Kirk Byron Jones

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the second son to the late Frederick and Ora Mae Jones, Kirk Byron Jones is a graduate of Loyola University and Andover Newton Theological School, and holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Emory University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Drew University.

Dr. Jones began preaching at age 13 and served as a pastor for over forty years. He was the founding minister of Beacon Light Baptist Church in New Orleans, and Senior Minister at Calvary Baptist Church, Chester, PA; Ebenezer Baptist Church, Boston, MA; First Baptist Churches of Randolph, Whitman, and Tewksbury MA; and Zion Baptist Church in Lynn, Massachusetts. Throughout his pastoral ministry, Rev. Jones served on various religious and civic committees at the local and national level.

A professor for over thirty years, Dr. Jones served as Director of the Kelsey-Owens Black Ministries Program and Kelsey-Owens Professor of Social Ethics and Pastoral Ministry at Andover Newton Theological School.

Dr. Jones serves as guest preacher and teacher at churches, schools and conferences throughout the United States. His writings have been published in various journals, including The Christian Century, Leadership, Gospel Today, Pulpit Digest, and The African American Pulpit, a quarterly preaching journal he co-founded in 1997.

Dr. Jones is the author of several best-selling books for clergy, and all persons seeking spiritual growth in a changing and challenging world. His books include the following titles:

Rest in the Storm: Self-Care Strategies for Clergy and Other Caregivers

Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down

The Jazz of Preaching: How to Preach with Great Freedom and Joy

Morning B.R.E.W.: A Divine Power Drink for Your Soul

The Morning B.R.E.W. Journal

Holy Play: The Joyful Adventure of Unleashing Your Divine Purpose

Say Yes to Grace: How to Burn Bright without Burning Out

The Sacred Seven: How to Create, Manage, and Sustain a Fulfilling Life

Fulfilled: Living and Leading with Unusual Wisdom, Peace, and Joy

Refill: Meditations for Leading with Wisdom, Peace, and Joy

Grace Sparks: Short Reflections to Encourage, Enlighten, and Energize Your Spirit

Soul Talk: How to Have the Most Important Conversation of All

Soul Flow: Living in the Stream of Your Spiritual Power

Dr. Jones is the creator/author of the Facebook page "Yes to Grace" where he offers brief inspirational messages in words and images.

Dr. Jones is married to Mary Brown-Jones. They have 4 adult children, 3 grandchildren, and reside in Randolph, MA. When not engaged in the holy play of his labor, he enjoys leisurely fun, most especially, listening to jazz, reading, journaling, and playing video games.