SEU WELCOMES NEW CAMPUS PASTOR JONATHAN RIVERA

In June of 2023, Southeastern welcomed new campus pastor Jonathan Rivera to the university community.

James and Brittany Powell, who had been serving as the university’s campus pastors leading up to Rivera’s hire, transitioned to new positions on the pastoral team at Red Rocks Church in Denver, Colorado.

Before coming to SEU, Rivera had been serving as the District Youth Director of the Florida Multicultural District of the Assemblies of God. With extensive experience working with youth communities, Rivera has served young people in the local church for over 10 years and has preached throughout the United States and around the world.

“Pastor Jonathan is a dynamic leader with a clear passion for the local church, ethnic diversity and building up the next generation of leaders who will influence and shape our world,” said President Kent Ingle. “I am beyond excited to have him on campus with us, and I truly believe that he is equipped to lead our entire community as we step into this new season.”

Rivera has previously served as the junior high pastor, the lead youth pastor and the creative pastor at Calvario Church in Orlando, Florida.

“Southeastern is an incredible community that I’m excited to be a part of. For years, SEU has been on the forefront of lifting up and discipling the next generation of Spirit-empowered leaders, influencers and followers of Jesus who will transform and redeem culture across the world through the message and demonstration of the Gospel. And I’m looking forward to riding the wave of what God is already doing and continuing to fan the flame in Lakeland,” Rivera expressed.

As he enters his first year in the role, Rivera aims to establish and build relationships with staff, faculty, alumni and the student body.

Rivera explained, “Before the university is anything else, it should be a family. The vibrant spiritual atmosphere that you experience on campus, in chapels and at conference is something that I want to preserve and protect. It’s truly what makes the SEU experience transformational.”