“...Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”
In the Fall of 2002, Kennon Vaughan heard a local Memphis ministry leader named Roy “Soup” Campbell speak. Kennon knew there was something unique about him and wanted to spend time with this godly man. A month later, he found himself on Soup’s front porch step at 5 a.m., eager to learn from him. From that day on, Soup not only taught Kennon the Word of God but also modeled how to follow Christ. Kennon’s life was forever changed through this relationship and he became passionate about others having a similar discipleship experience as he had with Soup.
As God was changing Kennon’s life through a discipleship relationship, he met with many pastors in the Memphis area and learned through listening to them that there was a clear and urgent need to strengthen discipleship in their churches. It was at this time, that Kennon felt God calling him to train other believers to be disciple-makers and to help the church seek a restoration of biblical discipleship in their ministry context.
Kennon prayerfully began discerning the specific nature of this
calling God had put on his heart, and two years later, his vision was clarified when he moved to Texas to study under renowned pastor, Tom Nelson. During Kennon’s time with Pastor Nelson, he studied the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and learned how to systematically teach others the Bible over the course of a year. From there, Kennon went to Dallas Seminary where he studied under Prof Howard Hendricks and his passion for discipleship for the church grew. These experiences were providential steps in the formation of what would become Downline Ministries.
In 2006, Kennon launched Downline Ministries with the guidance and leadership of a wonderful board including Kem Wilson, Jr., Jack Moore, Roy “Soup” Campbell, Hamp Holcomb, Dr. David Libby, Paul Ellis and Dr. James Selecman.
At present, Downline has trained thousands of Christ-followers around the globe in biblical discipleship and provides the opportunity for discipleship training through our various live Institutes and Virtual platform.