Pastor Israel Francois

Education History:
Chaplain Israel Francois has spent over 30 years working in ministry preaching, teaching, serving, and counseling. He began his ministry journey seeking his education at New Orleans
Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1996 Chaplain Francois graduated with his Bachelor of Arts Degree concentrating on Theological and General Studies. Upon completing the bachelor
program, he continued his education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated with his Master of Divinity Degree, majoring in psychology and counseling in 2002.
He is currently pursuing his doctoral of Ministry in Chaplaincy at Liberty University.

Professional Experience:
On May 16, 1996, Chaplain Francois was ordained to the gospel ministry at Oak Park Baptist Church in Algiers, Louisiana. From 1999 to 2001, he worked as a Counseling Intern at Kingsley
House in New Orleans, LA, where he provided intense in-home crisis counseling for several families. In 2003 Israel became an Adjunct Professor at New Orleans Theological Baptist
Seminary, where he taught Introduction to Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling, and Crisis Counseling.

From July of 2003 to 2008, he worked as the Director of Ethnic Ministries at Gulf Stream Baptist Association, responsible for overseeing over 60 churches. 

In 2012, God placed it on Israel’s heart to become a church planter, leading him to establish Celebration International Church in Pembroke Pines, FL. The church officially launched in 2014 with the goal of reaching second and third-generation internationals. Here, Israel is currently serving as the Senior Pastor.

In 2013 Israel started his career at the Broward Sheriff’s Office as an Associate Chaplain and is presently acting as the Senior Chaplain.

Throughout his career and ministry endeavors, Israel has received several community awards and recognitions. He enjoys serving over 5,500 employees at the Broward Sheriff’s Office and
desires to continue to serve within the community.