Bishop Alphonso Bratcher is known for being direct, insightful, and for applying a humorous approach to evangelism. His ministry can be summed up in one word, “Holiness.” His staunch belief of living a purpose filled life, is grounded in his conviction of total devotion to Christ.

On September 1, 1957, Alphonso Lewis Bratcher was born the fourth of five children to Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Lucille Bratcher. The Way Back to Pentecost Church in Washington, DC., was his home church, where his mother was a pillar in the Missionary Department, under Elder Horace Temple. Elder Bratcher credits his spiritual fortitude and strength of wisdom, to lessons learned under Elder Temple during his early years.

In 1975, Alphonso Bratcher answered the Call of Duty, and joined the Army, in San Antonio, Texas. In 1977, while in San Antonio, he received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. After returning from the Army, he met his bride to be, Sister Ann Marie Morris at “Way Back.” The two were wed May 11, 1985.

Approximately 25 years ago, Elder Bratcher left “Way Back” to assist with the formation of a new church; True Apostolic, under the tutelage of the late Elder Charles Plummer. He also served other ministries: Bethesda Temple under Pastor Heath, True Believers under Pastor Quick and he also assisted Gospel Ark Church. Pastor Bratcher’s ministerial contributions have been instrumental in the growth of these churches.

While adhering to his clerical duties, he also worked in the construction industry, as an Emergency Medical Technician, a Transportation Security Administration Screener, and a Night Auditor. Before retiring, he served as a Federal Police Officer with the Smithsonian for twelve years.

In 2004, Pastor Bratcher returned home to his spiritual roots at, “Way Back,” DC. Bishop-Elect, Henry Sanders, the pastor at the time, insisted Bratcher join the ministerial team. Initially, Elder Bratcher was hesitant to enter the presbytery in the pulpit, preferring to blend in with the congregation. However, his dutiful dedication and service minded attitude, vanquished any fears or anxiety about performing his commission until it ended in 2010.

In early 2010, Bishop-Elect Sanders, appointed Elder Bratcher to pastor Way Back To Pentecost Mission, a small congregation located on the west side of Baltimore. It was during his tenure in Baltimore, where he would cement his Pastoral acumen, prompting an upsurge in attendance. All of his ministerial observations and experiences gained from serving in other churches and missions, would equip him for the leadership role in the place where it all began.

July 4th, 2013, after the passing of Bishop Ronald Sanders, it was decided Elder Bratcher would be installed as Pastor of “Way Back,” Washington DC. Since 2013, Pastor Bratcher has led “Way Back,” instilling the doctrine of holiness as the fundamental practice required for entering what he calls, “the glorious finish line,” Heaven.

On July 27th, 2019, Elder Alphonso Bratcher was consecrated Bishop at the Apostolic Faith Fellowship International (AFFI) Conference.

Bishop Alphonso Bratcher is a loving husband to his wife of 34 years, Ann Marie and doting father to their four children: Sophia, Julia, Paula and Robert. He is also the proud grandfather to grandsons: Maxwell, Kameron and Jovan, two granddaughter’s, Lauren and baby Savannah-Bea, who proceeded him in death .

Born the eldest of four children in the Caribbean Country of St. Ann, Jamaica., Ann Morris would eventually find her calling outside the picturesque confines of her home island. In 1973, Morris would be forced to live with family members, after the unexpected death of her father. Her father’s death would set off a chain of events resulting in young Ann living with relatives and friends. It would, however, be a chance encounter while ill that would play the most vital role in establishing her Christian walk and identity.

After becoming ill, Morris moved in with Bishop and Sister O’Hare, first family of the Church of Jesus Christ Incorporated. Not yet realizing God’s ultimate plan for her life, Morris would learn up close and personal, how a First Lady treated her home and church life.  Sister O’Hare unknowingly laid a blueprint from managing household chores, meeting the daily demands of her husband’s busy church schedule and raising a family. The eloquent, patience, love and respect shown through the actions of Sister O’Hare, would prove paramount to Morris in the years to come.

Under the tutelage of the O’Hare’s, Ann Morris would be baptized in Jesus name in July of 79 and would receive the Holy Ghost, months later on July 23rd.  After living with the O’Hare’s for another two years, Morris would move to the United States to help her out at her mother’s fledging seafood restaurant, in Willows Grove Pennsylvania. It was during this time, Sister Ann was extended an invitation by Sister Ora Hyde, to attend Way Back.

This sisterhood forged between the two would demonstrate young Ann’s commitment to Christ. “I told Sister Hyde that I would stay with her at any cost, and I was determined to stay even if it meant living on the streets.”

While a member of Way Back, Sister Ann would catch the eye of a young parishioner, named Alphonso Bratcher. Pastor Bratcher recounts the moment he knew Morris would become his wife, “After a Sunday dinner get together, I noticed Ann washing dishes in the kitchen. that peeked my interest because other women her age wouldn’t do something like that.” The humble gesture didn’t escape him, “so while she cleaned I told her, she would be my wife.”  Taken off guard, Sister Ann merely turned back around, finishing the kitchen. 

Unbeknownst to others, even to her future husband, Sister Ann fondly remembers meeting Brother Bratcher for the first time. “It was attraction at first sight!” When I saw him, my heart skipped a beat and began beating really, really fast, but I kept it to myself. During a six-month courtship Pastor Bratcher would learn that Sister Ann possessed all the qualities of a wife, even going on to say. “We thought alike.” On May 14, the young couple would make it official and exchange vows under Elder Clark.

The title of first lady has come with both challenges and blessings, but as she would put it, “I was made for this!” 33 years of marriage, children, and grandchildren later, she continues to be a model of faith for women of God.

Aaron L. Freeman was born in Buckhannon, WV, and attended The Way of Holiness Church where was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost in June of 1987. Elder Freeman is an apostolic preacher known for his powerful singing, impactful teaching, and dynamic leadership. After moving to Washington DC in 2002, God has used him to serve in various areas of ministry to help build the local church. Throughout his time at The Way Back to Pentecost Church, he has closely served the Late Suffragan Bishop Henry Sanders, the Late Bishop Ronald Sanders, and currently District Elder Alphonso Bratcher.

Elder Freeman is an ordained Elder in the Apostolic Faith Fellowship International and serves as Treasurer of the Youth National Body. He has also served as Interim Pastor of Mardela Apostolic Church in 2017 after the transition of the Late Bishop Frank Johnson.

Elder Freeman’s desire is to be led by the Lord in all of his ways, following Proverbs 3:4-6, “finding favor, trusting God and letting him direct his paths.”

Evangelist Brown was born and raised in Washington, D.C. where she attended public school and graduated from Calvin Coolidge Senior High School. She is married to James Brown, Sr. They are the parents of 6 sons, five daughters, and grandparents of two granddaughters and one grandson.

Evangelist Brown lived in Pensacola, Florida for a year, and Bedfordshire, England, UK for three years while traveling in the U. S. Air Force with her husband. She received her ministerial license from the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World in 1999, and her Evangelist license in 2015 from Apostolic Faith Fellowship, International.

I was born and raised in this church and received the Holy Ghost 3/2/2014.   I currently serve as an usher on the usher board and am part of the 8am service ministerial staff.  I was previously Brotherhood Vice President under our beloved Eld. Anthony Sanders.

Samantha Jones received the Holy Ghost and was baptized in Jesus Name in 1993 at Peace Apostolic Church in Carson, California. She has worked in God’s House as an Usher, media ministry, and teaching Children’s Sunday School Class. Presently, her purpose and laboring is in the missionary department.

She is married to her husband of 12 years, Elder Robert Jones, and together they have six adult children and four grandchildren. They recently relocated from California in 2016/2017 and was led by the Lord to the WayBack to Pentecost Church in Washington DC. She plans to retire from federal service including 21 years of civilian and military service and pursue full time ministry.

Antwan Allen was filled with the Holy Ghost on 10/8/2015 on a Thursday Night at the age of 20. He later met sister Nina Peterson who is now Sister Nina Allen who he married on 4/14/2018. He is a brother at The Way Back to Pentecost Church laboring for the Lord and has a great zeal to win the souls of men and women. Antwan is also a IT Technician at the College Board and graduated from a program titled; Year Up where he obtained a IT certification. Lastly, Antwan is a Writer, Storyteller, Poet, and a Happily married young man.

A Lover of God’s Word-striving to attain higher heights and deeper depths in Him. Desirous to uplift those who are cast down, bringing hope to the hopeless by sharing the good news both near and far.

“When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up” Job 22:29a

Credentials: Both baptized and a recipient of the Holy Ghost at The Way Back to Pentecost Church and an Ordained Minister. Participant in the church’s ministry, since 1994. An ardent supporter of the church’s vision for Foreign Missions.

Nina Allen is a 2010 high school graduate out of the Prince William county school system. She actively serves as a missionary and a 8am Sunday morning service minister. In her spare time she enjoys writing uplifting poetry and music.