What Our Participants and Partners Say
“The Alabama Center for Pastoral Resilience has been a true blessing in both my pastoral calling and personal faith journey. Their commitment to spiritual formation, leadership development, and peer support has profoundly shaped me—both personally and professionally.
I had the privilege of participating in the first Resilient Minister Cohort with Kent and Immanuel. These two are a dynamic duo whose passion for helping pastors thrive is evident in everything they do. Through their leadership, my life and ministry have been stretched and strengthened for the glory of God.
ACPR creates sacred space for honest reflection, deep learning, and authentic community. The seminars, mentorship, and personal care offered by Kent and Immanuel have helped me become a better man, husband, father, and pastor. I could talk for days about the impact ACPR has had on my life.
Out of all my years of theological study, this program stands out as one of the most transformative. It is a gift to anyone called to ministry, and I am truly grateful for the ongoing impact ACPR continues to have on my ministry and the broader church.”
-Dr. Calvin Bell, Senior Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church
“The Center for Congregational Resources at Samford University has had the pleasure to partner with ACPR on multiple occasions. We find their passion in supporting clergy in thoughtful and intentional ways has supplemented our own programming. Kent and Immanuel provide a critical support system for clergy and congregations by leveraging grounded theological principles with systems thinking, conflict navigation, and personal development. We look forward to our continued partnership.”
- Keri Burns, Executive Director and Program Manager of the Center for Congregational Resources at Samford University
“The Alabama Center for Pastoral Resilience came into my life at the best time. For the past 10 years I have served as pastor at a church in North Alabama and the introduction to this program was the best decision I have made for my marriage and my ministry. Kent and Immanuel provided a space for openness and vulnerability for a group of pastors to grow in. The curriculum was both helpful and challenging, but mostly provided a framework for discussion and introspection which was the highlight of the program. I walked away from the first cohort closer to my new ministry family, myself and ultimately my Lord.”
-Trae Norrell, Senior Pastor of Grace Chapel Community Church
“As a senior minister of a large northeast congregation, I often found myself emotionally alone. Kent has been invaluable to me as someone who can both help me navigate complex issues with my congregation and be someone to help me process my own spiritual and emotional journey. He is practical, thoughtful and kind. He understands the challenges of ministry in 2025 and through his expertise within family systems is able to help me grow so that relationships within my family and congregation grow. I honestly cannot overstate the value of our times together.”
- Dr. Matt Waterstone, Senior Pastor of The Reformed Church of Bronxville
"The Alabama Center for Pastoral Resilience has been a gift from God in my life as a husband, father, and pastor. Kent and Immanuel's clinical and Biblical wisdom along with the group dynamics of the cohort make for a combination that has brought me renewed joy both at home and church as well as a greater capacity for godly leadership in all areas of my life. I think that all pastors would greatly benefit from this cohort."
-Michael Novotny, Rector of Christ the King Anglican Church
"On the heels of a retreat with staff and elders, where I used insights from ACPR in a discussion about openness, confidentiality, and anxiety in ministry, I’m all the more grateful of the resources and training I’ve received. My ministry, and resulting church culture, are so much more healthy for having the wisdom, training, and guidance from the leaders of ACPR. They continue to be a vital part for me in navigating the paradox of pastoring."
-Zac Hicks, Pastor at Church of the Cross