We recently connected with Emanuel Cleaver III and have shared our conversation below.

Emanuel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

One of the biggest things my parents did right we to stress the importance of education beyond the classroom. When I was younger my parents would assign books for me and my siblings to read during summer breaks. I did not appreciate it then because I just wanted to relax and have fun when school was out. Over the years I’ve come to understand that learning should never stop even when you are done with formal education. This is something that I have passed on to my children.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

In the spring of 1994 I received what I believe to be calling from God to go into ministry. It happened at Freaknik (spring break party in Atlanta) while I was preparing to go to a party. God spoke to me through me while I getting into a care with my friends I said, “You know, one day I’m going to be a preacher.” I don’t know why I said that, it had never crossed my mind before. A year later I was in seminary preparing for a vocation in ministry.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I could go back I would have gone to school to earn a Ph. D rather than the doctor of ministry that I earned in 2007. A Ph. D would have provided more teaching opportunities for me which is where my focus seems to be today. I believe I still would have gone into pastoral ministry but I think after a few years I would have switched to a life in the academy.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

What is most helpful in succeeding in the field of ministry and education is constantly reading. It is extremely important to explore various voices so that you have a well rounded understanding of the subject(s) you teaching on. Too often pastors, educators, and people in general read from authors they are with da and subjects that they already know. However, my belief is that you can’t really stand firm on what you believe if you don’t know what other ideas and trains of thought are out there. If one is afraid to read and study the writings of scholars that have a different perspective it could be indication that what you believe is not strong enough to handle a different perspective.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ecleaver3.com
• Instagram: cleaveriii
• Facebook: Emanuel Cleaver III
• Linkedin: Emanuel Cleaver III
• Twitter: @drec3
• Youtube: Choppin It Up With The Cleavers