Director of Spiritual Life and Campus Pastor Chris Maxwell joined Emmanuel College after pastoring in Orlando, Fla., for 19 years. Chris, author of several books, writes articles, reviews, curriculum, poetry, songs, commercials and speeches for various magazines, publishing companies, websites, and newspapers. He has written for Leadership Journal, Ministry Today, The Orlando Sentinel, Charisma, Enrichment, Live, Lift, The Sonshine Bulletin and others. He has also written chapters and devotionals for other books, including Traci Mullins’ A Grandmother’s Touch.

Chris and his wife, Debbie, who teaches at Lavonia Elementary, have three sons: Taylor, Aaron and Graham. Taylor is a missionary and worship leader. He and his wife, Brittany, have one son, Anthem. They live in Denver, CO. Aaron, who graduated from EC in 2010, serves as an RA at a school in Taejon, South Korea. He is married to another Emmanuel graduate, Amber Evans Maxwell. Graham is a senior this year at EC and a Lions basketball player.

Chris’ latest book, Unwrapping His Presence, is a collection of stories and poems for the Christmas season, a difficult time for many people. It contains honest words of hope, reminding readers of Christ’s entry into our world and our lives. Changing My Mind chronicles Chris’ battle with the life-changing experience of encephalitis and the long-term effects of epilepsy. God has used his disability to bring hope to many hurting people. His first book, Beggars Can Be Chosen, uses the narratives of Jesus inviting people to follow Him to teach much about Christ’s method of evangelism.

Chris is honored to serve at Emmanuel. After graduating from EC’s School of Christian Ministries in 1982, his years of youth work, pastoral leadership, and counseling bring much experience to our campus.