Our Pastor

Pastor CW Kennedy: A Life Dedicated to Service

Pastor CW Kennedy has served as the Senior Pastor of Madison Street Baptist Church in Athens, Alabama, since 2016. With over 25 years of ministry experience, he is a leader defined by his unwavering commitment to the Great Commission and his passion for seeing lives transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A Foundation of Faith and Ministry
Raised in a Christian home, Pastor Kennedy’s journey began early; he was saved at the age of five and later gained full assurance of his salvation as a teenager. His heart for service was forged in his youth as he worked within bus and youth ministries. On March 1, 1998, he officially surrendered to God's calling into full-time ministry.

Before coming to Athens, Pastor Kennedy built a diverse ministry background, and within each ministry, he has seen the Lord work and grow each ministry both numerically and spiritually:

  • Youth Pastor in southern Indiana, where he mentored the next generation of believers.

  • Assistant Pastor in Georgia, beginning in 2007, focusing on church growth and administration.

  • Senior Pastor in Florida, where he led his first congregation before moving to Alabama.

Visionary Leadership at Madison Street
Since his arrival at Madison Street Baptist Church, Pastor Kennedy has spearheaded a period of significant spiritual and physical renewal. Under his guidance, the church launched the "Moving Forward In Christ" campaign, a vision focused on deepening discipleship and expanding the church’s reach and helping others move forward in life. This era of growth has also seen a total renovation of the church auditorium and the addition of many new members to the MSBC family.

Author and Teacher
Pastor Kennedy is a passionate teacher of the Word, known for making biblical truths relevant and encouraging. He is the author of the book "How to Start, Grow or Maintain a Daily Walk with God," which serves as a practical resource for believers seeking a consistent, daily relationship with Christ. He also frequently teaches specialized series, such as the recent Sunday School study, "When You Just Can't Get Over It".

Family and Community
While attending Bible College, Pastor Kennedy met his wife, Angela, who remains his partner in life and ministry. Together, they are the proud parents of two daughters, Joy and Makenzie. Angela is also active in the church, leading the Ladies Ministry Bible studies.

Pastor Kennedy invites you to join him this Sunday to experience a church that is relevant, encouraging, and enjoyable as we grow together in the grace of the Lord.