This is our story
Bishop Larry Joe Ruley & Sister Carrie Lee Ruley
In 1978, the Lord directed Bishop Larry Joe Ruley to establish a church in the heart of Northeast Kentucky. At that time, there was no building—only a vision and a calling. By faith, Bishop Ruley and his devoted wife, Sister Carrie Lee Ruley, began the work of building both a sanctuary and a church family from the ground up on Mills Branch Road.
While the sanctuary was under construction, the church received a bonus financial blessing. This provision made it possible not only to complete the sanctuary but also to build an addition that included evangelist quarters, staff offices, and classrooms.
As the church grew, so did its facilities. A large gymnasium and a second evangelist quarters were later added, equipping the church to further serve its congregation and the surrounding community.
After 45 years of faithful and visionary leadership as Pastor of Mills Branch Apostolic Church, Bishop Ruley prayerfully stepped aside, believing it was God's will that his grandson, Evangelist Austin Collins, continue the work and carry the mantle of leadership into the future.
Today, Bishop and Sister Ruley remain faithful members of MBAC. Their unwavering prayers, godly example, and lasting legacy continue to be a wellspring of strength and inspiration to the entire congregation.
Pastor Austin Collins & First Lady Sara Collins
In 2011, at just 18 years old, Austin Collins felt the unmistakable call of God drawing him into the ministry. Having grown up at Mills Branch Apostolic Church under the prayerful guidance and example of his grandfather, Bishop Larry Joe Ruley, he devoted himself to serving faithfully in the church, assisting in every way he could as a lay minister.
In 2014, Austin met Sara—the woman who would become his partner in life and ministry. They were married in 2015, and today, she serves faithfully as the First Lady of MBAC. God has blessed their union with three wonderful children: Isaac (8), Malorie (5), and Devin (7 months).
After nine years of dedicated service in his home church, Pastor Collins once again felt the Lord’s leading—this time into the work of evangelism. In 2020, he and Sara, along with their young family, stepped out in faith to travel across the United States, preaching the gospel and holding revivals wherever God opened the door.
Not long after beginning this new chapter, Pastor Collins received a call from his grandfather, Bishop Ruley, asking him to prayerfully consider returning home to assume the pastorate of Mills Branch Apostolic Church.
In 2023, Pastor Austin Collins and First Lady Sara Collins were officially installed as the leaders of MBAC. Their deep love for the church, vision for revival, and steadfast commitment to apostolic truth continue to guide the congregation into the future God has prepared.