In 2021, the Reverend Emmanuel Agyemfra was appointed by Bishop John Schol of the United Methodist Church (Greater New Jersey Conference) as the Lead Pastor of the historic Browns Mills United Methodist Church in Browns Mills, New Jersey. At the time, Rev. Emmanuel had just completed his Master of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary.

Today, he is rapidly emerging as a transformative voice in the global mission field and a leader within the growing movement of World Christianity, which brings fresh vision and energy to ministry in the United States.

This appointment signifies a broader shift toward embracing the gifts, leadership, and theological insights of pastors from the Global South in American Christianity. With a rich cross-cultural ministry background, Rev. Emmanuel brings a global perspective that is deeply needed in the increasingly diverse religious landscape of the U.S.

Prior to his ministry in the United States, Rev. Emmanuel served as a missionary pastor in South Korea from 2009 to 2018, ministering at Han-Gil Presbyterian Church, the first African congregation in South Korea founded by Rev. Young Doo Peter Kim in Paju City. He also served in the International Ministry of the Yoido Full Gospel Church, founded by Dr. Yonggi Cho in Seoul, South Korea.

His experiences abroad have shaped his identity as a Missionary Pastor, one who is called not only to serve but also to build bridges across cultures and contexts.

Since his arrival in the U.S., Rev. Emmanuel has become known for his dynamic preaching, courageous leadership, and creative outreach initiatives. In 2022, he launched the Nurture Church Project at Browns Mills United Methodist Church, a bold ministry initiative designed to engage the wider community with God’s love through innovative and inclusive approaches.

This project has been particularly impactful in addressing the spiritual needs of a diverse and changing population, embodying Rev. Emmanuel’s commitment to missionally rooted, contextually relevant ministry.



Browns Mills UMC 150 years Anniversary. Oct 7, 2023 led by Rev. Emmanuel Agyemfra

His influence has also been recognized in academic and ecclesial circles. The late Professor Emeritus Andrew Walls, pioneer of World Christianity studies, described Rev. Emmanuel’s appointment as a “World Christian appointment,” underscoring the significance of his role in representing the voices and contributions of non-Western Christianity in the American church context.

As a new voice in global mission, Rev. Emmanuel Agyemfra is helping to reshape the future of Christian leadership in the United States, inviting the church to see mission not as something sent abroad, but as something alive and vital in our own neighborhoods.

His ministry challenges and inspires others to see the global church as present and active on American soil, calling believers to new forms of community, witness, and service.