Joel Semwezi

Youth Pastor

Joel grew up in Kampala, Uganda, playing soccer. He had the ambitious dream of one day playing for England’s national team despite being born and raised in Uganda! Thankfully, the Lord had a different plan for his life.

Before entering ministry, Joel worked in production, filming, and photography. Through the influence and faithful ministry of his youth pastor, the Lord gradually opened his eyes to a call to ministry. What began as a love for serving the church eventually became a calling to give his life to preaching Christ and making disciples.

Joel has served in pastoral ministry in both Uganda and the United States. Before coming to Durham Evangelical Church, he served as a pastoral intern at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina, in pastoral care and counseling. He previously served in pastoral ministry at Cornerstone Victor’s Mission Church in Kampala, where he preached, discipled believers, led Bible studies, and served alongside the church’s pastoral leadership.

Joel is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte. He is very passionate about biblical preaching, discipleship, evangelism, prayer, and helping young people see the beauty and sufficiency of Christ.

Joel is married to Phiona. When he is not at church, Joel enjoys jogging outdoors—or on a treadmill when New England weather has other plans. He enjoys fishing, BBQ, and adding yet another pastoral ministry book to his collection. He also enjoys browsing Facebook Marketplace for used ministry books, which means that “I’m just looking” can occasionally turn into another book arriving at the house.

Joel desires to see students not simply attend church, but become deeply rooted in Christ, connected to His people, and equipped to live faithfully for His glory.