Early Life and Calling
Pastor Aaron Burke is a passionate Christian leader and the founder of Radiant Church, a growing network of churches in Tampa Bay, Florida. He felt called to ministry at the age of 16 and has since dedicated his life to helping people find hope and purpose through Jesus. In 2013, Aaron and his wife, Katie, sold their belongings and moved to Tampa to start Radiant Church. They began with a small group of 17 people and a big dream—to reach a community where many had never been to church. Their first services were held in a renovated movie theater, and today, Radiant Church has grown to multiple campuses across the Tampa Bay area .Aaron is also an author and speaker. His book, The Unfair Advantage, shares lessons from the life of Joseph in the Bible, showing how God can turn difficult times into opportunities for growth .He enjoys traveling, doing CrossFit, and spending time with his wife and their five children. Aaron’s mission is to help people move toward Christ, community, and their calling.
Education and Personal Life
Pastor Aaron Burke believes that learning never stops. He first went to Southeastern University, where he graduated in 2005 with a degree that helped him begin his work in ministry. He later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2010, and then a Doctorate in Ministry in 2020. These degrees helped him become not just a pastor, but also a strong leader and teacher.
In 2010, Aaron married Katie Burke. They are a loving couple who work together to lead Radiant Church. Together, they have five children:
- Lily (born in 2012)
- Annabelle (2014)
- Kai (2016)
- Elise (2018)
- Adeline (2020)
Family is very important to Aaron. He often shares how much he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids.
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When he isn’t preaching or teaching, Pastor Aaron loves to do CrossFit workouts, travel the world, and relax with his family. These hobbies keep him active and give him time to recharge.
Pastor Aaron’s education and home life show that he is a man of faith, wisdom, and strong family values. His goal is to grow in knowledge and to help others grow too.
Founding of Radiant Church
In 2013, Pastor Aaron Burke and his wife Katie took a big step of faith. They sold most of their things, packed up, and moved to Tampa, Florida, with one big dream—to start a church that would help people know Jesus. They didn’t have a big team or fancy buildings. They started with just 17 people and a lot of prayers.
They launched Radiant Church on September 15, 2013, by renting out a local movie theater for services. It was simple, but full of energy, worship, and hope. People began showing up—and kept coming back! The church grew quickly, not just in size, but in how it helped the community.
Pastor Aaron used tools like social media to invite people and share God’s message. His passion and leadership helped Radiant Church become one of the fastest-growing churches in the U.S. In 2018, it was ranked #13 on a national list of growing churches.
Today, Radiant Church has eight locations in the Tampa Bay area. Every week, thousands of people attend services in person or online. Pastor Aaron still leads the church with excitement and vision, always focused on helping people find Jesus and live a life full of purpose.
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Church Growth and Impact
Radiant Church started small, but under Pastor Aaron Burke’s leadership, it grew into something big and powerful. What began with just 17 people in a movie theater has turned into a church with over 3,900 people attending each week across eight campuses in the Tampa Bay area.
The church is known for being fun, friendly, and full of energy. Pastor Aaron and his team work hard to create a place where everyone feels welcome, no matter their age or background. Radiant offers worship, small groups, kids’ programs, and serve teams that help people get involved and grow in their faith.
Radiant is more than a church building—it’s a community. People come to find hope, healing, and purpose. Pastor Aaron’s goal is not just to grow a big church, but to help people grow in their walk with God. His favorite phrase is that spiritual growth should be “by design, not by default”.
With strong preaching, a clear vision, and a caring heart, Pastor Aaron has helped Radiant Church make a huge impact—not just in Tampa, but across the world through online messages and missions.
Community Outreach and Global Missions
Local Outreach
- Emergency food boxes in partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank.
- Free clothing for children and adults through the Radiant Clothing Shop.
- Meal support for families experiencing hardships like illness, new births, or loss.
- Hospital visits and prayer support for those in need.
Global Missions
- Sending missionaries to unreached areas, especially within the 10/40 Window.
- Supporting global evangelism and church planting efforts.
- Providing mercy ministries to care for the poor, widows, and orphans.
Special Events
Radiant Church hosts events like Fall Family Night, featuring carnival rides, games, and trunk-or-treat activities, to bring the community together in a fun and welcoming environment.
Through these outreach programs, Pastor Aaron Burke and Radiant Church strive to be a light in the world, reflecting Jesus’ love and compassion to everyone they encounter.
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VBooks and Teaching
Pastor Aaron Burke is not just a church leader—he’s also an author and teacher who loves helping people grow in their faith. In 2023, he released his first book called The Unfair Advantage: 7 Keys from the Life of Joseph for Transforming Any Obstacle into an Opportunity.
The book takes lessons from the life of Joseph in the Bible. Joseph faced many hard times—he was betrayed by his brothers, thrown in a pit, and sent to prison. But God turned Joseph’s pain into purpose. Pastor Aaron uses Joseph’s story to show how God can use the unfair things in our lives to shape us for something great.
In the book, Aaron shares seven keys that can help anyone turn struggles into strength. It’s full of real-life stories, Bible truth, and encouragement for people of all ages. Many readers have said the book helped them trust God more during tough times.
Along with writing, Pastor Aaron also teaches through:
- Weekly sermons at Radiant Church
- Online videos and podcasts
- Leadership coaching and church training through Radiant’s Grow Track program
His teaching style is simple, exciting, and easy to understand, even for kids and new believers. He wants everyone to know that God has a plan, and even life’s hardest moments can be part of something good.
Leadership Style and Vision
Pastor Aaron Burke leads Radiant Church with a clear and inspiring vision: to move people toward Christ, community, and their calling. This mission shapes everything the church does, from Sunday services to community outreach.
A Heart for People
Aaron believes that everyone has a purpose and that the church should help people discover and live out that purpose. He often says, “We exist to move people from where they are to where God wants them to be.”
Innovative Leadership
Combining his background in business and ministry, Aaron uses creative strategies to grow the church and reach more people. He emphasizes the importance of using modern tools like social media and online platforms to share the message of Jesus effectively.
Empowering Others
Aaron is passionate about developing leaders. Through programs like the “Made for More Leadership Podcast,” he provides guidance and encouragement to help individuals grow in their faith and leadership abilities.
Under Aaron’s leadership, Radiant Church has become a place where people are welcomed, equipped, and sent out to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
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Family Life and Values
Pastor Aaron Burke is not just a church leader—he’s also a husband and dad who values family above everything but God. He is married to Katie Burke, and together they have five children: Lily, Annabelle, Kai, Elise, and Adeline.
A Strong Marriage
Aaron and Katie got married in 2010, and they work side by side in ministry. Katie helps lead Radiant Church, supports women’s ministry, and encourages other moms and wives. Aaron often says that Katie is not just his wife—she’s his best friend and partner in everything.
They believe in building a marriage based on love, prayer, and teamwork. They even co-host a podcast together called “Made for More: Marriage Edition”, where they give practical advice on how to build a healthy, happy relationship with God at the center.
Raising Their Children
Aaron and Katie teach their kids about the Bible, kindness, and helping others. Their home is full of fun, faith, and family time. Even though life is busy, they always try to keep family first. Pastor Aaron says being a dad is one of his greatest joys.
Faith and Family Together
The Burkes believe that faith starts at home. They encourage other families to:
- Pray together
- Eat meals together
- Go to church together
- Serve others as a family
By showing love and living with purpose, the Burke family sets a great example for others. Their life shows that you can follow God, lead a church, and still make time for the people who matter most.
Awards and Recognitions
Pastor Aaron Burke’s leadership at Radiant Church has garnered significant attention and accolades, reflecting the church’s remarkable growth and impact.
National Recognition
Radiant Church has been consistently featured in Outreach Magazine’s annual list of the fastest-growing churches in America. Notably, it ranked #4 in 2019, #5 in 2020, and #8 in 2023, highlighting its rapid expansion and influence in the Tampa Bay area .
Innovative Church Model
The Wall Street Journal recognized Radiant Church for its innovative approach to church planting and growth. The church’s use of modern marketing strategies and a franchise-like model has been instrumental in its expansion to multiple campuses, attracting a diverse congregation .
Educational Achievements
Beyond church growth, Pastor Aaron Burke has pursued academic excellence. He holds a Doctorate in Ministry, an MBA, and a Bachelor’s degree from Southeastern University, equipping him with a unique blend of theological and business acumen to lead effectively .
These recognitions underscore Pastor Aaron Burke’s commitment to innovative leadership and the significant impact of Radiant Church in the community and beyond.
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Personal Interests and Hobbies
Pastor Aaron Burke is more than a church leader—he’s also someone who enjoys everyday activities just like you! When he’s not busy preaching or leading Radiant Church, Aaron loves to stay active and spend time with his family.
Staying Active
Aaron enjoys CrossFit workouts and exercising to keep his body strong and healthy. Staying active helps him have the energy he needs to lead and serve others.
Traveling the World
Aaron and his family love to travel, both for fun and ministry. He has visited over 40 countries to share God’s message and learn about different cultures.
Family Time
Spending time with his wife Katie and their five kids is very important to Aaron. They enjoy simple family activities like playing games, going on trips, and worshipping together at home.
By balancing work, faith, and fun, Pastor Aaron shows how important it is to take care of your whole life—body, mind, and spirit.
How to Connect with Pastor Aaron Burke
If you want to learn more about Pastor Aaron Burke or hear his teachings, there are many ways to connect with him and Radiant Church.
Online Services
Radiant Church streams their services every Sunday online. You can watch from home anytime and feel part of the church family.
Social Media
Pastor Aaron is active on social media. You can follow him for daily inspiration, teaching videos, and updates about church events.
- Instagram: @pastoraaronburke
- Facebook: Radiant Church
- YouTube: Radiant Church Channel
Podcasts and Books
Aaron hosts the Made for More Leadership Podcast, where he talks about faith, leadership, and life lessons. You can also read his book, The Unfair Advantage, to get more encouragement and Bible teaching.
Visit Radiant Church
If you live near Tampa, Florida, or plan to visit, you can attend a service in person. Radiant Church has multiple locations to welcome you with open arms.
Pastor Aaron and his team want everyone to feel welcomed and supported as they grow in their faith journey.
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Legacy and Influence
Pastor Aaron Burke is building a lasting legacy through his work at Radiant Church and beyond. His impact reaches many people—helping them find faith, hope, and purpose.
Helping People Grow
Aaron’s teaching and leadership have helped thousands of people grow closer to God. He focuses on making faith easy to understand and exciting for all ages.
Training Future Leaders
By coaching new leaders and pastors, Aaron is helping the next generation of church leaders to be strong and caring. This means his influence will continue long into the future.
Impact Beyond the Church
Through community outreach, missions, and online teaching, Pastor Aaron’s work touches people all over the world. His story inspires many to keep trusting God and serving others, no matter the challenges.
Pastor Aaron Burke’s legacy is one of faith, leadership, and love that will keep growing for years to come.
How to Support Pastor Aaron Burke and Radiant Church
If you want to help Pastor Aaron Burke and Radiant Church in their mission, there are many ways to get involved and support their work.
Giving and Donations
Radiant Church welcomes gifts to help with community outreach, missions, and church growth. Your donations help provide food, clothing, and support for people in need both locally and around the world.
Volunteering
You can also volunteer your time and talents. Whether it’s helping at church events, joining a small group, or serving on a mission trip, there are many ways to make a difference.
Prayer Support
Prayer is powerful! Supporting the church and its leaders in prayer is one of the best ways to help. Pastor Aaron often encourages people to pray for their community, the church, and its mission.
Spread the Word
Telling friends and family about Radiant Church and Pastor Aaron’s teachings can help others discover faith and hope. Sharing sermons, podcasts, or social media posts is a great way to do this.
Your support helps Pastor Aaron Burke and Radiant Church continue their important work of sharing God’s love with many people.
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Conclusion: The Heart of Pastor Aaron Burke
Pastor Aaron Burke is a caring leader who loves God and people. He started Radiant Church to help others find hope, faith, and a purpose in life. Through his sermons, books, and leadership, he encourages everyone to trust God, even when life is hard.
Aaron’s story shows that with faith and hard work, anyone can overcome obstacles and shine brightly. His love for family, passion for teaching, and vision for the future inspire many to live better lives and help others.
If you want to learn more or grow in your faith, Pastor Aaron Burke and Radiant Church welcome you with open arms.
References
- Radiant Church Staff – Aaron Burke Bio
https://weareradiant.com/our-staff
Accessed: June 8, 2025 - Radiant Church Official Website – Home Page & Locations
https://radiantchurch.com
Accessed: June 8, 2025 - Radiant Church – Give Page
https://radiantchurch.com/give
Accessed: June 8, 2025 - Radiant Church – Serve Page
https://weareradiant.com/serve
Accessed: June 8, 2025 - Radiant Church – Prayer Request Page
https://weareradiant.com/prayer
Accessed: June 8, 2025 - Radiant Church – Grow Track & Leadership
https://weareradiant.com/growtrack
Accessed: June 8, 2025 - Outreach 100 – Fastest Growing Churches: Radiant Church Rankings
https://outreach100.com/churches/radiant-church
Accessed: June 8, 2025 - Wall Street Journal – Church Startups and Growth Model
https://www.wsj.com/business/media/church-startups-entrepreneurship-religion-49891861
Accessed: June 8, 2025 - Apple Podcasts – Made for More Leadership Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/made-for-more-leadership-podcast/id1537383382
Accessed: June 8, 2025 - Jesus Freak Hideout Blog – Article on “The Unfair Advantage” by Pastor Aaron Burke
https://blog.jesusfreakhideout.com/2023/08/pastor-aaron-burke-of-radiant-church-releases-new-book-the-unfair-advantage
Accessed: June 8, 2025