Who is Joel David Romelus in one word? Passionate.
Joel Romelus is a man passionate about helping people grasp the gospel and all of its glorious implications. He is passionate about assisting others in knowing their worth, living with purpose, and investing in the things that will matter in light of eternity.
Joel was born and raised in the inner city of Miami to Haitian-immigrant parents. While watching his parents work multiple jobs to make ends meet in order to support their family, Joel decided to do whatever it would take to change his current position and path in life. After a period of running the streets and getting in trouble, he then turned to sports as a way out and immediately excelled at it. Starting as a freshman playing basketball, football, and track, it soon became apparent that football could be the breakthrough that could change his life forever, and it did. Garnering the attention of several division one programs, Joel found himself on the cusp of fulfilling his childhood dream to play Division 1 football. However, during the last game of his high school senior season, Joel suffered a major concussion that affected his memory for weeks and the doctors strongly encouraged Joel to stop playing. Being told everything he’d worked so hard for, for years, was no longer an option, brought Joel to one of the lowest points in his life. But it was in that moment that he encountered the grace and love of God in all of its marvelous dimensions. This encounter came by way of a school teacher who led him to faith in Christ, mentored him, and helped him understand that he was made for more than just accumulating rushing yards. Today, Joel is passionate about helping student-athletes in general, but especially athletes from the urban community, discover that they were made for more.
Over the past twelve years, Joel has served the local church as an Associate and College Pastor. He received his Bachelors of Science in Business Management with a minor in International Business from Johnson and Wales University in Miami, FL. Joel is continuing his education by completing his Master’s of Divinity (Graduating Fall 2021) from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.
Currently, Joel serves as the Chaplain for the University of Florida Football Team and has been in this role for six years. Along with chapel Joel enjoys speaking at churches, conferences, and retreats both here and abroad on topics such as faith, marriage, diversity and justice, Old Testament theology, purpose, and prayer.
Joel is married to his beautiful better half, Stephanie Romelus, and they are expecting their first child, a son, in April 2021.