James H KirklinA preacher, entrepreneur, and speaker, Reverend James H.Kirklin, II is an agent of change. His desire is to help others riseabove their circumstances to become what God intends themto be. When people meet him, they leave his presenceknowing that he i passionate about the word of God, his workas a minister to God's people, and his responsibility to helpothers change their lives though an unique and personalexperience with God.Raised by his father, mother, and stepmother, this North LittleRock Arkansas native learned at an early age that he had ahuge responsibility. That responsibility is to work in hiscommunity and mobilize others to impact future generations. He talks often of how his fatherexplained to him that if he didn't work to protect the next generation, the result would bechildren without purpose and ambition, potentially making an entire generation extinct.By the time he preached his first sermon on February 20, 1994, he knew that God would usehim to do great things. Reverend Kirklin began working tirelessly to impact young people andGod's kingdom. In 2004, he founded Bridging the Gap Ministries a church in Dalton, GA andsubsequently Bridging the Gap Community Organizers a non-profit organization in Atlanta, GAto do just that. Both the church and non-profit organization, meets people where they are andhelps them move above their circumstances by mobilizing them and equipping them withknowledge and skills to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.In 2010, Reverend Kirklin received his BA in Community and International EconomicDevelopment from Beulah Heights University in Atlanta, GA. Understanding his purpose tomobilize communities, he continued his education and received a Master's Degree in PublicAdministration from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. Whether through his numerousspeaking engagements, his weekly podcast (The Intellectual Stew with James Kirklin), orBridging the Gap Community Organizers, he is impacting others every day. However, he doesnot do it alone. He is the proud father of three children- James III, Kennedy, and McKenzie.When asked what's next for him, Reverend Kirklin says his goal is to make an impact indisadvantaged communities, continuing to bridge the gap between the church and thecommunity. At the end of the day, he considers himself to be simply a work in progress-doinghis part to expand the cause of Christ throughout the world one community at a time. Read More Read Less
