Tonnie P. Bradford is the Pastor of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 1648 Tudor Avenue, East St. Louis, Illinois. Pastor Bradford is a “teacher/preacher” whose energetic, enthusiastic, expository speaking style has been effective in exciting and energizing those who hear him into wanting to learn more about God’s word.

 A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Pastor Bradford is the only child of Mr. Charles Daniel and Miss. Irma Jean Bradford.

 In 1987 he united with the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church under the dynamic leadership of Dr. George L. McFoulon. During his tenure at Hopewell, he accepted his call to preach the gospel and was licensed on November 26, 1995.  He was ordained at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri on October 5, 1997 and became the Pastor of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in East St. Louis, Illinois in December of 1997, where he has served for (6) six years.

 A firm believer in Christian Education, Pastor Bradford completed his religious studies at St. Louis Christian College, and is a graduate from Missouri Baptist University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry and Leadership. He is currently a student at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis Missouri, were he is currently working toward a Masters in Divinity, (M-Div).

 He is a member of several organizations and has received numerous honors. Some of his many accomplishments and affiliations are: 

  • (SIFE) Students in Free Enterprise (Advisor) at Missouri Baptist University.
  • American Cancer Society, Recipient Award 1999-2003
  • “Certificate of Merit in Religion” from the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Delta Epsilon Lambda Chapter, E. St. Louis, Il.
  • Awarded a certificate by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center for the completion of course work in “The Ministry of Reconciliation”.
  • Awarded a certificate by the WHW Ministries on Expository Preaching.
  • Pastor Bradford has completed the four year Curriculum at E.K. Bailey International Expository Preaching and Teaching Conference.
  • Participant of many other local boards, committees, and conferences.

 Pastor Bradford can be heard on (KSTL 690 AM) @ 7:00 P.M. on Sunday nights on the God’s Friendly Word Broadcast.

Joining him in ministry, is his wife of (12) years, Brenda Duckworth Bradford, a Christian woman committed to the service of the Lord and the teaching and sharing of God’s word. She is on the faculty of Missouri Baptist University where she serves as Business Division Chair and Assistant Professor of Business.