OUR PASTOR

Our pastor, Elder Timothy Veal Sr., was raised in a single-parent home in North Philadelphia. Born number seven of eight children, his mother did her best to provide what she could. The one thing she always provided was a strong connection to the church. Elder Veal was raised in the Highway Church of Christ, located at 4128 W. Girard Ave, under the leadership of the late Bishop Andrew J. Ford, Sr. He was baptized at the age of seven, in the name of Jesus Christ; and at the age of twelve, was filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost.

At age 25, he was ordained to the position of Deacon, by Bishop Raymond F. Davis of Marion, SC.; who is the Executive Chairman of the Greater Highway Church of Christ, Inc. Deacon Veal served proudly his position for eight years, until he accepted his call to ministry in August of 2002, under the leadership of Bishop Robert G. Johnson, Sr., pastor and founder of New Life Temple GHCOC, in Lansdowne, PA.; now located in Morton, PA. Minister Veal was ordained to the office of Elder by Bishop Davis in October of 2011 and proudly serves this position today.

In February 2011, Pastor Veal founded Straight Gate Church of Christ, Inc., presently located at 1924 E. Clearfield Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134.

Pastor Veal has to his educational credits a Master of Human Services degree from Lincoln University, a Master of Theological Studies from Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University, and numerous years of study sitting at the feet of his Apostolic forefathers.

Aside from his educational accomplishments and his spiritual background, he will gladly tell you, in no uncertain terms, that if you want to go to heaven you better learn how to fight! Credentials mean nothing without obedience to the Word of God.

Pastor Veal has been married to Sister Sonya Veal, his first and only wife, since January 1990, and is the proud father of Timothy Jr., Darien, and their God-given daughter Taniesha. Some have called him a preacher, and others – a teacher, but if you ask him; he only desires to be a tool, fit for the Master’s use, holding fast to the Apostles’ doctrine.

We hope and pray that you are blessed by this ministry. Our goal is to instruct people how to live lives pleasing to God and gain eternal life. The Lord is calling!