We're glad you're checking out Ekklesia Christian Life. We hope to make your visit a pleasant one, we've tried to answer any questions you may have in advance.

Just a little about us... we are a God-fearing, Bible-believing, Holy Ghost Filled, Gospel of Jesus Christ Preaching, Prophetic, Faith, Deliverance and Healing, Loving Community Serving Church.

Where No One is Perfect,

and Everyone is Welcome.

We don't care how you're dressed, how many tattoos you have, who you date, or what candidate you voted for. We're a church full of broken, imperfect people with every kind of story imaginable, and we're saving a seat for you!

We come to Exalt the Savior, to Equip the saints, to Evangelize the lost, and to Extend the love of Christ.

Also, be sure to peruse our website to find out more about how you can get plugged into Ekklesia.

If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to contact us at ekklesiachristianlife@gmail.com

Welcome Home to

ekklesia

Our Belief

There are many passages of scripture that best describe what the church is to be and do, three statements by Jesus summarize it all: The Great Calling (Luke 9:23) the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37-40) and the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20).

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:37-40

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20.

Simply put, The people of Ekklesia will be guided by these three scriptures as it pertains to ministry. The Love of God must be first and foremost in our hearts and lives. Secondly, we will love our neighbor, respect our neighbor the same way we love ourselves, the same way Christ has loved us. This ministry is driven to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We will baptize as Jesus directed, preach and teach obedience to God's Word by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Because of these things, our vision and purpose are established.

The Vision

We are a “Called-Out” Family of Believers Reflecting the Image of Christ Jesus

The Purpose of “We the Ekklesia” –

to Exalt the Savior, Equip the Saints, Evangelize the Lost, Extend the Love of Christ, and be the Example of a Christ-led Life

Our Senior Pastor

Pastor Stephän E. Kirby, Sr. is the founding pastor of Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries in Louisville, KY. Born in January 1969 to Pastor Charles E. and Rubenna Kirby, he accepted Christ in 1977 and preached his first sermon in 1989. He was ordained in 1991 and later served as Co-Pastor of Southern Star Baptist Church.

In 1998, he became Pastor of House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church, leading faithfully for seven years before relocating to Florida and then returning to Kentucky to serve alongside his father.

In 2011, Pastor Kirby launched Ekklesia with a few faithful friends, beginning with in-home Bible studies and holding the first worship service in June 2011. Under his leadership, Ekklesia has grown into a thriving church focused on faith, service, and spiritual transformation.

He is a Navy veteran, a devoted husband to Dr. Monica Hunter-Kirby, and together they serve as partners in life and ministry.

Pastor Stephän Kirby is a loving husband, father, mentor, and friend. His life’s mission remains clear: to preach the Gospel, equip the saints, and glorify God in all things.

Dr. Monica Hunter-Kirby is the beloved First Lady of Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries in Louisville, Kentucky, where she faithfully serves alongside her husband, Pastor Stephän Kirby. An anointed woman of God, saved and sanctified, she embodies the Hebrew word “Ezer”—a strong helper and warrior partner, created not as an assistant but as a divine counterpart and equal strength in the call of God.

A gifted leader, mentor, and intercessor, Dr. Hunter-Kirby carries a mantle of grace and wisdom that inspires both women and men to walk boldly in their Kingdom identity. Her life reflects Proverbs 31: “strength and dignity are her clothing,” as she nurtures, uplifts, and empowers the Ekklesia family with compassion and spiritual authority.

Beyond the pulpit, she is a transformational voice in education and the community, using her platform to raise leaders, cultivate excellence, and affirm worth in those she mentors. Whether guiding young women, encouraging families, or standing as a powerful prayer warrior, she models the love of Christ with authenticity and strength.

At Ekklesia, First Lady Monica Hunter-Kirby is more than Pastor’s wife—she is a spiritual mother, a prophetic voice, and a living testimony that God equips His daughters to be Ezer Kenegdo—strong, present, and powerful alongside His sons for the glory of Christ Jesus.

Our Minsterial Staff

Elder Karpreace V. Harris currently lives in Louisville, after returning home from Chicago, IL in 2018. She recently graduated from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary where she received dual degrees:
Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT). She received her undergraduate degree from McKendree University, where she received a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), with an emphasis in Management. She is also the proud parent of two adult daughters, Anita and Tierionna; whom she considers to be her greatest accomplishments.

Elder Harris gave her life to Christ in December of 1994. After years of resistance, she finally acknowledged her calling to preach the gospel in November of 2003. In December of that same year, she preached her initial sermon. On December 25th of 2011, she was licensed as a minister and thenlater ordained as an Elder in May of 2014 by Pastor Terry Jones of Kingdom Christian Church. She is currently serving under the leadership of Pastor Stephan Kirby at Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries in Louisville, KY.

She continues to preach the Word of God as the Spirit of God leads her. In addition to preaching, she has also served as, Bible Study Teacher, Worship Leader, Youth Pastor, has facilitated women’s ministry, and written and produced two plays. Elder Harris is also a LMFTA (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate). She is the founder and CEO of Wholly Grounded Counseling Services, LLC; where part of her vision is to help bridge the gap between the church and mental health. She strives to remove
the stigma surrounding therapy in the black community, and to help clients obtain spiritual, mental, social and physical wholeness.

Elder Harris has a desire to please God above everything else and to do His Will. One of her favorite scriptures is Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, who are the called according to His purpose.” This particular passage has truly helped her to endure many hardships as a good soldier, knowing that somehow, someway, it is working for her good.

Pastor Matthew Jackson

About Me
I was born and raised in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, the son of Carl and Darlene Jackson.
As one of seven children, I learned early the power of community, the value of shared purpose,
and the strength that comes from a family’s unconditional love. These lessons remain at the heart of who I am and how I serve.

Today, I am blessed to share life with my amazing wife of ten years, Takayla Williams Jackson.
Together, we are raising three beautiful children—one daughter and two sons. They bring joy, laughter, and a daily reminder of God’s faithfulness. My family is my first ministry, and they inspire me to serve others with the same love and commitment I practice at home.

My Calling
At the center of my ministry is a passion for people. I believe God has called me to encourage those who feel lost, to help mend broken hearts, and to restore hope where doubt has taken root.
My strength in this calling comes not from myself but from prayer, the study of God’s Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

A Heart for People
My greatest joy is connecting with others on a personal level. I love listening to people’s stories, sharing their burdens, and walking with them through both struggles and triumphs. I believe every person has a story worth hearing, and in those shared moments, we experience the true unity of the body of Christ.

Education & Ministry Preparation
My journey of faith and learning has shaped me for a life of service. I hold an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Religion, with a minor concentration in English, and I continue to pursue further education to strengthen both my understanding and my ministry. I have taken classes at Hillsdale Bible College and studied at Louisville Seminary, experiences that deepened my love for Scripture, theology, and pastoral service.
During my college years, I served as President of the Philosophy Club (2007–2011). In this
role, I had the privilege of leading and mentoring my peers while engaging in meaningful
dialogue about faith, reason, and the pursuit of truth. This experience taught me how to bridge complex theological ideas with everyday life, a skill I continue to use in ministry today.

Life Verse

My life and ministry are anchored in Philippians 2:8–9, which reminds me that true greatness is not found in status or position, but in humility and obedience to God.
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to
death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” — Philippians 2:8–9

Closing
It is my joy to serve the Lord, my family, and my community. Each day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and serve. At Ekklesia, I am grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside others in faith, to share the hope of Christ, and to serve wherever God may lead.

My door is always open to anyone seeking a listening ear, a word of encouragement, or a prayer.