Dr. Michael Youssef
Founding Rector & Pastor Emeritus
The Church of The Apostles was established in 1987 by Dr. Michael Youssef. Born in Egypt in 1948, he surrendered his life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ at the age of 16. He was one of eight children with a family heritage rooted in the ancient New Testament church founded by the Apostle Mark.
Dr. Youssef immigrated to Australia as a young man where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a minister, and married his wife, Elizabeth. He then earned a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in California and a doctorate in social anthropology from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He became an American citizen in 1984.
Dr. Michael Youssef served as Senior Pastor for 39 years. In May 2026, he became the Pastor Emeritus and Dr. Jonathan Youssef was installed as the new Senior Pastor.
Dr. Jonathan Youssef
Senior Pastor
After graduating with a B.A. in History from Auburn University, Dr. Jonathan Youssef began working in politics. While he enjoyed the experience
immensely, it was during this time that he sensed the Lord calling him toward ministry. Despite his fears and self-doubt, he developed a clear conviction that this was his path.
After receiving his master’s degree from Reformed Theological Seminary, he realized he needed to further develop his preaching skills. Through seminary and his experience serving at a church in Australia, he gained not only knowledge but also wisdom through mentorship and hands-on ministry. In 2024, he graduated from Master’s Seminary with a Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching.
Dr. Jonathan Youssef served as the Director of Ministries at The Church of The Apostles before being installed as Senior Pastor in May 2026.



Even before he was born, it was evident that God had a vision for Michael Amerhom Youssef. His mother was in poor health at the time she became pregnant with Michael, and because her life would be jeopardized by the birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion procedure was scheduled. But God intervened, and sent the family pastor to reassure them the night before the procedure was to take place that God was involved in this pregnancy, not to be afraid, and that this child would be “born to serve the Lord.” Michael’s parents accepted the pastor’s message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him surrender his life to the Lord in 1964 at age sixteen.
Bob Brackin
Chip Brookhart
Anthony Burnett
Jordan Broggi
Thomas Carroll
Matt Cochran
John Coffin
Andrew Davenport
Will Ledbetter
Rucker McCarty
John Morris
Alex Paquette
Steve Peterson
Scott Swayze
Bob Voyles
Nick Ayers
Jordan Broggi
Chip Brookhart
Anthony Burnett
Jackson Hill
Paul Kim
Jason Maxwell
Doug McRae
John Morris
Alex Paquette
Tom Robinson
Dorian Shockey
Boris Smith