. His passion for outreach and service culminated in the founding of the As You Are Community Outreach Ministry in February 2003, and in 2009, he established Elevation Church, where he still serves as Senior Pastor.
Pastor Barry's beliefs are deeply rooted in Biblical Principles. He holds firm to the conviction that God is our only Judge and finds strength and guidance in 1 Corinthians 10:13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Pastor Barry L. Townsend Sr.'s life is a testament to his dedication, faith, and service to both his country and his community.
Pastor Linda Gail Townsend, First Lady
Pastor Linda Gail Townsend is a proud native of Jacksonville, Florida. At age 18, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, beginning a lifelong journey of faith, devotion, and service to God. Years later, at the age of 39, the Lord called her into the Ministry of Preaching and Teaching His Holy Word, a Calling she has embraced with humility, passion, and obedience.
Pastor Linda attended Florida A&M University for one year before returning home to assist her Parents. During this season of life, God began to cultivate another gift within her: the ministry of music. She joined two well-known local gospel groups, Luke Shumpert and One Accord, and later Willie Ross and the Inspirational Choir. Through these groups, her gift began to flourish, and she quickly became known for her powerful and heartfelt Vocal Ministry.
As her gift developed, Pastor Linda began singing solos throughout Jacksonville, Florida and the surrounding areas. She Ministered in song at church programs, funerals, banquets, celebrations, and various community events. Her voice and testimony touched many lives and opened doors for Ministry both within and beyond the city.
After years of faithfully Ministering in song, the Lord placed a strong desire in her heart to pursue a professional gospel recording. Pastor Linda approached her older Brother, Joseph Brinson Jr., asking if he would write a song for her to record. Her Brother had already written several songs, and when she heard the song “I Shall Declare the Works of the Lord,” it immediately resonated with her spirit. She fell in love with the song’s message and purchased the rights from her brother so she could record and Minister it to others.
That song became more than music; it became her testimony and life declaration. Pastor Linda continues to stand firmly on Psalm 118:17, which declares, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Today, Pastor Linda Townsend faithfully serves as Co-Pastor and First Lady of Elevation Church in Jacksonville, Florida, alongside her husband, Pastor Barry L. Townsend, Sr. She is known as a devoted Teacher, powerful Preacher, and above all, a true songbird of the gospel. God has uniquely placed within her heart a Ministry of exhortation through song that uplifts, encourages, and draws people closer to Christ.
Pastor Linda has a deep love for the people of God and is especially passionate about encouraging and pouring into women, guiding them to remain grounded at the feet of Jesus and strengthened in their faith.
Above all, Pastor Linda treasures her family. She deeply loves and honors her Husband and Pastor, cherishes her Children and Grandchildren, and remains committed to serving and loving her Church Family.
Elevation Church Ministry Leaders
Apostle Phyllis Sanders
Prophetess Sierra Johnson-Teasley
Sister Mary Myrick
Administrative & Pastoral Support
Elder Audrey Smith
Pastor Beverly Trotter
Deacon Michael Wiley
Deacon Stacey Rose
Sister Artizell Johnson-Grooms
Praise Team Coordinator
Brother Alphonso Morris
Music Ministry