Business of the Month: Dr. Kirby Kennedy and First Baptist Church, Sun City West, AZ

ABC News Article: Dr. Kirby Kennedy and First Baptist Church, Sun City West, AZ
Your Name:
Dr. Kirby Kennedy
Business Name:
First Baptist Church
Town/Neighborhood:
Sun City West
Personal Background highlights:
I was born in Sydney, Nebraska. We moved to New Mexico when I was two and a half
years old and spent the majority of my growing up years in there. In fact, I went to 11
different schools in 12 years. I learned how to make new friends very quickly. I have
had the privilege of living in some great areas in my life including all over New Mexico,
Phoenix, AZ, Seattle, WA, Palatka, FL and now here in Sun City West.
Professional background highlights:
Experiencing God’s call to ministry in college, I have served as a Senior Pastor for the
past 38 years with six churches in New Mexico, Washington, Florida and Arizona.
I earned my Master of Divinity and my Doctor of Ministry Degrees at Southwestern
Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, Texas in 1984 and 1993, respectively. I have
had the privilege of being a Trustee for Gateway Seminary (San Francisco/Ontario, CA)
and a Field Supervisor to five Doctor of Ministry candidates from the same graduate
school.
Over the years I have served in numerous leadership positions in our denomination
including serving two years as the Vice-President of the Baptist Convention of New
Mexico and being a Leader/Member of seven regional and state Executive Teams.
Currently, I serve as the Coordinator of the Spiritual Leaders Network of Sun City West.
What I do:
As the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church, Sun City West, it is my goal to minister
to our congregation in the many areas of need and growth. In addition, I strive to lead
our congregation to meet the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of people in our
community, to engage with the leadership of our community to continue to make Sun
City West a great place to live and to share my own life-changing experience which
came when I became a follower of Jesus Christ.
What I like most about serving here:
I love the people I have had encounters with here in Sun City West. It is a senior adult
community which means there are many needs I can help meet. In addition, there are
so many stories. I enjoy sitting and talking with people who had a completely different
life before retirement and experienced so many other places and events. To hear their

stories enriches my life. Each time I engage people about their lives I learn more life
lessons.
Previous occupation and why I left:
In 2015, while I was a pastor in Florida, my kidneys failed. I began dialysis immediately.
I could no longer fulfill my responsibilities to the people of my church. I stepped down to
concentrate on my health. In 2017 a man sacrificially donated a kidney, and I had a
kidney transplant in May of that year at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fl. After a year
of recovery, the First Baptist Church of Sun City West invited me to be their Senior
Pastor. It was a step of faith for this congregation to offer such an opportunity. It is an
example of their generosity and grace. Those same characteristics are offered to the
community.
Changes I’d like to see in this area:
As a resident and member of this community I want to make a difference in the lives of
people so that they can enjoy their retirement years physically, emotionally,
intellectually, and spiritually. I would like to help our community step up and help each
other in greater ways. We are the best when we stand up together hand in hand.
What am I promoting?
I am here to encourage, provide resources and be available to help promote the
spiritual well-being of the people of this community. Research shows that spiritual well-
being is critical to health and peace as we live this life as well as the life to come. It all
starts and flourishes with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
What I’m excited about and why:
I am excited about the Christmas Season. I love most everything about this time of year.
I look to the meaning of Christmas as a time of hope, peace, joy, love and light. That is
why we celebrate the birth of Christ. He provides each of those qualities for those who
would follow Him. To help in that way, First Baptist Church is providing several events
this month for the community which will help us all to embrace the season.
Our Family would like to invite Your Family to celebrate this Christmas Season
with Us.
Sunday, December 13 at 9am and 11am
FBCSCW Music Ministry Presents “NOEL! Born is the King” A Christmas Musical
Sunday, December 20 at 9am and 11am
Special Christmas Services
Thursday, December 24 at 4pm and 6pm
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
My family:

My wife Debbie and I have been married 35 years this past August. We have two
daughters who, along with their husbands, both live in the greater Phoenix area. We
have one granddaughter who was born in November and two grandsons due in
February of 2021.
My interests & hobbies:
My interest includes sports, writing and Star Wars. I enjoy playing golf and played
baseball/softball for well over 30 years. I also enjoy swimming, being a rockhound and
lapidary work.
People who inspire me (and how):
First and foremost, I am inspired by Jesus Christ. His great sacrifice and unconditional
love provided me the opportunity to have an abundant life here and an eternal life to
come. I am also inspired by my parents. They were so different yet; each played such
a vital role in my life. They laid a wonderful foundation for success. I knew I was loved
unconditionally. I am inspired by the men and women in our military, our police, our
firefighters and first responders who all sacrifice so much to provide protection,
freedom, and compassion.