Get to Know Our ARISE Pastors: A Conversation with Pastor Keren Emmanuel

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Keren Emmanuel, Riverview Location Pastor at ARISE Church, for a conversation about identity, calling, family, ministry, and the unexpected places where God meets us. And if there's one thing you should know about Pastor Keren, it's that if Denzel Washington is in it, he's probably watching it. In the words of Denzel himself, "My man!" Born and raised on the east side of Florida to Haitian parents, Pastor Keren grew up in the projects in a strict Christian household. His father was a pastor, and Keren describes himself as a quiet kid who followed the rules and mostly kept to himself. His childhood was filled with church, playing outside, video games, and being surrounded by faith. But while Pastor Keren grew up around God, he eventually realized that knowing about God wasn't the same as knowing Him personally. College became a very different season. Pastor Keren played football, began partying, and found himself trying to numb what he was feeling internally. Eventually, he dropped out of college and returned home, unsure of what his future would look like. Then God met him in one of the most unexpected places: on a forklift at BJ's. At the time, his girlfriend, now his wife, Erica Emmanuel, had faithfully continued inviting him to church. What followed was a radical encounter with Jesus that completely changed the direction of Pastor Keren's life. He shares what it looked like to surrender his life to Christ, discover his call to ministry, and begin walking out that calling one step at a time. Pastor Keren began serving in ministry as a volunteer in 2010 before stepping into full-time ministry in 2012. Through the years, he's learned to navigate the highs and lows of ministry while recognizing God's grace in every season. He also looks back on an unforgettable moment in youth ministry that continues to mark him today. His ministry journey began in Englewood, Florida, but eventually God began opening a door to ARISE Church. Dr. Brent reached out to Pastor Keren to talk about youth ministry, and Pastor Keren's answer was no. More than once. But then Dr. Brent asked him a question that caused him to think differently about the opportunity: "What is holding you back?" That question became part of a journey that would ultimately bring Pastor Keren to ARISE Church. After serving in several different roles, Pastor Keren now leads as the Riverview Location Pastor. One of the things he loves most about ARISE is that serving here continually challenges him to grow, both as a leader and as a follower of Jesus. And if you think you have Pastor Keren figured out, there are a few more chapters to the story. Before becoming the pastor many know today, he had a punk rock skater phase and even stepped into the world of MMA fighting. From growing up as a pastor's kid to walking away from what he knew, encountering God on a forklift, and eventually saying yes to a calling he initially resisted, Pastor Keren's story is a reminder that God knows how to meet us exactly where we are and lead us into a future we never could have planned for ourselves. Do you have a question for Pastor Keren Emmanuel? Email us at [email protected] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast