Ken Whitten Biography And Wiki
Ken Whitten, born on January 2, 1955, in Florida, is a respected church executive and pastor known for his leadership at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida. The youngest of six children born to Casey and Elsie Whitten, Ken attended local schools before pursuing theological studies to prepare for his ministry. He has served as the senior pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church for over 33 years, where he has overseen significant growth, including the development of a new 143-acre campus and the addition of 725 new members in the past year.
Age And Birthday
Ken Whitten, born on January 2, 1955, is 69 years old as of 2024.
Height And Weight
He is estimated to stand at an approximated height of 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs a moderate weight.
Education Background
Ken Whitten studied theology to prepare for his ministry and was ordained in 1977. He later joined Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was mentored by Dr. Adrian Rogers, whom he regarded as his spiritual father.
Nationality And Ethnicity
Ken Whitten is American, having been born and raised in Florida. He is of European descent, specifically Non-Hispanic White.
Milestones, Significant Contributions, And Notable Works
Milestones
Ken Whitten served as the senior pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida, for over 33 years. During his leadership, the church saw significant growth, including the development of a new 143-acre campus and the addition of 725 new members last year.
After retiring from Idlewild Baptist Church, Ken joined the North American Mission Board (NAMB) as the national director of pastoral leadership. In this role, he focuses on supporting and encouraging pastors across the Southern Baptist Convention.
Significant Contributions
Ken played a pivotal role in the growth of Idlewild Baptist Church, overseeing its relocation twice within 12 years and expanding its facilities to accommodate the growing congregation.
As the national director of pastoral leadership at NAMB, Ken aims to foster connections among pastors, offering support and encouragement. His goal is to be a source of guidance, counsel, and comfort to ministry leaders.
Notable Works
Ken Whitten has authored several chemistry books, including General Chemistry and Chemistry, which are widely used in educational settings.
He has also written numerous articles on church leadership and pastoral care, sharing his expertise with other church leaders.
Wife and Children
Whitten is married to Jeanne Whitten, and together they have been members of Idlewild Baptist Church since 1985, building a strong family foundation. They have six children: Kelli, Noah Sr., Autumn, Angel, Brook, and Abraham, and are proud grandparents to ten grandchildren who bring them much joy.
Family, Siblings, Parents
Whitten is the youngest of six children born to Casey and Elsie Whitten. His parents greatly influenced his faith, with his father teaching him about tithing and his mother encouraging daily Bible reading. His father passed away in 2004 at 86, and his mother, now 93, continues to be his biggest prayer supporter. Ken also has siblings, including his sister Shonda Walski, who has organized fundraisers for him. His family has always been a strong source of support in his life and ministry.
Career
Ken Whitten began his ministry journey in 1977 when he was ordained, marking the start of his lifelong commitment to serving others in the church. His early experiences laid the foundation for his pastoral work and deepened his faith.
While in Memphis, Tennessee, Ken attended Bellevue Baptist Church, where he was mentored by Dr. Adrian Rogers. Dr. Rogers had a profound impact on Ken, shaping his approach to leadership and pastoral care. The mentorship provided him with valuable insights that would guide his ministry throughout the years.
For over 33 years, Ken Whitten has served as the senior pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida. Under his leadership, the church experienced remarkable growth, relocating twice in just 12 years to accommodate the expanding congregation. He also spearheaded the expansion of the church’s facilities, ensuring that the church could continue to serve its growing community.
In his new role as the National Director of Pastoral Leadership at the North American Mission Board (NAMB), Ken is focused on supporting and encouraging pastors within the Southern Baptist Convention. His responsibilities include providing counsel, offering comfort, and ensuring that pastors feel valued and supported as they navigate the challenges of ministry.
Hobbies And Personal Challenges
Ken Whitten loves spending time with his family, especially enjoying his role as a grandfather. He values the time he shares with his grandchildren.
Ken has also shared that one of his challenges is listening to too many opinions when making decisions. He prefers a leadership style where everyone shares their thoughts, which can sometimes make decision-making difficult for him.
Net Worth
His net worth is estimated to range from $1 million to $50 million as of now.
Major Achievements
Ken Whitten has reached several important milestones in his career:
Leadership at Idlewild Baptist Church: Ken served as the senior pastor at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida, for over 33 years. During his time there, the church grew significantly, moving twice and expanding its facilities.
National Director of Pastoral Leadership: After retiring from Idlewild Baptist Church, Ken joined the North American Mission Board (NAMB) as the national director of pastoral leadership, where he supports and encourages pastors across the Southern Baptist Convention.
Books on Chemistry: Ken wrote several chemistry books, including \”General Chemistry\” and \”Chemistry,\” which are widely used in education.
Teaching Excellence: While teaching at the University of Georgia, Ken earned several awards for his excellence in teaching, such as the G.E. Philbrook Chemistry Teacher of the Year Award and the Franklin College Outstanding Teacher of the Year.
Supporting Education: Ken also supported the University of Georgia\’s chemistry department financially, creating an award in his name to honor outstanding teaching assistants.
Follow Ken Whitten on social media: YouTube | Twitter | Instagram
Leave a Reply