About Ken Claytor

Pastor Ken Claytor has a heart to bring people of all backgrounds together to experience the power and love of Jesus. For over 15 years, he has been sharing the gospel with people across the globe while, at the same time, redefining diversity and breaking barriers throughout the local church. As pastors, he and his wife Tabatha lead Alive Church, a multi-generational, multi-ethnic, and

economically diverse ministry with campuses in Gainesville, Florida, Orlando, Florida, and online. Starting with just 6 adults, they have grown the church to see thousands of individuals worshipping God every weekend. Their assignment is not just to share the good news, but to show how the gospel of Jesus can transform, empower, and equip people to walk in all that God has for them.

Ken is an author, founder of the Alive Leadership Institute, the Alive Conference host, and a sought-after conference speaker. He is a family man. Married to Tabatha for 25 years, they live in Orlando, Florida with their 3 children, Hannah, Charity and Kenny.

When God looks at us, He doesn’t see lots of different races. He sees one race-the human race, As it is in heaven.”

— Ken Claytor

Whenever I go to speak at another church about “Resembling Heaven,” there is usually an awkward silence when I explain that I’m going to be talking about race. It seems like people don’t know whether to clap, cringe, or cry. There’s often a mix of all three. It used to be said that polite folks didn’t discuss religion and politics at dinner parties because it was considered improper. If that’s still the case, then a third topic has been added to the no-go list these days: race. For many people, it’s just too sensitive, too loaded, too controversial. I don’t believe any subject should be avoided. The longer we let things fester, the worse they get. It’s been said that sunlight is the best disinfectant, but I believe there is one that is even better—the light of God’s truth.

Book Excerpt

  • Stephen Chandler

    How can we stop racism in its tracks? What would it look like if heaven invaded earth? If those questions give you pause, this book is for you. My friend Ken Claytor has written a must-read for anyone desiring to be part of the solution to our world’s race problem. Read this book and learn from one of the best. (Senior Pastor, Union Church)

  • Nona Jones

    As It Is in Heaven is a book every person needs to read. It’s easy to get lost in the endless debates about the existence (or non-existence) of racism. But our job as Christians is not to debate; our job is to lean in and extend love to our brothers and sisters who are hurting. We can’t do that as long as we see our fellow image bearers as “other,” and this book does a masterful job of reminding us that we are not “other”; we are one. (Best Selling Author of Success from the Inside Out)

  • Casey Henagan

    Ken’s voice is one of racial reconciliation to this generation. In this book, you’ll find an honest and encouraging conversation about loving all people regardless of their skin color. If you seek to understand God’s heart about racism, without shame and degradation, this book is for you. (Lead Pastor, KeyPoint Church)

  • Benny Perez

    As It Is in Heaven is a much-needed book for the times in which we are living. My friend Ken Claytor addresses the most important question: How does God view race, and how does that impact the way we view race—which then impacts how we respond to the racial issues of our day. This book a must-read for all people. (Lead Pastor, Church LV)

  • Shaun Nepstad

    Ken Claytor is an incredible leader and a valuable voice for this generation. In the midst of a divided nation in turmoil, he offers a much-needed remedy, not only bringing unity but hope. When most people just sit back and point out the problem, Ken Claytor has sat down to pen out the solution. This will be a great resource for years to come. (Lead Pastor, Fellowship Church)

  • Christian Taylor

    As It Is in Heaven has identified the race problem as an issue of love. I was moved by the personal accounts and insights from Pastor Ken’s life. I quickly related and reflected on how similar situations in my past have influenced my thinking patterns as a son, husband, and professional athlete. Everyone should read this powerful book and discover how alike we actually are. We are all imperfect people serving a perfect God. Amid the social unrest, this book concentrates on the solution. (Two-Time Olympic Champion)

in the media

  • 'As it is in Heaven" reveals how the church can help heal racial divide

    Claytor said the most challenging part about writing the book was being vulnerable. He said he faced racism in middle and high school, and talked about how we overcame it.

    "God delivered me from that to bring people together regardless of skin tone," Claytor said. "God has given me the grace to talk about hard topics. There's a boldness and a kingdom perspective that is needed. It's a perspective that needs to be heard and I want to obey God. The church should lead the way in unity."

    Claytor said the book has personal experiences and provides readers with tools they can use to create racial unity in their lives that resemble the kingdom of God.

    Gainesville SUn - Full Article

  • Pastor Ken Claytor: Racism Isn't Just a "Skin Issue," It's a "Sin Issue"

    In an episode of Daystar Televisions, Table Talk, that aired Oct 24th, host Joni Lamb spoke with Pastor Ken Claytor of Alive Church in Gainesville, Florida about the topic of racism and the church.

    Pastor Claytor — a black pastor of a multiethnic church — brought biblical wisdom and hope to this tough topic.

    He “identifies more with the cross than he does with the color of his skin and how he believes a Christian’s identity should be rooted in Jesus, not race,”

    Liftable - Full Article

  • Pastor of multiethnic church says identity should come from the cross, not one's race

    A black pastor of a multiethnic church recently shared how he identifies more with the cross than he does with the color of his skin and how he believes a Christian’s identity should be rooted in Jesus, not race.  

    “A lot of people, they look at themselves as a black person or a white person or a Hispanic person,” Pastor Ken Claytor of Alive Church in Gainesville, Florida, told Joni Lamb, host of  "Table Talk" in an episode that aired on Oct. 24. 

    “I look at myself as a born-again person, washed by the blood, who is a child of God, that happens to be black. I don't have a problem with my heritage or my race. I love what I am.” 

    Christian Post - Full Article

  • Your Identity Should Be Rooted in Christ, Not Race, Multiethnic Church Pastor Says

    "A lot of people, they look at themselves as a black person or a white person or a Hispanic person. I look at myself as a born-again person, washed by the blood, who is a child of God that happens to be black," Pastor Ken Claytor of Alive Church in Gainesville, Florida, told Joni Lamb on an episode of Daystar Television's Table Talk last month.

    I don't have a problem with my heritage or my race. I love what I am," he added.

    Claytor, who's also the author of the book, As it is In Heaven: How a Church That Resembles Heaven Can 'Help' Heal Our Racial Divide, shared that racism comes as a result of living in a fallen world, adding that "some of the racist rhetoric was coming from the Church, especially in the South."

    Christian Headlines - Full Article

Other Media Resources

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Contact us.

For Speaking Engagements, please click here. For all other inquiries, please complete this form and the team will reach out to you shortly or contact Pastor Ken’s Executive Assistant, Crystal Talley, at ctalley@myalivechurch.org or (423) 316-2036.

Mailing: 1649 Florida Mall Ave., Orlando, FL 32809