meet our pastors
ps. anthony powell
Ps. Anthony Powell is the founding Pastor of Redeemed Life Church, which was launched on January 31st, 2016. Though native to southern California, he spent the majority of his childhood traveling the world due to his father’s active military status. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theater/Dance with an emphasis on Media Performance from Chapman University and obtained his Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Studies from Azusa Pacific University in 2015. Currently, Ps. Anthony is completing his doctorate degree at Azusa Pacific University while also leading RLC. He is widely recognized as a dynamic communicator of God’s word, celebrated for his sound biblical teaching infused with creativity, humor, and practical wisdom, aimed at pointing others to the life-transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Before answering the call to ministry, Ps. Anthony had a successful career in the entertainment industry as an award-winning actor, dancer, and theater producer. He was involved in various endeavors including being a founding member of the Son of Semele Theatre Ensemble (Silverlake, CA), Director of the Main Street Performing Arts Center (Canoga Park, CA), Senior Staff member of Millennium Dance Complex (Los Angeles, CA), Director of Firehouse Performing Arts Center (San Pedro, CA), and a resident dancer for Choreographer’s Carnival (Los Angeles, CA). This is just a partial list of his professional credits, which also include numerous TV show appearances, stage tours, and live shows. His passion for the arts and the entertainment industry continues to be a driving force in his life.
Ps. Anthony has also contributed to education as a professor of Hip-Hop, African, Jazz, and Commercial Dance at College of the Canyons (Santa Clarita, CA) and Pierce College (Woodland Hills, CA) since 2003. As a lifelong learner himself, he is dedicated to nurturing the gifts of others as they pursue their God-given purpose in life.
In partnership with his wife, Ps. Bonnie Powell, Ps. Anthony served as an Associate Pastor at Oasis Church in Los Angeles, CA for 15 years. During their tenure, they worked alongside pastors Philip & Holly Wagner and were entrusted with various ministry opportunities. These included establishing an accredited internship program, overseeing pastoral care, discipleship, men’s ministry, and participating in the teaching team. Together, they led the fastest-growing Celebrate Recovery Ministry (CR) in Los Angeles County. Through CR, God facilitated Ps. Anthony’s journey from childhood abuse and addiction to newfound freedom in Jesus, which ultimately catalyzed their calling as church planters.
Ps. Anthony currently serves on the boards of Reach Up Reach Out, Thread Church, and is part of the Communitas Cohort at Pepperdine University. He was also involved in the “Lamenting Racism” cohort research team in collaboration with Azusa Pacific University. Outside of ministry, Ps. Anthony enjoys mentoring, connecting with others, sharing laughter, orchestrating surprises to bless others, and amusingly embarrassing his teenage triplets. Yes, you heard right! Anthony, Alannah, and Leilani are a testament to him of God’s undeniable favor. Furthermore, on August 9th, 2021, the Powell family welcomed Isla Xiomara, weighing 8lbs and 6 ounces, into their fold. This miracle baby girl has brought an extra dose of joy and energy to the family. Indeed, the Powells are a force to reckon with! It is through his family that Ps. Anthony continually witnesses God’s redemptive power in his life.
ps. bonnie powell
Pastor Bonnie X. Powell serves as the Executive Pastor alongside her husband, Pastor Anthony. With over 20 years of ministry experience, she is passionate about preaching the Word of God through the testimony of her life in an authentic, challenging, relevant, and Bible-based style that takes you along the raw journey of life and faith. Having overcome addiction, she has devoted her life to sharing her testimony and allowing God to use her redeemed life as an example of His love. A native of East Los Angeles, she brings a no-nonsense street approach to life that both challenges and brings laughter. Her life passion is to serve God by encouraging people to shed the facade of Christianity and to dig deep to find God’s purpose in their life.
Pastor Bonnie studied in Spain and France, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Chapman University, a Legal Studies degree from the University of West Los Angeles, and her Masters of Organizational Leadership in Ministry from Azusa Pacific University.
Outside of ministry, Pastor Bonnie loves to read, cook, interior design, and watch documentaries (she’s kind of a nerd). She also enjoys traveling with her husband and their brave triplets: Anthony, Alannah, and Leilani, who are yet another example of God’s miraculous sense of humor in her beautifully abundant life. On August 9th, 2021, the Powell family welcomed Isla Xiomara, weighing 8lbs and 6 ounces, adding even more spunk to the family. Go, 6 pack Powells!