KennethBruce

Passionate Christ follower, husband to Kristy, father of Noah, Adoniram, Asa, Nathan, & Ellie Ann, and Senior Pastor at Westwood in Alabaster, AL

[Jeff Wiesner @JeffreyPWiesner]

When a man is called to pastor, he is called, in one sense, to be “the last man standing.”

Over years and decades, many in his flock will move away, join other churches, be removed by discipline, or die.

New members will also be brought into the church, but many of these too will likely not remain.

Yet in all the comings and goings of a transient church membership, one remains (by God’s grace):

Pastor.

Sadness at seeing members depart may vary in degrees, depending on the person. But sadness inevitably attends them all—even the “difficult” ones.

He’s prayed for them, taught them, wept and lost sleep over them, mourned with them in bitter providence, and rejoiced with them in sweet providence.

They’re all part of his precious flock, his joy, and his “crown.”

Given this, temptations toward discouragement are inevitable when sheep depart. This is due in part to the devil’s devices, as well as his own sinful flesh.

Rather than be discouraged, the man of God is lifted up by looking away from himself to Christ, recalling that his flock was never truly “his” to begin with.

They belong to his Chief Shepherd who loves each one with a love unparalleled by him on his very best days of ministry.

Therefore, he actually has much by which to be encouraged. Least among these:

The Chief Shepherd has called him to play a not-so-small role in guiding and guarding a few of His precious sheep on one leg of their long, difficult journey home to the still waters and green pastures of His glorious kingdom.

What an honor and privilege to be the “one who remains!”

Lord, keep us faithful!

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

Incredible afternoon for Westwood getting to baptize 33 people at the creek! Loved hearing stories of how Jesus has changed peoples lives! The Gospel continues to save and transform! #gowestwood

[Aaron Filippone @aaronfilippone]

Yesterday, we laid to rest my friend and our brother in Christ, Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea.
At the request of his family, the service was private—an intimate, off-camera time to remember the man we loved. While the world knew him as a larger-than-life figure, I knew him simply as Terry—a humble, joyful, Jesus-loving man whose life was transformed by the grace of God.
Although the funeral was private, we wanted to share a video that was shown at his celebration of life service. This video tells the side of Terry that I’m grateful to know personally, fully surrendered to Jesus Christ. At the end, you’ll hear him pray for YOU—for every person who hears the sound of his voice—to pursue salvation.
If that’s something you've been longing for, don’t wait. Reach out to me directly or find a local, Bible-believing church. Jesus offers the same grace and new life to you that He gave to Terry.
Terry wasn’t perfect, none of us are, but he was changed by the Gospel. He walked closely with our church family, growing in faith and always pointing others to the hope he found in Jesus, wearing his John 3:16 shirt with a verse he lived by:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
That promise wasn’t just for Terry—it’s for anyone. The same hope, forgiveness, and eternal life Terry believed in is available to all who trust in Jesus.
I miss him deeply. But I know this: because of Jesus, Terry is more alive now than ever—fully healed, fully free, and in the presence of his Savior.

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

Westwood family - periodically scammers send emails and text messages posing as me, asking for money, gift cards, or personal information. Please disregard those messages.

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

Four spots have opened for our upcoming Journey in the Footsteps of Paul through Greece and Rome, June 8-19. If you are interested in going, we must know by this Friday at the latest. Click this link to see the details.

https://t.co/4CKuTSPasz

[The Simplicity of Preaching @SeeSavorSay]

As the “man of God” catches a glimpse of Christ in the pages of Scripture, and is led by the Spirit to love what he has seen, he is then ready to stand as God’s spokesman before God’s people.

Preorder today! https://t.co/gdMB5M5g2F

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

Just finished reading ⁦@SeeSavorSay⁩ and LOVED it! ⁦@pchasesears⁩ & ⁦@jonwoodyard⁩ have served pastors and the church well. If you want to become a better preacher - read and heed this book!

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

@davideprince Praying for you now pastor.

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

Westwood got to celebrate 38 people going from death to life at Baptism at the Creek yesterday! Nothing better than seeing people of all ages, English and Spanish speaking - publicly declaring their faith in Christ! #gowestwood

[Timothy Keller (1950-2023) @timkellernyc]

The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

First day back to school - 2024! Noah’s a senior, Aiden’s a junior, Asa’s freshman, Nathan’s an 8th grader, and Ellie Ann is a 5th grader! Man, love them so much!

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

@stevebrowning I am so sorry Steve. Praying for you and your family.

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

Shout out to Amy Valentour for our eclipse Westwood staff gift bag!

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

PERGAMUM - Pergamum the 2nd largest library in the world with 200,000 volumes. Only the library Alexandria was larger with 500,000 volumes. Mark Anthony gave the entire library to Cleopatra as a wedding gift.

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

SMYRNA - The acropolis where Alexander the Great built the wall. In this picture is where Polycarp, a disciple of John, was martyred for his faith in Jesus. Read his final words in the pic below.

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

THYATIRA - The church of Thyatira is one of the 7 cities of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) to receive a letter from Jesus (Revelation 2-3). Jesus praised the church deeds, love, faith, and perseverance. He warned them against tolerating idolatry and pagan idolatry.

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

LAODECIA - 2 amphitheaters discovered in the last 3 years. Each could hold between 10,000-15,000 people.

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

LAODECIA - Ruins of one of 20 church buildings found in the ancient city of Laodecia. After Constantine legalized Christianity in the 4th C., church buildings were established in local communities all over the world.

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

LAODECIA - Hot & cold springs flowed down from surrounding mountains, by the time it got to Laodicea, the water was lukewarm making people sick. Jesus said
”So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth.” -Rev 3:16

[KennethBruce @KennethBruce]

LAODECIA - Roman temple where gods were worshipped.