Our Mission

LifeSong School of Ministry exists to form, equip, activate, and send Spirit-filled leaders for the work of the Kingdom.


Rooted in the Word, formed in the presence of God, and planted in the life of the local church, we raise disciples who walk in Deeper Passion, Deeper Presence, and Deeper Purpose — prepared to serve faithfully, lead humbly, and carry the mission of Jesus into their generation.

Our Core Values

  • We are rooted in the Word of God. We believe Scripture is living, life-giving, and essential for every disciple and leader. As we read, study, obey, and build our lives on God’s Word, we are formed in truth and equipped to walk in the abundant life Jesus promised.

  • We are centered on the presence of God. We believe lasting transformation happens when people encounter Jesus and learn to live sensitive to the Holy Spirit. We pursue His presence not only for moments of encounter, but so that we may carry His presence into every place we are sent.

  • We are a people of prayer. We believe prayer changes us, changes situations, and opens the way for the purposes of God. Through prayer, we learn to hear His voice, depend on His strength, and partner with what He is doing in our church, city, and world.

  • We are committed to making disciples and raising leaders. We believe discipleship forms Christlike character, strengthens biblical conviction, and equips people to serve with humility and power. We are called not simply to receive from the Kingdom, but to be equipped, empowered, and sent for its work.

  • We are contributors, not consumers. We believe generosity reflects the heart of God and positions us to build what He is building. We give our time, gifts, resources, and lives so that others can encounter Jesus and the mission of God can move forward.

  • We live with bold faith. We believe God is able to do more than we can ask, imagine, or accomplish in our own strength. We expect God to work in us and through us as we take courageous steps of obedience into the assignments He places before us.

  • We are a worshiping people. We value worship that is genuine, expressive, Spirit-led, and centered on Jesus. Through worship, we declare the worth of Christ, respond to His presence, and are strengthened to carry His heart into the world.

Our Faculty

Our faculty includes trusted pastors and ministry leaders who bring biblical conviction, real ministry experience, and a passion for the presence of God into every learning environment. They are committed to forming students in character, activating them for ministry, and sending them forward to serve the church and advance the mission of Jesus.

  • Pastor James Byrd, MDiv

    Founding Pastor, LifeSong
    Founding Chancellor, LifeSong School of Ministry

    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 has 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 his wife 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 a additional focus in Theology, and a PhD in Psychology.


    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

    LifeSong Internship and LSOM Ministry Practicum

    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.

  • Keith McCann, MA, LMFT
    Adjunct Faculty

    Keith McCann is a California Central Valley native with decades of ministry experience in a variety of settings. He was a part of the original team when Pastor James founded LifeSong Church. He has served as a lead pastor, Bible teacher, adjunct college professor, and conference speaker, ministering throughout the United States and internationally.


    Keith, who holds a BA in Bible and Theology and an MA in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling (with an additional focus in Theology) from Western Seminary, is also a licensed marriage and family therapist who serves within a healthcare organization. He speaks on practical spirituality, renewing the mind, spiritual gifts, and the intersection of mental health and spiritual transformation. He is passionate about Renewal theology and equipping believers to live Spirit-empowered lives.


    Keith lives in Modesto, California, with his wife of over 30 years and their two dogs. When he's not teaching or counseling, he enjoys traveling, cheering on the San Francisco Giants, savoring Texas BBQ, and fly fishing for trout in the Sierra Nevada.