Founder and Executive Director
In February 2004, Kennon Vaughan knew he was called not just to "do the work of an evangelist," but also to train other believers to be disciplers and to aid churches and ministries across the country in implementing Biblical, multiplicative discipleship. Through the clear leading of the Holy Spirit and the support of many Godly men, Kennon birthed Downline Ministries to fulfill this calling.
Kennon began speaking while in college at Auburn University and during his brief baseball career at Vanderbilt University and has been motivating and equipping audiences across the nation for over a decade. Upon graduation Kennon served in full-time student ministry for nearly 5 years, first in Missouri and then in his home state of Tennesee, before deciding to further his biblical understanding by studying for a year under author, teacher, and Pastor Tommy Nelson in Denton TX. Kennon is currently obtaining a Masters in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree in "Evangelism and Discipleship: Living and Leading the Great Commission" from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he is being mentored by discipleship guru Dr. Robert Coleman. Kennon will graduate after finishing his thesis in 2010.
An effective communicator with passion, charisma, and a solid foundation of Biblical knowledge, Kennon speaks powerfully to the mandate of Christ for every believer to make disciples and loves to offer training on the “how-to’s” of this lost art. While discipleship training is clearly his passion, Kennon also speaks to audiences on how to be ambassadors for Christ in other culturally relevant areas such as leadership, purpose, identity, and relationships.
Since the inception of Dowline Ministries Kennon has been able to sit down with many of today's great men of the faith such as Dr.’s Howard Hendricks, John Hannah, Josh McDowell, Voddie Baucham, Tony Evans, Joe White, and John Piper, Robert Coleman, Dennis Rainey, Crawford Loritts, and many others to discuss the need for and lack of discipleship within the body of Christ today. As a result of these meetings, nearly all of these men have enthusiastically agreed to come speak in their area of expertise at the Downline Institute.
Internationally, Kennon has traveled and studied in the Middle East, played baseball in South Africa with Campus Crusade's Athletes in Action, and led disicpleship training efforts in China, Zambia, Madagascar, and El Salvador.
Kennon has graciously embraced the opportunity to speak to audiences around the country during his tenure as a youth minister, seminary student, and now director of Downline Ministries. In addition to discipleship training and Bible teaching in the DownLine Institute and Emerging Leader programs of DownLine Ministries, he has served as the keynote speaker for events across the country, such as YPO’s Vision and Values Conference, the city-wide "Fresh Vibe" in Houston, Texas, Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Texas and Southeast leadership camps, various high school and college campus outreach events, as well as numerous church and para-church retreats, conferences, and Disciple-now's. Kennon has also coached high school football and baseball over the past five years and is currently the team chaplain and a volunteer coach at Memphis University School.
Kennon, his wife Kathryn, and his three sons Caleb, Luke, and Jonathan reside in Memphis, TN. where they are enjoying this crazy season of life and the opportunities that have been placed before them to serve their Lord.
"Kennon Vaughan is a gifted communicator. He is comfortable and confident as he speaks and is easy to follow. He shares his heart, uses good illustrations and solid points. He is winsome, articulate, and sincere."
- Joe White
President, Kanakuk Kamps
"Kennon has the rare God-given ability to minister both to the head and to the heart. His knowledge of the Scriptures and passion for Jesus is both compelling and contagious!"
- Bryan Loritts
Lead Pastor, Fellowship Bible Memphis
"Kennon is one of the most passionate young communicators I've heard in a long time. He speaks to the heart, and audiences love his practical, unpretentious messages. Many of the great young communicators of our day pull it off on stage but are lacking off stage...Kennon is terrific both on and off stage."
- Bob Swan
Minister to Students, Woodlands United Methodist Church, Woodlands, TX
"When Kennon speaks to young people, they listen. His genuine love attracts them, his passionate communication style holds their attention and the Spirit's power working through him brings results."
- Greg McKinnon
Director of Student Ministries at AUMC, Auburn, AL.