Inkster AME church welcomes new pastor

The Rev. Katrese Kirk

The Rev. Katrese Kirk, formerly of Chicago, IL has been named at the new pastor at  Smith Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Inkster.
Kirk's appointment, made by Bishop John F. White of the Fourth Episcopal District, came at the dawn of the 96th year of service of Smith Chapel AME to the Inkster community.
Kirk was previously senior pastor of Coleman Chapel AME Church in Kenosha, WI.  She said that she is passionate about millennial ministry, having served as Youth Pastor at historic Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago.  She has developed national programs geared toward young people, including a workshop to help churches attract and retain young adults entitled, Bring Back Our Millennials: Why Young Adults Are Done With Church.  She is a motivational speaker who is committed to helping others unlock their purpose, and live the abundant life that God has purposed for them, according to an official statement from the church.

Reverend Kirk received her B.A. in Mass Media Communication from Wilberforce University, where she was named Miss Wilberforce University 2002.  She has a Master of Divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, and she is currently a student at Payne Theological Seminary, pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership and Community Engagement.
Kirk has worked for Macy's, Clinique and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, where she has worked in various management roles.  She is currently Regional Sales Director for Coty Luxury.  Her roles have allowed her to travel to London, Paris, South Africa, Kuwait, Canada and India.  Kirk is a native of Danville, Illinois, and both her parents are also AME pastors. 
The previous pastor at Smith Chapel, the Rev. Cindy Carr Rudolph, was reassigned as Senior Pastor of Oak Grove AME Church in Detroit, which is the largest church in the Michigan Conference of the AME.  Kirk has continued the Soul Food Service at noon each Wednesday, which includes a free lunch.   In addition she has led Smith Chapel to adopt a family for Christmas, assist with motel expenses for another family who is homeless, and she is planning a reorganization of the Smith Chapel YPD (the AME youth division). 
“The members of Smith Chapel are excited to see what the Lord has in store for them, and the Inkster community, under Pastor Kirk's leadership,” a spokesperson said.