Dr. Robert O'Keefe Hassell

"I would rather my descendants have greater abilities and a greater knowledge of the love of Christ than I do, much like standing on one's shoulders in order to get a clearer view of the valley."

― Criss Jami, Salomé: In Every Inch In Every Mile 

Dr. Robert O'Keefe Hassell is a native of Lebanon, Tennessee. He attended Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee where he graduated in 2007, Summa Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English. Dr. Hassell went on to pursue Graduate Studies at Tennessee State University where he obtained a Master's in Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Education Technology. Subsequently, he earned a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Curriculum Planning from the Department of Teaching and Learning at Tennessee State University. True to his Education Technology Background, he is also a Certified Apple Teacher.

Dr. Hassell has maintained a highly successful career in Higher Education since 2009. Currently, he works as Learning Support Staff-Writing at Tennessee State University. Additionally, he is an Professor of Humanities (English-Literature) and the Title III Writing Center Coordinator for Student Success at American Baptist College. Dr. Hassell is a Certified Holistic Life Coach via the Radiant Health Institute, LLC. (Bellevue, TN). Additionally, he is one of the featured African-American male coaches in the Greater Nashville -Metropolitan area. He is the author of 4 books to date: Radiant Kids (2016) - Radiant Publishing, Evolve (2017) -B.K. Royston Publishing, LLC., Clergy Conversations: Dealing Practically with the Person Behind the Pulpit (2018) - B.K. Royston Publishing, LLC., and Unleashed: From Potential to Purpose (2019) - B.K. Royston Publishing, LLC.

The Beginning

Zechariah 4:10 (NLT) - Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand."

Dr. Hassell was saved at the age of the 7, under the Pastorate of Rev. Alvis Thurman at the New Fairview Missionary Baptist Church in Rome, Tennessee. Dr. Hassell heard the voice of God during the Summer of 2011, but was reluctant to fully embrace the calling on his life. He often calls this his "Moses Experience" as referenced in Exodus 4:10. However, God did not let him go that easy. God was using him and making evident "the call and assignment" that was on his life. During this time 2008-2012, he traveled to numerous churches in the Tennessee area and abroad, working with various youth groups as well as speaking at conferences and revivals under pastoral supervision and guidance.

The Call

Isaiah 6:8 (KJV) - Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Charles Spurgeon stated, "You cannot preach conviction of sin unless you have suffered it. You cannot preach repentance unless you have practiced it. You cannot preach faith unless you have exercised it. True preaching is artesian; it wells up from the great depths of the soul. If Christ has not made a well within us, there will be no outflow from us." After years of running, Dr. Hassell finally submitted, gave God a complete 'yes' and on October 27, 2013 he formally announced his calling to the Gospel Ministry at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Cookeville, Tennessee. He was licensed to preach the gospel on November 24, 2013 at the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Earl Dirkson. On December 9, 2017, he was ordained as an Elder in the Churches of God In Christ, Inc. (COGIC) - Tennessee Eastern 2nd Jurisdiction by Bishop James M. Scott. At present, he is under the leadership and submitted to Bishop Q.S. Caldwell and the Celebration of Praise Ministries, Inc. headquartered in Albany, Georgia. He serves as a National Officer - President of the Celebration of Praise Ministry School of Ministry and Seminary - Albany, GA.

The Commission

Matthew 28:19 (KJV) - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Dr. Hassell is the Founder and Lead Pastor of The Summit Church Nashville. In addition to this Pastoral charge, he is the Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Sinai Evangelistic Ministries (S.E.M.) which serves as his official preaching platform and evangelism outreach initiative. Through both of these divine assignments, he extends service and love to all. The priority is to build God-centered foundation of motivation through increased morale and to invigorate the performance of people through a series of multifaceted strategies for obtaining a balanced, abundant life according to the Word of God. These tools include connecting the people's sense of self-identity and purpose as found in Christ. He is an advocate for the growth of the faith community, social justice, collective accountability, and being a role model inside and outside of the pulpit. Dr. Hassell aspires to serve as an inspiration to challenge people to take greater ownership for their work, practice divine stewardship, understand their strengths and weaknesses, so that they can intentionally live a life of intentionally manifested purpose.

Dr. Hassell is a true a "Mantle Catcher as in 2 Kings 2:9-15. It became undeniably evident that the "Hand of God and God's Spirit" rested on him. He is undeniably endowed with many Gift(s) of the Spirit: The Gift of Prophecy/Operation in the Prophetic (Speaking), the Gift of Wisdom, Knowledge and Discernment, the Gift of Tongues and Interpretation which he deeply credits to the cultivation of his life of deep intercession. These gifts have been confirmed and affirmed my many witnesses and believers. Many have been been saved, re-dedicated their lives, changed, and transformed by his ministry.

Dr. Hassell believes in (1) Having a Personal Relationship with Jesus the Christ; (2) The Power of Prayer and its vital necessity to the Christian life. He strives to exemplify Godly principle and standard. He seeks bring souls to Christ by demonstrating his love, challenging believers to put their faith into action and empowering them to live out their purposed, God-given destiny for the advancement of the kingdom.