I have big news! I am so excited to announce that we have hired Kirk Bierens as our Knapp Street High School Pastor. I’m so pumped about this that I can barely contain myself. Kirk and I have been friends for years. I couldn’t be happier that he’s joining the LifeLine team.
For those of you who don’t know Kirk, I’d like to introduce you to him and share why I’m so excited that he’s joining the LifeLine team. Here you go.
FEARLESSLY FUN
Fortunately for LifeLine, Kirk never exactly grew up. When society told him to calm down, chill out and sit down in a lazy chair he went snowboarding. He’s never slowed down and is still incredibly fun. Earlier this summer, Kirk joined up as a cabin leader at Camp LifeLine and brought it strong. His cabin was named “Kung-Fu Panda” and he showed up with a 6 ft. replica. I’m pretty sure there was even a string that produced Jack Black’s voice attached to it.
After camp, when most of us were nearly in a coma, Kirk was going on about how he and his buddies were going to build a raft, float down the Grand River from Grand Rapids to Lake Michigan and then sink it in the big lake. Who is this guy?
I love that Kirk is fun. He’s got that crazy edge—He’ll do anything. I’m sort of thinking of using him as a stuntman for our LifeLine videos. I love bringing his kind of energy to the LifeLine team. I never want to get stale or boring and I’m pretty sure Kirk is incapable of either.
THE BEARD
Quite simply, you just have to fear the beard. A few months ago, Kirk and his buddies registered for a trail marathon. You have to be hard to run one of these. It’s such a manly run that they decided to forgo shaving until after the run. Respect.
GENEROSITY
As a friend, Kirk has always been incredibly generous to me and my family. A few years back, my family went through what we now call “the year of poverty.” It’s a long story but basically everything went wrong. During this year, Kirk hooked me up with a moonlighting job in his painting business. We painted a beauty school–no joke. I’d work at the church until 4 or 5 and then paint with Kirk until 2am. The thing is, I’m a terrible painter and I’m pretty sure he and his real crew had to fix my mistakes but his generosity during our time of need helped us get through a hard time.
Later that same year, he showed up at my house with a free washer and dryer that we still use. Did I mention that he’s generous?
FAMILY FIRST
I love Kirk’s family. He has one of those families that you just love to watch because their interactions are so authentic and loving. I’ve heard him talk about the uniqueness of each of his kids and how’s he’s trying to draw out each of their passions and gifting in individualized ways. He’s a great dad.
LifeLine is about family. We want to resource and inspire parents toward greatness. We recognize that we exist to partner with families. Kirk brings a lot to the table in this area. I know that he will be a great model and resource for the families of our Knapp Street Campus.
HUMILITY
Kirk is not about Kirk. I love this about him. He once wore a simple white v-neck for about 2 years straight because he felt like fashion had become too important to him. He just wants to follow Jesus, serve the church and his family and keep the spotlight on others. In fact, when he sees this post and how much I’ve highlighted his life and character, I’m pretty sure he’s going to want to fight me…privately, in a quiet place, because he wouldn’t want it to be a big deal.
CREATIVITY
I’ve already mentioned the life size Kung-Fu Panda. Kirk is an artist, and a good one. Here’s one of his paintings…yes, it’s a painting and not a photo.
I’m excited to see how Kirk’s creative gifts will influence LifeLine. And, I’m secretly hoping he’ll do a portrait of me for posterity.
NOTHING HELD BACK FROM JESUS
Kirk is one of those rare guys who is dead serious about following Jesus. He applied for this LifeLine job because he wanted to be obedient to how God was leading him. A few years ago, after a deeply impactful mission trip to China, he and his family were ready to drop everything and move to China as missionaries. And when I say ready, I mean they were inches away from moving across the globe when Molly, Kirk’s wife, became pregnant. Change of plans.
I love that Kirk doesn’t hold anything back from Jesus. Everything is in play. Here’s the truth: I want Kirk on the LifeLine team because I want my faith to look like his. I want our students to live like Kirk does. He follows Jesus passionately and recklessly. He puts his time, money, talents, possessions, passions—his everything on the table.
Welcome to the team Kirk! I’m looking forward to serving together. Our team and ministry will be better and stronger with you on board.
