Rev. Dr. Ryan Starr, Senior Minister
Ryan began his ministry at Kingsway Christian Church in the fall of 2012. He brings a passion for the gospel, a hope for the world, and has led Kingsway to become an outreach oriented church. Under Ryan’s leadership, Kingsway has established ministries to address homelessness and hunger in the greater Memphis community.
Before arriving in Memphis, Ryan served as Senior Minister of Airport Christian Church (Blountville, TN) and as Youth Minister at First Christian Church (Aurora, IL). Additionally, Ryan spent a year working as a VA Chaplain in Durham, NC and coached cross country at Milligan College (TN). In his spare time, Ryan enjoys refereeing college and professional soccer.
Ryan received his Doctor of Ministry from Candler School of Theology (Emory University), his Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School (Duke University), and his Bachelor of Arts in History from Milligan College.
Dr. Jeffery Brewer, Director of Music
Dr. Jeff has served KCC for 24 years. He holds both Bachelor and Master degrees in Music Education (choral emphasis) from Wichita State University and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and Choral Literature from The University of Missouri at Kansas City.
Dr. Brewer was a life long music educator, having taught choir and music theory for 35 years in public school in Kansas, North Dakota and Tennessee. The last 20 years of his career were at Ridgeway High School in Memphis. Jeff served as President of the North Dakota chapter of ACDA (American Choral Directors Association), President of WTVMEA (West Tennessee Vocal Music Educators Association) and President of TMEA (Tennessee Music Educators Association. He also music directs many Broadway shows throughout the greater Memphis metro area, primarily at Theatre Memphis.
Jeff was born and raised a Disciple, growing up in First Christian Church in Parsons, Kansas. Serving Kingsway is like being home, spiritually. Worshiping God through quality music has long been the standard at Kingsway, thanks to our wonderful choir.