Joseph Vest

Born where and when: Danville, KY November 13, 1961

Family stats: Very happily married to my wonderful wife Myriam. We have 4 daughters: Amaris, Mallory, Janelle & Elyse

How I met my spouse: I met Myriam on the steps of the Rotunda (main building) on the campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX--that was one of the best days of my life. I was looking for a degree and she was looking for a husband--it worked out perfectly.

Spiritual Gifts: Teaching, Leading, Serving and Giving

Education: I'm a lifetime learner at the school of dumb mistakes. I also have a Doctorate in Church Growth & Evangelism, Masters in Divinity, and Bachelors in Theology. I think I learned the most about life from my father.

How I ended up at Kainay: God is so good to have led us to Kainay and Kainay is great to have called me to serve as your lead pastor. We prayed for a several months for a place that would be a great fit for our style; a place like Kainay and you were looking for someone like me. It's beyond anything I would have ever hoped or imagined (Ephesians 3:20 talks about such things)

FAVORITE:
Music: I enjoy contemporary Christian music but I'm pretty eclectic.
Artists: Switchfoot, Matt Kearney, Shawn McDonald, Paul Alan, The Fray, Jeremy Camp, Paul Wright
Movies: Hoosiers, Die Hard (my favorite Christmas movie), Facing the Giants, Rudy, Cinderella Man, The Pistol, Braveheart, The Patriot, Radio, Saving Private Ryan, Far and Away (chick flick that's cool)
Food: Things not cheesy or casseroley. I like Mexican, Chinese and meat and potatoes American.
Cartoon Character: Bugs Bunny ... that dude is funny!
Book of the Bible: Philippians
Verse: Genesis 39:6, "Now Joseph was well-built and handsome ..." and Philippians 2:1-11

How I spend my days off: with my wife and girls usually hanging out, going to the park, playing outside or by doing yard work or projects around the house.

Project that I am dying to finish: I'd like to finish becoming like Christ so I wouldn't keep stumbling in the process. I'm thankful that God is patient.

Tell us about a funny moment either from your childhood or recent: Where we lived in Kentucky there was a river nearby and Myriam and I would often take afternoon walks on the road that ran adjacent to it. There was a healthy snake population in that area and when we walked, we often encountered snakes who had met their fate having been flattened by traffic. One day I was feeling exceptionally feisty so I decided to pick up one of those deceased creatures by the tail (it was sort of a confronting of my fears since I HATE snakes). Anyway, after I was convinced the critter was dead, I reached down to pick him up by his little tail (he was about 12 inches in length) and suddenly, and with much enthusiasm, the snake struck at me. It was my first face to face encounter with a real live resurrection and it was amazing how much bigger they look when they're alive. Once my heart started beating again (several seconds later I'm certain) I led Myriam out of danger by showing her how quickly and in which direction she should run (She was very squeamish and it was my job as the man to protect my wife and had nothing to do with being scared out of my wits). I think it's interesting how bravery and leadership are sometimes misinterpreted for cowardice and fear. Alas, a leader must do what a leader must do!

Most powerful book that I've read: The Bible is Number 1 and I've gotten a lot from The Purpose Driven Life.

Best childhood memory: Working on antique cars with my dad and playing ball with my buds

Prized possessions: I own a sweatshirt that I've had since college. Myriam thinks that just because there are a few holes and a few paint stains that it's only good for the scrap heap. But I'm all about loyalty. I think just because something is a little run down-- little less attractive than it used to be is no reason to throw it out. I'm a perfect example of that. Therefore, I have written in my will that I want to be buried in my perfectly aged red sweatshirt.

Nobody knows that I: Myriam and I once had the opportunity to sit courtside at a University of Kentucky basketball game. It was awesome baby! There was nothing and no one between us and the action.

Favorite word or phrase: Dude!

Best gift that I ever received: The churchy answer would be Jesus Christ; the sappy answer would be my wife and my daughters; the manly answer would be power tools. Take your pick!

IF ONLY:
I could meet: God who would speak to me from a burning bush. We Kentuckians are always looking for an excuse to take our shoes off.
I could live: in Switzerland. Myriam's from there and it's really a beautiful place. I like the laid back pace.
I could do life over: I would have started loving Jesus more deeply sooner and cared less about what people think earlier.

One thing that I can't stand: slow drivers in the left lane.

How I became a Christian: I had great parents who modeled Jesus' love for me, took me to church and shared the good news of God's forgiveness with me. I became a Christ follower when I was seven.

I'd describe my faith as: a journey of grace. God keeps leading and He keeps forgiving.

I can't wait to ask Jesus: how He could love us so much.

I'd like prayer for: wisdom. When you lead you need to be wise.

What I would like to say to the people of Kainay: Thanks for the privilege of allowing me to lead you. I pray that we can grow in Christ together. I'll do my best to take us where God wants us to go.