The Reverend Dr. Kevin S. Kanouse is a lifelong multi-generation Lutheran from Pennsylvania. He felt called to ministry in high school and earned degrees from Susquehanna University (BA, 1975), the Lutheran School of Theology in Gettysburg (MDiv,1980), and Brite Divinity School at TCU (DMin, 1992). He served as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Penryn, PA (1980-1983), then Advent Lutheran Church for 17 years before his election as bishop of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod in 2000, retiring in 2016.

As a parish pastor, he focused on preaching, leading bible study, member care, and church renewal. As bishop, leading 115 congregations, in addition to upholding these values for fellow clergy, he was a strong advocate for our Companion Synod in Sierra Leone, West Africa. He grew the Mission Center at Briarwood Retreat Center for camping and pastoral renewal. He participated in the Focolare movement (an ecumenical gathering of Roman Catholic, Episcopal and other international bishops) where he enjoyed 2 audiences with Pope Benedict and a private tour of the catacombs beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome where he saw the bones of St. Peter. He continues to be an advocate for the LGBTQ community.

Married to Billye Jean since 1975, they have two sons (Tim and Brad)

and four grandsons. The couple enjoys traveling (having visited 107

countries) and supporting Advent Lutheran Church.