Recovery Christian Center

Our Pastors

Bishop Designate Chris Kimmenez, Psy D

Senior Pastor

Pastor Paula Burnett-Kimmenez

Executive Pastor

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Bishop Designate Chris Kimmenez, Psy D - Senior Pastor

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Bishop Designate Christobal Miguel Kimmenez entered in to life on July 19, 1961 born to Roberto and Patricia Kimmenez in Washington, DC. BD Kimmenez was educated in the DC Public School System and graduated a year early in June 1977. Upon turning 17, he entered the US Marine Corps and served until being medically retired at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 1995. He served in combat in Grenada, Panama, Kuwait, and Somalia.

 

After retiring due to a car accident and struggling with addiction, physical disability, a criminal record, and spiritual brokenness, BD Kimmenez met our Savior and was baptized in 1994 and was delivered from addiction on January 27, 1995. He received and accepted the call to ministry in 1996. BD Kimmenez was first licensed to preach in May of 1996 by then Bishop Patricia Williams, the Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Tabernacle Centers at the home church Glorious FGTC in Wilmington, DE. He was ordained an Elder in July of 1998.

 

In November of 2006, after moving to Philadelphia and a period of seeking God for direction on whether to join or found a ministry, BD Kimmenez joined Word Tabernacle Baptist Church in SW Philadelphia as an Associate Minister under Pastor Michael K. Heath Sr.

 

In June of 2009, BD Kimmenez received the call as Interim Pastor of Oaklane Community Church.

 

In September of 2010, BD Kimmenez was led by the Spirit to create an ecumenical network for ministers who desired integrity and accountability in ministry. The Pastor’s and Preacher’s Support Network now has over 350 pastors in membership.

 

In June of 2011, the Holy Spirit implanted the vision for what has become The Recovery Christian Center, an alternative ministry outreaching to the recovery community, addicts, sex workers, behavioral health, reentry, veterans and at risk teens in the Kensington Section of Philadelphia.

 

 In January of 2014, RCC joined the Master’s Commission International Ministerial Fellowship under its Presiding Prelate, Bishop JT Cohen where BD Kimmenez serves as 1st Assistant to the Presiding Prelate and Overseer of Administration. He also serves as Dean of Administration and Professor of Biblical Counseling and Non Profit Development at Master’s Commission Bible Institute.

 

BD Kimmenez also currently serves as Director of the Philadelphia Chapter and National Director of Support Services for Healing Communities USA, a national faith based prison reentry initiative, as a contracted Mental Health First Aid Instructor and as a member of the Faith & Spiritual Affairs Advisory Board with the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities and as a member of the Faith Leaders Network of Philadelphia FIGHT.

 

BD Kimmenez holds a B.S. in Human Resources from Georgetown University, a M.S. in Health Education from American University, and Psy. D from Temple University and is currently pursuing a D. Min. He has also served on the Board of Directors of We the People, Inc, and The Greater Philadelphia Region of Narcotics Anonymous. He formerly served the City of Philadelphia as a member of the Community Planning Group for the Office of HIV Policy and Planning.

 

BD Kimmenez is married to Rev. Paula Burnett-Kimmenez and between them they have six children (one deceased) and twelve grandchildren.

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Pastor Paula Burnett-Kimmenez - Executive Pastor

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Pastor Paula Burnett-Kimmenez entered in to life on September 24, 1966 born to Robert and Pauline Allen in Philadelphia, PA. Pastor Burnett-Kimmenez was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System and graduated in 1984. She grew up in church and accepted Christ and was baptized by Pastor Arthur White of Christ Community Baptist Church at age 16. Upon graduating, she entered a nursing career until medically retiring in 1998.

 

After retiring due to a back injury and then struggling with addiction, physical disability, and spiritual brokenness, Pastor Burnett-Kimmenez rededicated her life to Christ and was delivered from addiction on February 12, 2000. She was ordained a deacon in 2009 by Oaklane Community Church. She received and accepted the call to ministry in 2011.

 

In June of 2011, the Holy Spirit implanted the vision in her husband for what has become The Recovery Christian Center, an alternative ministry outreaching to the recovery community, addicts, sex workers, behavioral health, reentry, veterans and at risk teens in Philadelphia.

 

Pastor Burnett-Kimmenez was first licensed to preach in May of 2012 by then Pastor Chris Kimmenez of Recovery Christian Center, and was ordained an elder and installed as Executive Pastor in November of 2013.

 

In January of 2014, RCC joined the Master’s Commission International Ministerial Fellowship under its Presiding Prelate, Bishop JT Cohen, where Pastor Burnett-Kimmenez serves as Director of Social Action.

 

Pastor Burnett-Kimmenez also currently serves as a Certified Peer Specialist and WRAP Facilitator, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor at Resources for Human Development NOVA 2 program.

 

Pastor Burnett-Kimmenez holds an A.S. in General Studies from Community College of Philadelphia, and is currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology from Liberty University and an M. Div. from master’s Commission Bible Institute. She has also formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Philadelphia Region of Narcotics Anonymous and as the Women and Families Chaplain for Philadelphia Stand Down which serves homeless and disadvantaged veterans and their families.

 

Pastor Burnett-Kimmenez is married to Bishop Designate Dr. Chris Kimmenez and between them they have six children (one deceased) and twelve grandchildren.