Reverend Sam was born in Detroit, MI but considers himself to be a native of Pittsburgh.  He accepted the call to serve as Emmanuel Pittsburgh‘s Assistant Pastor in 2018, though he has been a fixture within the fabric of the church leadership and discipleship for over a decade.

Reverend Sam will be the first to tell you that his life and ministry are a testimony to the awesome transformational power of God at-work in the lives of those who make themselves available.  Reverend Sam’s heart for serving for people is manifested in the passion and urgency of his evangelism and outreach activities.   He is a true servant-leader with the unique & powerful ability to connect with individuals and families from all walks of life and life experiences.

Sam's consistent message to others is to understand that noone is beyond the reach of God’s grace and mercy, and that each person’s story is different, but under the influence of the same awesome and transformational God.

In addition to serving as the Assistant Pastor, he is also the architect of many of the ministry's creative and energetic evangelism activities throughout the Greater Mon Valley, while also serving as the leader of the Man-2-Man Men’s Ministry.

His ministry, mentorship and example extend beyond the pulpit and the church building within his work and leadership within his union (USW Local 2227) at work and as a leader and mentor as a Midget League youth football coach.

Reverend Derrick was born and raised in the Mon Valley area and was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church as a youth.   Disciples of Emmanuel Baptist Church always told Derrick he would preach and teach the Word of God but he didn’t see the vision God had for him until later in life.  After graduating from Woodland Hills High School in 2002, he strayed away from the church.   While on his God-scripted wilderness journey, Reverend Derrick attributes the birth of his son Micah, and the death of several close family members to a radical transformation that shifted his thinking about the purpose that GOD has called for him to do.   In 2010 he returned to Emmanuel and vowed to be be "all-in" for Christ and the uplifting of God’s Kingdom. At that time he and his then girlfriend, Candace, became leaders of the EBC Youth Ministry.  Reverend Derrick is a proud father of 2 beautiful children, son Micah (16) and daughter Zaria (2).  He credits God, his grandmother, mother, father, son, and wife of 6 years, daughter, and his previous Pastor Rev. Wanda L. Sawyer-Flipping for their role in shaping him into the God fearing young man he is today!

Reverend Sheldon is a Rankin-born man of God.   He was raised at Mt.  Olive Baptist Church where is grandfather was the pianist.  As a child Sheldon was known throughout the community as the funny kid who loved to play baseball.  Sheldon could always be found hanging out with his friends and playing games.

Though raised in the church, Sheldon’s life’s journey took him through a season where he stopped going to church, though he remained ‘connected’ to the Lord.  On June 24, 2001 Sheldon gave his life to the Lord and since that time has been all-in and on-fire for the Kingdom.  

Reverend Sheldon’s commitment to Kingdom work stems from a deep love for God originated from the realization that God’s grace, mercy and patience afforded him the opportunity to transform his relationship with God through Jesus.
Reverend Sheldon is an integral part of the Emmanuel Pittsburgh Discipleship Academy and the Faith Bible Institute and the early 2000s Sheldon has hosted a men’s group in his home.

Sheldon is happily married to his Sister Kitty Johnson and they are the proud parents of two children.

Reverend Rich is affectionately known to the Emmanuel family as 'slash', because he fills so many roles and because he is always available and accessible.  No matter which of the many roles that he faithfully fills, there is no dispute that his presence and impact at Emmanuel Pittsburgh is indispensable!  Rich is a true servant-leader, still working diligently as a dedicated deacon even after becoming a licensed and ordained member of the ministerial staff.  

Reverend Walker is a 'home-grown' talent, born in Rankin, PA and lifelong disciple of the Emmanuel ministry beginning his walk and service to the Lord as a participant of the Emmanuel youth ministry as a child..   After distinguished and honorable military service in the US Army, Reverend Rich returned home and a to life committed to serving others.

He is currently working as contracted federal security officer, Reverend Richard believes that his desire to give God his best in all things and at all times has been rewarded by God constantly positioning him to encounter people who are in need of introduction to the Savior!

Emmanuel Pittsburgh's 'man-of-many-talents' currently leads our Prison Evangelism Ministry, while also coordinating our transportation ministry and church security services.  

When not at church, Richard enjoys spending time with his two beautiful daughters, his son, and grandchildren.

God does nothing by accident.  Just as God draws individuals and families to His houses of worship, He appoints and equips leaders for the purpose of modeling Christ-likeness and assisting the Pastor in overseeing the daily ministry and administrative activities of the church.  God has assembled men and women after His own heart with nearly 300-years worth of combined Kingdom service and church leadership experience.  These dedicated and selfless men and women of God stand ready to SERVE God, His Kingdom, the Pastor and all of the individuals and families that God directs to the Emmanuel Church!