Brien was born and raised primarily in Southwest Virginia. A mountainous region, with both his maternal and paternal families’ heritage in the coal mining industry. Born into a pastor’s home, he grew up in ministry, while playing drums for his father’s church at the young age of six.

In 1986, the Sturgill family became members of the Church of God, under the leadership of Dr. Tom Jammes (Waynesboro, VA), who still serves as Pastor Sturgill’s mentor today. At the time, Brien’s parents began a journey and pastored in Appomattox, Blacksburg, Bristol and Chesterfield, VA.

In 1992, Brien received the call to full time ministry, having turned nineteen just weeks prior, he made the trip to Deerfield Beach, FL, to serve as Minister of Music. After a two-year intensive training experience, he met his soon-to-be wife in Virginia, while in transition. Within a year of meeting, they were married in Windham, ME, where they served as Associate Pastors with Brien’s father.

Brien and Shannon soon experienced the birth of their first child (miracle number one), Hannah. Together, the new family moved to the state of Mississippi, serving in that wonderful state for five years, as Music and Youth Pastors. It also marked the birth of their second child, Elijah. Their ministry advanced as they moved to Florence, SC, where they also served as Music and Youth Pastors. After a four year tenure, they were asked to join the Department of Music Ministries of the Church of God, Cleveland, TN - simultaneously receiving an invitation to join the Pastoral staff of the South Cleveland Church of God. Knowing that both were wonderful opportunities to grow and learn the Sturgill’s moved to Cleveland, TN. Taking a position with the amazing Dr. Alford and the great team at Spirit Sound Music Group would have required much travel, and Gabriel, (their third child) was only five months old at the time. The Sturgill’s, feeling a sense of calling to minister to the great people of South Cleveland, and desirous of a strong family life, felt a greater need to serve primarily in the local church.

Two years later, three weeks after leaving the Church of God International Assembly (2006), Brien and Shannon receive a call from two State Administrative Bishop’s, inquiring of their availability to become Senior Pastor’s. They knew this was their calling, yet did not want to leave the great congregation of South Cleveland and the tremendous growth that God had given Brien and the Music Department which had achieved two choir tours and two choir recordings within two years. At that time, it had been twenty years since South Cleveland’s choir had toured and more than ten since they had recorded a project. Shannon was also torn, as she would be required to leave her dream of working and finishing her degree at the Department of Education at Lee University, where she was employed. Shannon also had birthed and led MPACT (Mentoring People of Action & Calling) College ministries for SCCOG, where the group grew from five to more than 250, for special events. After much prayer, however, they heeded the call of God and relocated to Paris, Texas, to serve as Senior Pastor of the Canaanland Church of God.

Their time spent in Texas was a great learning experience, as God supernaturally took them and the congregation of 130 people, to 80, to nearly 200, within twenty six months. God developed many things within the church, but also within Pastor and Shannon. Brien also retained his Ordination and his Ordained Bishop’s credentials, under the leadership of Dr. Dan Boling, State Administrative Bishop.

At the 2008 International General Assembly, while reuniting with a pastor that hosted a night of choir tour, while at South, something happened. A chance meeting turned into a divine appointment. Pastor Neal Nolan said to his father-in-law, who currently serves as State Administrative Bishop of the Pacific Northwest, “There’s your man for Yakima.” Having never heard of Yakima, we had heard of Christian Life Center and its great impact in the Church of God and the nations. As God would have it, after months of praying, seeking and searching for the mind and will God, the Sturgill’s came to greet the people of Christian Life Center and to preach for a weekend.

During their visit, he became ill with a kidney stone and managed to miss virtually the entire weekend with the church and delegates. Having never been hospitalized, this came as a first for Pastor. He was able to speak on Sunday morning, but no interviews were conducted by the council, membership or leadership of the church. Assuming that was the end of the story, the Sturgill’s hurried home to their children in Texas, as Pastor was not relieved of his painful state. After arriving in Texas, the following day, Pastor spent the next four days in the hospital, with no relief. Finally, on Saturday, God brought deliverance. Pastor preached the next morning and evening with a special touch of God. Several were saved that day! Many were delivered!

They received word that the congregation, who had not interviewed them adequately, had requested the Sturgill’s to come serve as their pastor. What amazement. Torn between the incredible growth that God has blessed them with in Texas, after just a short time (with seven Church of God’s within fifteen minutes of one another), their hearts were torn. After much prayer, counsel, and deliberation, the Sturgill’s decided to trust God, and to take a total leap of faith! They did, and God has blessed tremendously!

Hannah, Elijah, Gabriel, and now, Benjamin, have all adapted so well, and are flourishing! Both Hannah and Elijah are honor students and taking Advanced/Honor’s classes. Gabriel begins school in the fall of 2009. All three are very musical – Hannah, voice/clarinet, Elijah – Trumpet and Guitar, Gabriel – Voice and drums (like his dad), and Benjamin, well, he’s good at eating and sleeping right now (Born – June 17, 2009).

Shannon is an amazing young woman. God placed her in an amazing family that raised her with Godly values, and a father and mother with impeccable integrity. Hard-working, gracious, loving people. Shannon was born and raised in central Virginia. She attended Lee College in 1988-1989, where as a freshman, she made Ladies of Lee. Gifted in voice, preaching and teaching, Shannon is Pastor’s right hand. A wonderful, dedicated mother of four (doctors said one would be a miracle! – That’s the God we serve!). She is a hard worker. After working as a litigation paralegal for fifteen years, she is now a full-time college student, completing her degree in nursing. She will be an RN (Registered Nurse) in 2010! Shannon is passionate about seeing people progress in their relationship with God. She has a heart for young adults, the elderly and those with special needs. She serves her family and God’s family well! She is a woman of many talents.

Please pray for the Sturgill’s as they continue to pursue the heart of God and His direction for their lives as He leads them into their destiny. God bless!

 

Ministry Opportunities of Brien & Shannon-
State Music Committee: NNE, MS, SC
Spirit Sound Music Group Representative
Campmeeting Worship Guest/Leader (NM, KS, NNE, MS, SC, TX)
State & International Teen Talent Adjudicators (NNE, MS, KS, TX, S-GA, TN, SC, N-OH, OK, AK, and Int’l General Assembly – Various categories of Music and Drama)
Clinicians for Regional, State and Local Conferences on Worship & More
Texas State Prayer Conference – Conference on Pentecostal Worship with Dr. Dennis McGuire, Evening Speaker, P. Brien Sturgill, Morning Speaker (2008)

Led Worship –
Six Flags over Georgia (2002,2004)
Church of God International Headquarters (Chapel Services)
Church of God Theological Seminary (Chapel Services)
State and Regional (Multi-State events)
Frontier Winterfest ( 1997, 1999, 2000)

Musician - Church of God International General Assembly (2004, 2006, 2008)
Drums for R.W. Schambach (Miami, FL Crusade)
Drums/Bass for Southern Gospel Group (Eddie Crook Label)
Numerous recordings – Drums/Keyboard/Bass/Vocals

pastorsturg@myclcyakima.com