Brad Kesler Elected General Secretary
Having served the past two years as the assistant to the general secretary, Kesler has a strong knowledge of the office. In his current role, which was created in 2024, Kesler has provided administrative and technical assistance to the office of the General Secretary to help manage the increasing number of church charters and credential applications, provide assistance in efficiently resourcing AG district offices, and aid in interfacing with the Legal Department.
Prior to coming to the AG National Office, Kesler served as district secretary for the Alaska Ministry Network for nine years and business administrator for over 15 years.
“Brad has demonstrated exceptional integrity and meticulous attention to detail throughout his service at the local church, district, and national levels,” says General Superintendent Doug Clay. “His deep humility and genuine passion for serving others distinguish him as a leader.”
A lifelong member of the Assemblies of God, Kesler’s ministry began at his home church, Sitka (Alaska) Assembly of God, where he served as youth pastor for five years. He then served as a lead pastor in Juneau, Alaska, for four years. Kesler was ordained in 2000.
“Brad is a registered parliamentarian with a keen interest in the administrative specialization this position requires — from bylaws to resolutions to Parliamentary procedures to caring well for districts in need of guidance in process,” Barrett says. “Brad has a quick sense of humor, a love for God‘s Word, an understanding of the value of prayer, and personal integrity that this role requires. He is well loved by the GenSec team, by officers on the field, district superintendents, and district secretary-treasurers alike.”
Kesler looks forward to serving the Fellowship in this role.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord and the Fellowship I love in this ministry assignment,” Kesler says. “I am asking the Lord for the Spirit’s empowerment and wisdom as I join an exceptional team of leaders in serving the amazing ministers, churches, and districts of the Assemblies of God. With the Lord’s help, I am confident that our best days are yet to come.”
As general secretary, Kesler will oversee the credentialing of ministers, church chartering, and the collection of official statistics. He will also provide oversight for several national office departments including: the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center, Legal, Hispanic Relations, Ethnic Relations, and the Network of Women Ministers. Kesler’s term begins Jan. 1, 2026.
Kesler holds a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and an M.Div from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary at Evangel University.
Brad and his wife, Susan, have three children and three grandchildren.
Previous general secretaries* of the Assemblies of God:
J. Roswell Flower (April 1914-1916)
Stanley H. Frodsham (1916-1919)
E.N. Bell (1919-1920)
J.W. Welch (1920-1923)
J.R. Evans (1923-1935)
J. Roswell Flower (1935-1959)
E. Bartlett Peterson (1959-1975)
Joseph R. Flower (1975-1993)
George O. Wood (1993-2007)
John M. Palmer (2007-2009)
James T. Bradford (2009-2018)
Donna L. Barrett (2018-2025)
*From 1927-1947 the office was called General Secretary-Treasurer.