The Sanctuary of Augusta

Pastor Bryan Cockrell is the founding pastor of The Sanctuary, which began in August, 2006. He is the main preaching and teaching pastor of the church. He serves as Director of the Pastor’s Advisory Board, works alongside the elders of the church, and oversees the ministry of the deacons, which is referred to as Servants of The Sanctuary. Bryan was born December 15, 1956, in Augusta, GA, at the old University Hospital. He was raised between Harrisburg and Frog Holler in the downtown area of Augusta. He attended school in Augusta and was working at University Hospital when he began full-time ministry as an evangelist in 1978. During this time, he ministered throughout the southeast singing in The Master’s Touch group and preaching. He was ordained as a minister on July 17, 1991, and served 25 years on the ministerial staff of an Augusta area church. He is a member of Christians United for Israel, the Gospel Music Association and The National Recording Academy (Grammy Foundation). He continues to receive education and training through various pastoral and ministerial schools. Bryan’s interests include Biblical study, traveling, historic churches, music, food and bull riding (as a spectator only!). He has been married to Sharon since July 4, 1979, and is the father of two daughters and three grandchildren.