Dr. Ken Hemphill - Kingdom Growth Strategist
About Dr. Hemphill
In addition to his service at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as president from 1994 to 2003, Dr. Hemphill was the national strategist for the Southern Baptist Convention’s Empowering Kingdom Growth emphasis from 2003-2011. He also served as the founding director of the Center for Church Planting and Revitalization at North Greenville University (NGU) in Tigerville, South Carolina.
Dr. Hemphill served as the pastor of First Baptist Church of Norfolk, Virginia, 1981-1992, and he led the Southern Baptist Center for Church Growth, 1992-1994, a joint venture of the Home Mission Board and Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention (now known as North American Mission Board and Lifeway Christian Resources, respectively).
Originally from Morganton, North Carolina, Dr. Hemphill earned a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1970. In college, as a player on the Demon Deacons’ football team, Hemphill served as a youth minister at a local church with aspirations to play in the National Football League. However, he surrendered to a call to ministry following his marriage to Paula Moore in 1969.
Hemphill earned Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament from Cambridge University. He has authored around 50 books.
Commitment from Ken
“The Lord has used my varied life experiences to prepare me for this unique opportunity,” he said. “My passion for the local church was birthed in me by my father/pastor. The privilege of serving my Southern Baptist family in numerous capacities has provided a wealth of information that I long to share with the next generation.”
Kingdom Growth Strategist
Key Verse: Matthew 6:33 (CSB) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
Mission:
• Partner with Local Churches
• Advance God’s Kingdom
• By His Power
• For His Glory
Focus: help a congregation move beyond event-focused "church growth" to emphasize instead "kingdom growth." This focuses on a member's daily walk with Christ and living out their faith in their community.
Roles & Responsibilities:
• Kingdom advancement: Assist churches in growing their membership and influence by applying biblical principles and partnering with God.
• Spiritual leadership: Recognize spiritual gifts in members, increase their engagement, and promote spiritual growth to further the Kingdom.
• Systems and structure: Help churches develop internal systems and frameworks to promote healthy growth.
• Community Impact: Assist churches in developing strategies for evangelism and community outreach, with a focus on filling God's house.
Services:
• Support Communication Items in Print and Video
• Monthly Pastor Cohort Meetings
• Monthly Pastor Coaching
• Monthly Consulting Foundation Leadership on Application and Direction of the 2026 Plan