Meet the people who teach and serve at LSOM.
OUR FACULTY
Founding Pastor, LifeSong Church
Founding Chancellor, LifeSong School of Ministry
Pastor James Byrd, MDiv
Pastor James Byrd is the founding pastor of LifeSong Church and serves as the Founding Chancellor of LifeSong School of Ministry. For more than thirty years, he and his wife, Shurece, have faithfully led LifeSong with a passion to see people encounter Jesus, grow in their calling, and become everything God has created them to be.
He holds a BA in Bible and Theology and a Master of Divinity from Regent University. Pastor James is deeply committed to open-handed leadership—creating space for people to discover their gifts, develop their leadership, and step into meaningful ministry. His heart is to raise and release Spirit-filled leaders who serve the local church, carry the presence of God, and advance the mission of Jesus.
Pastor James and Shurece have been married for more than thirty-four years. They are blessed with three sons, all of whom are actively involved in the life and ministry of LifeSong Church, as well as a daughter-in-law and two grandsons.
Mark Segraves, PhD
Director, LifeSong School of Ministry
Mark Segraves serves as the Director of LifeSong School of Ministry, bringing more than thirty-five years of ministry experience across pastoral leadership, discipleship, teaching, counseling, worship, and local-church ministry. He holds a BA in Bible and Theology, an MA in Marriage and Family Counseling with an additional focus in Theology (Western Seminary), and a PhD in Psychology (Capella University).
Mark is passionate about raising leaders who are grounded in the Word, formed in the presence of God, and prepared to serve with humility, courage, and spiritual sensitivity. His heart is to help students discover their gifts, grow in character, step into real ministry, and carry the mission of Jesus into their homes, churches, cities, and beyond.
Mark and his wife, Robin, have been married for thirty-five years and are blessed with two children and five grandchildren.
Kyle Vang, MDiv
LSOM Ministry Practicum & Faculty
Kyle Vang is a passionate ministry leader who has been serving in church leadership since 2019. He currently serves at LifeSong Church, where he has faithfully been part of the ministry for the past seven years, investing in youth, young adults, and production ministries.
Kyle earned his Bachelor of Arts in Ministry Leadership from Northwest University and went on to complete his Master of Divinity in Ministry and Theology from Regent University. He is passionate about developing leaders, helping people grow in their faith, and creating environments where others can encounter Jesus.
Outside of ministry, Kyle enjoys spending time with his wife, Katelynn, whom he proudly calls his sweetheart. Together they share their home with their three beloved cats. When he’s not serving at church, you’ll likely find him enjoying great barbecue, watching basketball, or spending time with family and friends.
Kyle’s heart is to see people encounter God, discover their purpose, and step confidently into the calling God has placed on their lives.
Kevin Knudson, MDiv
Adjunct Faculty
Pastor Kevin Knudson has been preaching the Gospel for more than forty years and has served in pastoral ministry for over three decades. He has ministered throughout the United States as well as Canada and Mexico, carrying a unique calling that blends the heart of an evangelist, the care of a pastor, and the passion of a Bible teacher.
Kevin earned his Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology from Christian Life College and his Master of Divinity from Regent University. He has a deep love for Scripture and enjoys studying world history, church history, contemporary culture, and homiletics. One of his greatest passions is equipping others to faithfully preach and teach God's Word with both biblical accuracy and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Kevin and his wife, Michelle, serve as the Senior Pastors of Life Church in Big Spring, Texas, where they are passionate about making disciples, strengthening families, and raising up leaders who will impact their generation for Christ. Together they are the grateful parents of six children, one of whom is now with the Lord, and the proud grandparents of two.
His greatest desire is to see a generation discover their God-given calling, develop their spiritual gifts, grow strong in faith, and become Spirit-filled revivalists who carry the presence and power of God to the nations. His ministry is marked by a passion for revival, the glory of God, and the salvation and transformation of people through Jesus Christ.
When he is not preaching, teaching, or writing, Kevin enjoys reading, playing golf, and cheering on his beloved Arizona Diamondbacks.