Pioneer's Billy Kennedy on the highs and lows of church leadership

Billy Kennedy is the International Leader of the Pioneer Network. He was the Senior Leader at New Community Church in Southampton for 20 years from 2002 to 2022 and in 2014 was appointed one of the six Presidents of Churches Together in England. Kennedy was instrumental in forging partnerships particularly between the Pioneer Network and other denominations, including the Methodist Church. In his latest book, Generations, Generations, Generation: The Story of a Church and a Movement, he looks back at his ministry at that time. Kennedy grew up in Scotland and Northern Ireland and his father was a Baptist minister. He admits that traditional forms of Church at the time he was young weren't reaching him. At community church in Southampton he encountered the Holy Spirit powerfully and moved from a job in retail to working at the Church going onto be influential in the growing House Church and Youth movements that were taking shape at the time. The House church movement initially took off in the 1980's. Kennedy, along with other figures such as Terry Virgo's Newfrontiers and Ichthus Christian Fellowship with Roger Forster were key in forming larger groups that eventually planted churches. In this episode of The Profile he talks to Premier Christianity's Editor Sam Hailes about his life in ministry during that period and the bumps in the road he's faced and how God helped him navigate them. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Through our publication, you’ll access thought-provoking Christian content, including the latest news, inspiring interviews, and exclusive commentary. Take advantage of our special offer - just £6 for 3 issues plus full digital access to our website and back issues. Enrich your faith journey and subscribe today at premierchristianity.com/subscribe.