This month, we spotlight Pastor Joel Semwezi, a leader whose dedication to Christ and His people is truly contagious. Joel leans into the biblical principle of being a shepherd, humbly and faithfully caring for his community. He is a living testament to the faithfulness and fulfillment that comes from knowing our good Lord, and he’s passionate about sharing that transformative truth.
Pastor Joel is a member of The Pastor Circle, our online community for pastors in the Leaders Following Christ network. He contributes to our virtual gatherings with genuine encouragement, wisdom, and prayer that constantly inspires us all. We hope Joel’s words will also be an encouragement to you! Join us as we learn more about Pastor Joel and glean wisdom from his heart for serving Jesus and guiding others to the abundant life found in Him.
Meet Pastor Joel Semwezi
After serving as a youth pastor and executive pastor in his home country of Uganda, Joel is now a seminary student serving as a pastoral intern in Columbia, South Carolina. He and his wife, Phiona, have been married for four years. Phiona is a constant source of encouragement and a steadfast ministry partner, reminding Joel daily of God’s faithfulness. Joel also continues to mentor young leaders in Uganda.
What was your journey to accepting Jesus as your Savior?
I grew up in a Christian family but I really never knew what God’s love was. Sadness and misery filled my heart. I tried many things searching for truth. But I knew something was always missing. My parents had been inviting me to attend church, but at times I dodged them. One day my friend informed me of a Christian youth camp and told me that I should join them. My journey took an amazing turn in that youth camp experience. It was the first time I felt God’s heartbeat for my life.
Ever since that, I have felt such a passion to be involved in church ministry. One night, my pastor gave a sermon about how God created our lives with a purpose. He said our lives will never be fulfilled until we surrender and give our lives to God so His purpose can be fulfilled in our lives. This is what I had longed for my entire life. The pastor said that I could pray and surrender my life to Christ and He would lead me and He would forever change me.
I remember saying to God, “If this is real, I want you to come into my life and change me.” I felt instantly new. It was the first time in my life I felt someone loved and cared for me.
When I put my faith in Him, I found peace and joy. He came into broken places and brought healing.
I moved away from trying to find satisfaction in secular things and started attending church, spending time praying and reading the Bible, and my life was changed and transformed.
There were many other impactful moments in my life. I saw God actively answer prayers, experienced God’s grace from sinful mistakes, and I was baptized at 16 when I first vocally submitted my desires to God’s will. The rest of my teenage years I was very involved in leadership of my youth group and Christian organizations in my high school. This continued on into my college experience, where God used many opportunities in and out of the classroom to train for ministry opportunities. While in college, I felt God’s affirming call on my life to be a youth pastor. Continuing on my journey has led me to serve in many different ministries.
Through these experiences, God has matured my understanding of obedience and faithfulness as we endured and enjoyed the adventures He brought our way. Many people are like I used to be: broken and empty. I long to introduce them to Jesus and tell them the incredible hope I have found in Him.
Many people are like I used to be: broken and empty. I long to introduce them to Jesus and tell them the incredible hope I have found in Him.
What is your background in ministry?
I grew up in a Christian home, but it wasn’t until I was 16 years old that the Lord truly changed my life. This transformation came through a pivotal moment when an injury abruptly ended my soccer career. While this was a difficult experience, God used it to redirect my life toward Him. That moment marked a turning point, and I began to sense His purpose for my life.
While this was a difficult experience, God used it to redirect my life toward Him. That moment marked a turning point, and I began to sense His purpose for my life.
After college, I started getting involved with young people, which deepened my passion for ministry. Through the guidance and mentorship of my pastor, I felt a strong call to serve God in a greater capacity. Responding to this call, I enrolled in a Christian Bible college. Upon graduation, I took on the role of youth pastor, where I focused on mentoring and discipling young people. After three years in that position, I transitioned into a role as an executive pastor, serving for two years. Following this season, I relocated to the United States to pursue further theological education. Currently, I serve as a pastoral intern in Columbia, South Carolina, where I continue to grow in my calling and serve God’s people
How have you seen God working through your ministry?
I have been deeply humbled and encouraged to witness God’s goodness and faithfulness in my ministry as a youth pastor. One of the most transformative ways I’ve seen Him at work is through mentoring young Christian men. Many of these men have grown in their faith and are now stepping into ministry roles themselves. A key focus of outreach has been connecting with footballers, meeting them where they are, and sharing the gospel in a way that resonates with them.
It has been incredible to watch these young men not only come to faith in Christ but also develop a passion to serve Him, becoming spiritual leaders within their own spheres of influence. Watching them take ownership of their faith and disciple others is a clear reminder of how God works in people’s hearts.
One unforgettable moment of God’s work came when my wife and I were able to counsel a young couple who were overwhelmed and considering abortion. Through heartfelt conversations, prayer, and sharing God’s truth about the sanctity of life, we saw their hearts completely changed. They chose to keep their baby, and we’ve had the privilege of walking alongside them in their journey of parenthood and faith in God. Seeing the joy and hope in their lives now is a testimony to the power of God’s love and truth in the face of fear and uncertainty.
I’ve also seen God move mightily through the mentorship of young people navigating the complexities of life. Many have come seeking guidance, from spiritual growth and relationships to career decisions and personal struggles. Through wisdom found in God’s Word and praying with them, their lives transformed as they’ve made decisions that honor God and bring them closer to Him.
Another area where I’ve seen God’s hand is in the training of pastors in discipleship. I’ve had the opportunity to help pastors build frameworks for effectively walking alongside their congregations in spiritual growth. Seeing these leaders develop practical tools to disciple others and hearing their testimonies of how God is working through their ministries has been an incredible encouragement. It reinforces the reality that the Church thrives when discipleship is at its core.
I am reminded that the fruit of ministry is not because of my efforts or abilities but solely because of God’s power and grace. He is the one who changes hearts, redeems lives, and brings lasting transformation. My role is simply to be faithful, and it’s been a privilege to be a part of what He is doing.
What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart?
A Bible verse that God has recently placed on my heart is Philippians 1:6:
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
This verse is a source of great encouragement, especially as I journey through seminary and consider what lies ahead. Sometimes, I find myself wondering where the Lord will call me once I finish my studies. There are so many questions about the future that I cannot answer, but in those moments of uncertainty, this verse brings me peace and assurance. God is teaching me to trust Him completely. He is the One who began this work in me, and He is faithful to complete it. Even when I cannot see the full picture, I know that He sees the end from the beginning. This verse reminds me that my life and ministry are not in my own hands—they are in His.
What challenges have you faced in ministry?
How have you learned to persevere?
Regardless of the challenges I have faced in ministry, there is nothing more rewarding than serving God and His people and seeing lives transformed by His grace. One of the hardest moments in my personal ministry was when I served alongside a pastor who became deeply insecure about the influence I had before the congregation. It was painful to witness such a difficult situation unfolding before my eyes, especially because I valued the unity and collaboration we shared as ministry partners. The situation escalated to the point where I had to step away from that ministry position and seek another opportunity to serve. It was a time of confusion, heartbreak, and self-reflection. However, through it all, I saw the Lord intervene in ways I could never have imagined. He fought for us, brought clarity, and reminded me that His plans for me were not tied to one place or one position.
Another significant challenge I’ve faced in ministry has been the lack of resources. Before relocating to the United States, there were so many dreams and plans we had for the communities we served, but our impact was often limited by insufficient resources. Whether it was the need for better facilities, materials for discipleship, or support for outreach programs, the lack of resources was a constant obstacle. It was hard to see the great needs around us and feel like we couldn’t do more to meet them.
I’ve learned to persevere by keeping my eyes on Jesus. I’ve learned the importance of prayer, trusting in God’s timing, and seeking His direction even in seasons of uncertainty.
I’ve also leaned on the encouragement of my wife, who has been a steadfast partner in ministry, reminding me of God’s faithfulness when discouragement crept in.
I have also learned the value of community and genuine fellowship among pastors. Hard moments of tears, I didn’t cry alone; I cried with a genuine friend who is a pastor I met here in the Pastor Circle.
What advice or encouragement would you like to share with other leaders?
If I could share any advice or encouragement with other pastors, it would be centered on these foundational principles that have guided me in ministry:
Prayer is absolutely essential for a pastor. It is not just something we do on behalf of others—it is deeply personal. Before you are a pastor, you are a sinner in need of grace and mercy. Personal prayer is a time to come before God with humility, confessing your own weaknesses and seeking His strength. Ministry is exhausting and spiritually draining, but prayer keeps our soul anchored and refreshed in Christ.
Stay rooted in your God-given identity. There are many mistaken ideas about what it means to be a pastor. Some see pastors as celebrities or motivational speakers, but the Bible is clear: pastors are shepherds. We are called to care for God’s flock with humility and selflessness (1 Peter 5:2-4). A shepherd doesn’t seek applause or personal fame; they tend to the needs of the sheep, often unseen and uncelebrated. Stay rooted in this identity. Be approachable, compassionate, and focused on the well-being of the people God has entrusted to you. Resist the temptation to build a platform for yourself; instead, build people up in Christ.
The foundation of all true ministry is God’s Word. Preach the Bible and nothing else. Let us avoid the distractions of preaching trends, personal opinions, or feel-good messages that lack substance. The Word of God is alive, and it has the power to convict, comfort, and transform lives. Stay faithful to biblical truth, even when it’s unpopular or countercultural. Let our preaching flow from a deep conviction that God’s Word is sufficient for every need of the human heart. As pastors, we are not called to entertain but to faithfully proclaim the truth of God’s word.
Humility is a mark of a faithful pastor. No matter how far you’ve come in ministry, never assume you’ve arrived. Always remain a learner. Pursue opportunities to grow in your knowledge of Scripture, leadership, and ministry. Surround yourself with wise mentors and peers who can challenge and encourage you. Be willing to admit when you’re wrong and seek correction.
One of the greatest ministries a pastor can have is within their own home. Love your wife and children well. Family should never feel like they come second to the church. Guard family time intentionally, and don’t let the demands of ministry consume every moment of your life. Be present for your spouse and children—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Faithfulness at home will not only strengthen your family but will also be a powerful testimony to the congregation.
Finally, remember that ministry is not about our performance or perfection. It is about God’s grace working through us. There will be seasons of triumph and seasons of trial, but through it all, God remains faithful. Rest in His grace, trust in His strength, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for His sheep. Ministry is a calling that comes with immense responsibility, but it is also a profound privilege.
What has your experience been with the Leaders Following Christ Network?
For Ministry Resources has been incredibly enriching and impactful, especially during a season in life when we couldn’t afford youth group curriculums. These resources were a lifeline for our ministry. I downloaded and went through all the free lessons available on the website, and they have consistently provided biblically sound and practical tools for teaching and discipling young people. The free graphics have been a huge blessing as well, saving me from countless hours of design work and allowing me to focus more on building relationships and sharing the gospel with our youth. The quality and accessibility of these resources made a significant difference.
The Pastor Circle has deeply blessed me is the sense of community it fosters. The monthly calls with other pastors and the one-on-one conversations have been incredibly rewarding. Ministry can sometimes feel isolating, but having a space to connect with others who understand the challenges and joys of pastoral work has been refreshing. Those calls are more than just meetings—they are moments of encouragement, wisdom, and prayer.
Support Pastor Joel Semwezi: Prayer Requests
Discernment for the Next Steps in Ministry: Please pray for clarity and wisdom as I seek to understand where God is leading me in the next phase of ministry. My heart is open to His direction, and I desire to walk in obedience to His plans, whether that involves opportunities here in the United States or ways to continue serving in Uganda.
My Seminary Education in the USA: I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue theological education here in the United States. Please pray for diligence in my studies, that I may grow in knowledge, character, and faithfulness as I prepare for greater service to God’s people. Pray that this season of learning would not only equip me academically but also deepen my walk with the Lord.
The Growth of My Family: Please pray for my family during this season of transition and ministry. Pray for our unity, joy, and spiritual growth as we navigate life together. Pray that I would continue to be a loving and present husband and father, and that our family would reflect Christ’s love and grace in all that we do. We are also trusting God for children.
The Young Pastors I Mentor in Uganda: I am privileged to mentor young pastors back in Uganda who are faithfully serving in their communities. Please pray for these men as they grow in their calling, that they would remain rooted in God’s Word, steadfast in their faith, and bold in their leadership. Pray that they would continue to impact their congregations and communities with the gospel, even amidst challenges.
Nominate our Next Leader Spotlight
Do you know a leader who inspires you? We’re looking for nominations for our next Leader Spotlight! Send your nomination to office@leadersfollowingchrist.org.