Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)
Our History
Planted by Holy Cross
During the 1960’s, the Northland was experiencing rapid population growth. In 1967, Holy Cross Lutheran Church planted King of Kings as a “daughter” congregation to serve Kansas City families north of 72nd street. Rev. William Krenning of Pittsburgh, PA, was called and served the congregation as her first pastor. The first Sunday school class and worship service was held on Ocober 22, 1967. Later that year, the new congregation purchased a bus maintenance facility on 5 acres of land from the NKC School District, and converted it to serve as our first church building on Barry Road.
An Unexpected Blessing
Our small congregation grew quickly serving the families of the Northland and offering great opportunites to hear the story of Jesus. During this time, the largely working-class congregation did not have the financial resources to expand the church. As in all things, God had a plan. In the 1970’s, developers began work on Metro North Mall, drastically increasing the value of the land the church owned. Shortly after devlopment began, King of Kings accepted a substantial offer for their building and acreage, offering a bright future.
The congregation chose to look to the future. Knowing the Northland was continuing to grow, and that the families moving in would need a house of worship, the congregation purchased land at the corner of 96 Street and Maplewoods Parkway, where our church currently sits. The sanctuary was built in 1978, with enough seating to hold 325 people and to spread the message of Jesus to as many people as possible.
Steady Growth
King of Kings steadily grew during the 1980's and 1990's into a large community of believers. The congregation found new ways to minister to members and serve the neighborhoods around us, including opening King of Kings preschool in 1996, and beginning our “backsnack” program that has provided food to local children in need for decades. Additionally, the congregation began partnering with ministries in the Northland, and n KC's urban core.
A New Millenium
At the turn of the millenium, our congregation continued to be fixed on Jesus, as the Lord blessed our congregation with extensive growth. This created the need for additional staff and space. Church staff expanded as the congregation added an assisted pastor, teachers, musicians, a youth worker, and administrators. Church leaders answered the call for growth through building expansion of a large fellowship hall, commercial kitchen and lower-level classrooms (2002). Shortly after, the church added our front welcome center entrance, offering a place of fellowship and gathering for members and visitors alike.
Pandemic Progress
Even in the midst of earthly problems and society shut-downs, the Lord provided King of Kings with opportunites to grow in service. Born out of the pandemic of 2020, King of Kings now offers livestream and recorded video worship and online Bible Study podcasts every week, reaching those at home and acros the country. Our newly-energized online ministries, are made possible by very dedicated and talented volunteers and staff.
In addition, our Early Learning Center transitioned to meet the needs of our community by providing all-day Christian education for preschool-age children, before and after care options, plus weekly summer camp opportunities for children under the age of 10.
Our Future
Looking forward, we are asking ourselves how can we provide for our growing community? Can we create another congregation to bring the Gospel of Jesus to the new neighborhoods springing up around us? How can we serve our neighbors locally and brothers and sisters in far away lands? Many questions need to be answered, but we know one thing for certain. The Lord is faithful, and He will guide us.
Pastors Who Have Served King of Kings
Rev. William Krenning 1967-1974
Rev. Thomas Reeder 1974-1985
Rev. Paul Schult 1986-2016
Rev. Frank Greene 2007-present
Rev. Daniel Clemens 2018-present