Meet Pastor and Lady Kelly

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For two decades, Pastor Gabriel Kelly has faithfully served as a shepherd, teacher, and leader, answering the call to build, equip, and empower the Body of Christ. His 20 years of pastoral leadership reflect a ministry rooted in service, strengthened by faith, and committed to developing people for the work and purpose of God.

A third-generation member of the Church of God in Christ, Pastor Kelly is the son of Bishop George Kelly and Assistant Supervisor Barbara Fields. A native of Dallas, Texas, he graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1986 and later attended Texas Southern University.

Long before assuming the role of pastor, Pastor Kelly learned the value of faithful service. His spiritual foundation was established at Baldwin Chapel Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Superintendent J. B. Baldwin. There, he served the ministry in numerous capacities, including drummer, deacon, choir director, musician, and armor bearer.

In 1997, he joined Prayer of Faith Church of God in Christ under Superintendent Billy Joe, where he continued serving as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, choir director, Brotherhood President, and in other areas of ministry. Each assignment helped prepare him for the greater call that lay ahead.

On December 5, 1997, Pastor Kelly preached his first official sermon and was later appointed Assistant Pastor. As his ministry developed, his leadership extended beyond the local church through service in the Galilee District and the Texas Northeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. His appointments have included District Financier and Jurisdictional Sunday School Superintendent, reflecting his continued commitment to Christian education, stewardship, and service to the greater Church.

In November 2006, following the passing of the church’s founder, Reverend Theedric Dabney, Pastor Kelly accepted the responsibility of leading Brethren of Christ Agape Family Church as Senior Pastor. What began as a new pastoral assignment became a continuing journey of faith, perseverance, and vision.

Under his leadership, the church property was paid in full, and in 2011 the congregation transitioned into a more functional facility to accommodate the ministry’s continued growth and vision. Throughout the years, Pastor Kelly has remained committed not merely to building a church congregation, but to building people—strengthening families, developing disciples, serving the community, and empowering believers to discover and fulfill their God-given purpose.

In 2022, Pastor Kelly further expanded his ministry of service by receiving certification as a Licensed Chaplain from the School of Chaplaincy.

Throughout his pastoral journey, Pastor Kelly has been faithfully supported in life and ministry by his devoted wife, Missionary Tevra Kelly. Together, they are proud parents and grandparents and have also embraced the privilege of serving as spiritual mentors to many sons and daughters in the faith.

After 20 years of pastoral leadership, Pastor Kelly’s conviction remains clear: the church must do more than gather people—it must build them, equip them, and empower them. His ministry continues to reflect a belief that the strength of the church is found not only in what it accomplishes, but in the people it develops, the families it strengthens, and the lives it prepares to serve God and others.

At the close of each service, Pastor Kelly leaves the Brethren of Christ family with a declaration that has become more than a saying—it reflects the heart of his ministry and the spirit of the church he has faithfully led:

“No matter what we’ve been through, we are still Better Together, for we are family.”

Under his leadership, the church property at 3911 Biglow Drive was paid in full, securing an important foundation for the ministry. As the needs of the congregation evolved, Brethren of Christ transitioned from Biglow in 2011 and has since worshiped in two different facilities, with each location serving the ministry during a distinct season of its journey. Through every transition, the mission of Brethren of Christ has remained steadfast.

Now, in a full-circle moment, Pastor Kelly is leading the congregation toward the vision of rebuilding at 3911 Biglow Drive—returning to the ground that holds such a significant place in the church’s history, preparing it for a new generation and a new season of ministry.

First Lady Tevra Kelly is a native of Dallas, Texas, a devoted woman of God, and the wife and ministry partner of Pastor Gabriel Kelly, Senior Pastor of Brethren of Christ Agape Family Church. For more than 25 years, they have shared the sacred covenant of marriage, walking together in faith, family, and ministry with a commitment to serving God and His people.

First Lady Kelly’s connection to Brethren of Christ is deeply rooted in both faith and legacy. She is the daughter of the church’s founder, Reverend Theedric Dabney, whose vision and obedience established the ministry she continues to faithfully serve today. From the foundation established by her father to the pastoral leadership of her husband, First Lady Kelly represents a continuing thread of service, faithfulness, and commitment to the ministry across generations.

Her favorite scripture, Lamentations 3:22–23, reflects the foundation of her life and ministry:

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

These words speak to her sincere devotion to God, her commitment to holiness, and her continual gratitude for His mercy and faithfulness through every season of life and ministry.

With a passion for soul winning and Kingdom service, First Lady Kelly answered her own call to ministry and received her license as an Evangelist Missionary in the Church of God in Christ in 2015. In 2022, she further prepared herself for compassionate service by becoming a Licensed Chaplain through the School of Chaplaincy.

Her heart for ministry reaches far beyond the walls of the church. First Lady Kelly has a special compassion for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and faithfully participates in outreach throughout the Dallas area, providing essential items, encouragement, prayer, and the love of Christ to those in need.

First Lady Kelly is also the founder of The Fragrant Lady, a ministry created to strengthen, encourage, and support First Ladies and women serving in ministry leadership. Continuing her commitment to meeting people at the point of their need, she recently founded Called 2 Care, a ministry devoted to serving, supporting, and showing compassion to senior adults.

Her leadership also extends to the Galilee District of the Texas Northeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, where she serves as the Pastors’, Elders’, and Ministers’ Wives President. Through this role, she uses her experience and influence to encourage, strengthen, and equip women as they navigate the unique responsibilities of life, leadership, and ministry.

Above every title, position, or ministry assignment, First Lady Kelly treasures her personal relationship with God. She remains committed to walking the Highway of Holiness, seeking the face of God, remaining faithful to His calling, winning souls for Christ, and continually growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

As a devoted wife and ministry partner, Evangelist Missionary, Chaplain, ministry founder, district leader, servant, and soul winner, First Lady Tevra Kelly carries forward a legacy of faith while continuing to answer God’s call upon her own life. Her story connects generations of ministry—from the foundation established by her father, through 20 years of pastoral service alongside her husband, and now toward the future God continues to unfold for Brethren of Christ.

Through changing seasons, expanding assignments, and generations of ministry, the testimony of her life continues to echo the words she holds dear:

“Great is Thy faithfulness.”Established in 1950, Brethren Of Christ AFC has been a cornerstone of our community for over 70 years. We have a rich history of serving others and sharing the message of Christ with all who will listen.