At a recent team gathering, Lifeway Christian Resources announced Kirk Kirkland (center) will step into the role of director of Lifeway Worship on Dec. 1. – Photo by Emily Bergeron
BRENTWOOD — Lifeway Christian Resources announced this week that Kirk Kirkland will step into the role of director of Lifeway Worship on Dec. 1.
“We are overjoyed to welcome Kirk to the team at Lifeway,” said Joe Walker, interim Lifeway president. “Kirk’s experience in music ministry, his understanding of Lifeway’s culture and mission, and his ability to relate to worship leaders and music industry leaders uniquely qualify him for this role. His heart for worship, deep pastoral sensitivity, and creative leadership make him an incredible addition to our team.”
Kirkland comes to Lifeway from Judson Baptist Church, where he has been serving as minister of music and worship and minister of pastoral counseling since 2008. He is a singer, recording artist, Grammy-nominated songwriter, ordained minister and professional counselor. He has been involved in concert ministry and church music ministry for over 30 years. He previously served at Lifeway as music events coordinator (1998-2004) and as a songwriter for lifewayworship.com (2010-2019).
“God has called me to use music as a pastor and teacher – that has been the passion and pursuit of my life,” Kirkland said. “I believe everything significant God is doing in the world He is doing through local churches, so it’s a privilege to work with an organization like Lifeway that is seeking to champion church leaders and encourage them in their roles.”
Kirkland
Kirkland said he believes the Lifeway Worship team has a fantastic opportunity ahead of them. “I’m energized by what I’m hearing from ministers of music and state Baptist leaders across the country. We are unified in our desire to see and hear the Body of Christ sing to the glory of God,” Kirkland said.
“Lifeway Worship also has an unmatched opportunity to help raise up the next generation of worship leaders by creating music and worship resources that are theologically trustworthy, musically accessible and practically useful,” he continued. “Young leaders need to have confidence in what Lifeway Worship is producing, but also that we are a trustworthy source of ministry tools and training they can practically count on.”
A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Kirkland grew up in a home shaped by music education and ministry. His father, Camp Kirkland, is recognized as a pioneer in incorporating instrumental music into church music ministry and is widely known for his music arrangements and orchestrations.
“I believe God has been preparing me for this role my entire life,” Kirkland said. “I grew up loving the Church and the music of the Church, which has led me to sing, play, write and record music all focused on encouraging the Body of Christ. It’s an honor to work with Lifeway to serve churches and help men and women to lead their congregations to worship the Lord in spirit and truth.”
Kirkland has a bachelor’s degree in music education from Florida State University in Tallahassee and a master’s in counseling psychology from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville.
“Worship is critical to the effectiveness of the local church,” said Brian Daniel, senior director of church strategy. “When it’s important to the local church, it’s important to Lifeway. Worship, to a large degree, reflects the heart of a disciple. Where theology, discipleship, formation and the heart intersect is where Lifeway has to be. In Kirk we have a leader who will help us prioritize and support church leaders whose role is leading the people of God to worship the One who is worthy of our worship.”
Kirkland said he sees this call to Lifeway as an opportunity to lift up church leaders and encourage them in their faith and in their roles as worship leaders. “This is kingdom work, and I’m so grateful Lifeway is committing itself to this work in a fresh way.”
