Remembering Vance Kitchen – kenbarnes.us
February 4, 1950-June 27, 2025
A Servant’s Heart
“Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28a ESV)
Vance Kitchen embodied the spirit of service. From the moment we met at Messiah Christian Church in Midlothian, Virginia, I recognized in him the qualities of a true servant like the one in this picture. Our friendship began during a discipleship course I was leading at the church, and during the weekend retreat, Vance and I ended up as roommates. After one late-night conversation over a sixteen-ounce Coke, our friendship was firmly established.
Support and Encouragement
Throughout my time teaching and occasionally preaching at church, Vance was unwavering in his support. He was my greatest cheerleader, often encouraging me with a quiet “you got this” just before I would teach or preach. Vance may not have been a teacher or preacher himself, but his life preached a powerful sermon. He took on humble tasks that others avoided, such as setting up tables and chairs or putting out and taking down the church sign every Sunday—acts of service that rarely received public recognition. I can honestly say that I am not half the servant Vance was.
Simple Wisdom
After one early sermon I gave, Vance greeted me at the door and said, “Brother, you have a simple message, you are a simple man.” It turned out to be one of the greatest compliments I have ever received. As Pastor Alistair Begg once said, “The essential condition of receiving light from heaven is not our sophistication but our simplicity.” I believe Vance understood this truth more profoundly than many pastors. While his service may not have brought him the applause of the congregation, I am convinced the angels in Heaven took notice.
Faithful Until the End
As time passed, Vance’s health declined, and dementia forced him to withdraw from regular church attendance. I kept him on my prayer list and often found myself imagining a scene at the gates of Heaven. In this vision, the Lord stands at the entrance, with pastors and church leaders waiting in line. Vance, ever the gentleman, stands at the end. The Lord notices him, motions for him to come forward, and when others question why he goes first, saying he was never a Pastor or even an Elder. The Lord responds, “No, my servant Vance has never been a Pastor or Elder, and none of his service has resulted in any significant recognition, like some of you. Yet, every act of service done for me was only because of his love for me.” The Lord then welcomes Vance, saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
A Lasting Example
I will truly miss Vance Kitchen, my servant-friend. Whatever the scene was like at Heaven’s Gate, Christ welcomed one of His chosen servants. Vance exemplified what it means to strive to be a servant of Christ, and his example challenges us all to do the same.
Ken Barnes
Striving to be a servant of Christ, and how Vance Kitchen modeled that to us.
