Rev. Paul Norcross is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and Andover-Newton Theological School. Paul began is ministry at Emmanuel Community Church in 1987 and has overseen the construction of the church facilities. He serves as the chaplain at the Oaks of Clearwater, a senior adult community and is an adjunct professor at Eckerd College.

Paul has been active in community affairs, serving on numerous agency boards, including Family Service Centers, Suncoast YMCA and Gulfcoast Jewish Family Services Center for the Survivors of Torture.

He has served in leadership capacities in the American Baptist Churches of Florida; as president of the state minister’s council, chair of the ordination review committee and treasurer of the state association.

Prior to his ministry at Emmanuel he was on the staff of the Pittsburgh Baptist Association and was pastor of the First Baptist Church in Medfield Massachusetts.

Paul and his wife Barbara are the parents of 3 grown children have 3 grandchildren. Barbara is a Pinellas County teacher. They live in Palm Harbor.