James Kennison & Family

Children's Pastor

James met Jesus for the first time at age 4 in the doorway of his Mother's bedroom in Jacksonville, FL. James Kennison began volunteering for children's ministries at 8 years of age after God told him he'd be a minister. After marrying his wife Jennifer in 1996 he had resigned to the idea that he would be an artist & web designer till the day he died. God didn't agree. They came to Kansas City in 1999 after attending Southeastern College in Lakeland, FL. He was hired as the Assistant Youth Director following a two year internship serving under Pastor George W. Westlake, jr. and Lead Pastor George Westlake III, pastors of Sheffield Family Life Center in inner-city Kansas City, MO. In 2002 he was promoted to Director of Children's Ministries overseeing a multi-cultural group of over 500 children weekly from urban, suburban, and rural areas in and around Kansas City with the help of of over 120 volunteers. In late 2009 God directed James and his family to Suncoast Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Florida under the leadership of Pastor Tim Suddreth.

James has been married to Jennifer for 13 years. Together they have two children. Jenna (5) and J (2). James is also an iTunes-featured podcaster, blogger, artist. In his spare time James likes to read tech blogs, play video games, watch movies and is an avid collector of Buzz Lightyear stuff.

His passion is to deliver doctrine and the practical experience that is necessary for kids to keep their childlike faith in Jesus Christ. He does this by teaching and mentoring in as many simple, honest and creatively targeted ways as possible. He has a special love for children with behavioral, emotional, mental and physical needs and supports a full inclusion policy in every ministry. He teaches weekly Kid City children's church services, and with the help of around 50 volunteers oversees elementary Sunday School, Junior Bible Quiz, Royal Rangers, Missionettes, Toddler Town Nursery, Juniorville 3-5 children's church and a Junior Leadership program.

Visit James' Marriage & Family podcast: Geek Loves Nerd
Visit James' Children's Ministry podcast: Children's Ministry Monthly
Visit James' graphic design portfolio: DrawYouAPicture.com
Email: pastorjk@gmail.com