Nathaniel Moody was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School in 1975 and later earned an Associates of Arts Degree from Grand Rapids Junior College. He went on to earn his Mortuary Science Degree from Worsham College in Chicago, Illinois. In 2016 received his Master of Arts Degree from Cornerstone Theological Seminary.
Nathaniel was ordained as a minister by the AME Zion Connection-Detroit Conference of 101 Episcopal District in 1982. He also has a certification in Biblical Studies & Spiritual Development from H.C. Gloster in Atlanta Georgia. Nathaniel served as the Associate Minister of St. Luke AME Zion Church for 12 years, where he attended as a young child.
Nathaniel and his wife, Laura B. has been married 39 years. They have four children, Nathaniel Ill (Stacy), Yvette (Cager), Kendrick, Theresa, and four grandchildren, Zoe, Caden, Skylar and Ava. Dedicated to family and community, Pastor Moody and Laura B. made structural changes to their home to accommodate their disabled family members so they could reside with them.
As Founders of Brown-Hutcherson Ministries Nathaniel and his wife, Laura B.'s mission is to worship God, teach God's Word, reach lost souls, and encourage spiritual growth for all God's children. When they began their ministry, Pastor Moody asked God to send him the people "no one else wanted".They wanted the broken, hurting people so that through the power of God, they could minister to them and see them healed both naturally and spiritually.
The Moody home is filled with sculptures and paintings reflecting Pastor Moody's love of art, including some by well-known artists such as Paul Collins and Herschel Turner. He enjoys symphony music, going to plays, going to the Opera, reading and playing golf.
Pastor Moody has served on these various boards and committees:
- Children's Advocacy Council Board Member, 2018 - Present Omega Scouts Pact 258 Chaplain, 2017 - Present
- Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Board, 2017 - Present Grand Rapids Area Association of Pastors, 2015 - Present
- Inter-Denominational Ministerial Alliance President, 2004 - 2006
- Grand Rapids Community College Scholarship Committee Chairman, 2017 -Present Grand Rapids Board of Education, 2013 - 2017
- Grand Rapids Black Chamber of Commerce Community Relations Chair, 2012- 2014 Spectrum Health Community Services Board, 2006-2007
- Police Chief Advisory Committee, 2003 - 2004
- Grand Rapids Student Advancement Board, 2003 - 3004 Grand Rapids Urban League 2001 - 2002
He has also received the following awards:
- Celebration of Soul Marvin & Malinda Sapp Legacy Award, 2013 Omega Psi Phi Perseverance Award, 1999
- State of Michigan Tribute by Governor Jennifer Granholm, 2008 Leadership Award from Bethany Christian Services, 2002
- Board Member Grand Rapids Area Center for Ecumenism 2005 - 2006 Urban Cohort Scholarship, 2008
- Member Governor Jennifer Granholm's Clergy Leadership Advisory Committee, 2008 Community Leader Award by Grace for the Nations Church, 2004
- United Methodist Community Achievement Award 2004 Grand Rapids Giants HC Toliver, Religious Life Award, 1995
- Boy Scouts of America Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award, 2015