Glen Kehrein
Founding Executive Director
October 16, 1948 - November 12, 2011
Who would think that a white farm boy from Wisconsin would have a monumental impact on Christian community development and urban ministry? In 1968 Glen Kehrein stood on the roof of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and watched the smoke billowing from the riots that followed the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. That experience launched a life-long desire and mission to address social injustices and the needs of the poor and disenfranchised.
After a series of God-directed events, Glen Kehrein was hired by Circle Church to be the Community Outreach Coordinator for its efforts to serve the Austin neighborhood. Through the more than 37 years of Circle Urban’s existence, Glen has provided vision, leadership, compassion and results to bring the Light of Christ to Chicago’s Westside.
On November 12, 2011, Glen went home to be with the Lord following a year-long battle with colon cancer. As Founding Executive Director, Glen exhibited passion and leadership to bring about a transformation of our community. Glen also demonstrated his leadership and selflessness through his role as a founding member of the Christian Community Development Association, serving on numerous boards including the Evangelical Free Church of America and personally mentored dozens of people desiring to serve the Lord through urban ministry.
Glen served the Lord, his family, and this ministry faithfully through the years. His quick wit, sense of humor, and compassion will be greatly missed.
You may be asking “What happens to Circle now?” Glen very wisely assembled a gifted team to serve the neighborhood and the ministry. You can be sure that they are very capable in their roles, and across the board they share Glen’s passion to serve the poor and disenfranchised, and to see the community transformed to the glory of God.
Even before his diagnosis with cancer, Glen and Cirlce Urban's board of directors had been working on succession. The board was in the interview process with two finalists for a chief operating officer when Glen passed away. It is anticipated that a search for a new executive director will begin mid-year 2012.
Please continue to pray for Glen's wife Lonni, their adopted grandson Cy, the rest of Glen's family, and all of the Circle Urban family as we continue through this time of loss and adjustment.
Listen to Moody Radio broadcast honoring Glen which aired November 21st. It is a conversation people in ministry who knew and worked with Glen including Arloa Sutter, Raleigh Washington and John Perkins. Click Here |
