Pastor Nisan C. Stewart, lead pastor of Greater Emmanuel Temple Church in Lynwood, has an extraordinary story that unites the worlds of music and ministry.
A two-time Grammy-nominated record producer, songwriter, and musician, Stewart’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, family, and a calling that would transform his life.
Born and raised in Inglewood, California, Stewart grew up immersed in music and spirituality. His father was a saxophonist, his mother a pianist, and his siblings played various instruments.
“I grew up playing the drums since I was five years old,” Stewart recalls, a passion that would follow him throughout his life.
His parents, who founded Greater Emmanuel Temple (G.E.T.) in 1965, were the earliest influencers in his dual passions. Despite his love for music, Stewart never saw himself as a pastor. Instead, he pursued a career in music.
As a young musician, Stewart helped shape the soundtracks of the late 1990s and early 2000s by collaborating with iconic names in the industry. From working with Timbaland on Nelly Furtado’s “No Hay Igual” to producing tracks for Missy Elliott’s “Under Construction” album and co-writing Fantasia’s “Free Yourself,” to serving as musical director for Jamie Foxx, Stewart became a highly respected figure in R&B and Hip-Hop. His work spanned touring, producing records, and mentoring young artists.
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“It was all about creativity,” he explains of his work with Timbaland and Missy.
“Let’s do something that nobody else is doing, and a sound that nobody else had.” These collaborations cemented his career and instilled a commitment to originality, a principle he would carry into his ministry.
After years of touring, producing, and songwriting, Stewart experienced a pivotal shift in 2004. “My mother was transitioning,” he explains, “and I felt the tug of the call to ministry before I had even considered or thought about pastoring.”
Reflecting on that moment, he shares, “I tell this story of how I was on a plane, leaving from working in the studio in Miami with Missy.” His siblings had urged him, “You need to get home. Mom is sick. We can’t get her to go to the hospital.”
During the flight, Stewart grappled with the weight of the situation. “I was crying, thinking, my mom’s probably going to transition, because we knew something was wrong,” he recalls.
“On that plane ride, I prayed to the Lord, saying, ‘If you heal her, I’ll commit. I’ll preach the gospel.’ And the Holy Spirit said to me, ‘I’m going to heal her my way, and you’re still going to preach the gospel.’” This marked the beginning of his path to ministry.
When his father, Bishop Carl W. Stewart, was preparing for retirement, he spoke to Nisan about his future with the church, saying, “I’m thinking about you as pastor.” Initially hesitant, Nisan eventually accepted the role and was officially ordained as the successor to lead Greater Emmanuel Temple in 2012.
Since his ordination, Pastor Nisan C. Stewart has transformed G.E.T. into a vital community hub, focusing on holistic support for local residents. Every Tuesday the church provides families with free groceries, highlighting the church’s efforts to address food insecurity.
Stewart is launching a mental health initiative called “Healing Tables,” which will offer free group counseling sessions every Thursday. G.E.T. also runs a business advisory group, providing guidance and resources to individuals looking to launch or grow their own businesses.
Today, Pastor Stewart continues to inspire both in and beyond the church walls, embodying a rare blend of faith and artistry. As a “semi-retired” musician, Stellar Gospel Music Award-winning pastor, husband, and father of three, he remains devoted to guiding younger generations and fostering a safe haven for artists and worshippers alike at Greater Emmanuel Temple. Stewart’s journey, rooted in the rhythms of music and the resilience of faith, stands as a testament to the profound impact of following one’s calling, wherever it may lead.
Join Pastor Nisan C. Stewart and the Greater Emmanuel Temple Church for Sunday worship at 10 a.m. at 3740 E. Imperial Highway, Lynwood, CA 90262. Stay connected for updates, inspiration, and upcoming events by visiting my-get.org or following @getfamilynow on Instagram and Facebook.
