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Rev. Kurt Kaufman
Senior Pastor
Email Kurt: kurt@rethinkbaptist.org
Schedule a time to meet with Kurt here.
Kurt does not use AI in the production of sermons or otherwise in his service to this church.
Likes: Chocolate milk, cycling, Law & Order: SVU, bass guitar, skiing, getting into situations he is dramatically underprepared for, and deviled eggs
Favorite book: Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Favorite band: Kings Kaleidoscope
Kurt was born in 1995, in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Kurt attended and graduated from Green Lake High School. Kurt grew up in the Green Lake area and loved to work with computers, build snow forts, explore and make good trouble at the Green Lake Conference Center (also known as the American Baptist Assembly), and fall off his longboard.
Kurt was not raised in the church. His faith journey began in fourth grade when a close friend asked if he wanted to attend Vacation Bible School. This was Kurt’s first introduction to anything religious as his parents did not align with any particular religion or attend church. He returned summer after summer because of an appreciation for the snacks, games, and having something fun to do in the summer with his friends. As he progressed in school and developed an interest in computers, church leaders asked him to help run slides for the Vacation Bible School week, which he agreed to do since it was aligned with his interests.
Eventually, when the church obtained a permanent screen and projector, their pastor invited him to do slides each week on Sunday mornings. He volunteered as, at the time, “He had nothing better to do on a Sunday.”
Eventually, he began to listen to what was happening around him. The messages, the singing of hymns, and the fellowship all made him feel some kind of unexplainable way. Although he would not have described himself as religious at this point, Kurt continued to volunteer at the church and take on more and more responsibilities, and continued to learn all that he could. When he was 18, he felt a call to affirm the presence of God in his life, and he was baptized in the waters of Green Lake by his pastor, Rev. Karen Gygax-Rodriguez, and the man who entrusted a seventh grader with the slides, Rev. Paul Higgins. While this act did not change his outward expression of faith until later, he began to think in a way that accepted and appreciated the role, presence, and call of God in his life.
Kurt attended the Central Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating Cum Laude with his Master of Divinity. Kurt was licensed for Christian Ministry on June 11, 2023 and was ordained by the Federated Church of Green Lake on August 31, 2025, upon recommendation of the Ordination Council held May 27, 2025 and the Commission on Ministry, American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin.
Kurt was called as Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Denver on July 12, 2026.
Staff
Rev. T. Scott Pegues, Pastoral Associate
Scott received his call to ministry at a very young age, growing up an active church kid in St. Paul, Minnesota. He first lived his call through community building, and a career in human services leadership, health promotion, and public health. Scott is now transitioning to serve God’s people through church ministry. He has considered Denver his home since 2001, while working extensively throughout the Midwest. Scott and his daughter joined FBCD in 2016, and was licensed to Christian Ministry in 2019. The divine presence of authentic love and inclusion called him to this congregation.
Phil Patterson, Office & Building Coordinator
Phil may be new to the church office, but is no stranger to First Baptist. A member of our congregation for over 8 years and a member of our church council for a large part of that, Phil recently retired from a successful career as an administrative professional, serving several large companies including Xcel Energy and Oracle. Originally from San Diego, Phil joins us with a wealth of experience and, most importantly, a warm smile and sense of humor. Phil is passionate about administration, enjoying warm weather, and serving organizations with a driven attitude.
Email Phil: office@rethinkbaptist.org
Kevin Kennedy, Director of Music/Organist
Kevin Kennedy is a graduate of the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver with degrees in piano and conducting. He has served as organist/music director at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and most recently, Holy Redeemer Episcopal Church. As an educator, he has worked at Arapahoe Community College and the University of Denver. He worked with the Colorado Symphony, Opera Colorado, and was music director of Colorado Ballet for one season.
He is very honored and happy to be serving First Baptist as organist/music director.
Ken Johnson, Building Manager
Ken Johnson has enjoyed a long and rich history as a member of FBCD staff, beginning in the 1990’s with his responsibilities as the Director of Music/Business Manager. He left in February of 2000 only to return in 2011 to help the church move forward when it lost its pastor. During that time, he cared for this historic building and prepared it for many of its current residents. He left again in 2015 and returned once more in June 2017.
Church Leadership Council - 2026
Jacki Loftis, Moderator
Cameron Anderson, Treasurer
Phil Patterson, Missions Chair & Secretary
Larry Wheeler, Faith Formation Chair
Kerra Jones, Communications for Outreach Chair
Mark Cameron, Property Chair
Becky Davis, Membership Chair
Ron Sandford, Diaconate Chair
Kurt Kaufman, Ex-Officio
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