Church and ministry
Thirty-two years serving churches as a music pastor, interim pastor, children’s and youth director, and itinerant preacher.
Our story
Hope takes a step.
We believe meaningful travel can deepen faith, strengthen good work already underway, and change the way we serve long after returning home.
Brent Kern
Founder, pastor, traveler, and business leader
Founder, pastor, traveler, and business leader
Meet Brent
Experience that connects purpose with practical action.
Brent Kern brings 32 years of church service together with more than 28 years of corporate IT delivery and management experience. Across both settings, he has learned how to listen carefully, lead diverse teams, navigate complex challenges, and turn good intentions into practical next steps.
His ministry experience includes serving as a music pastor, interim pastor, children’s and youth director, and itinerant preacher. As the founder of Christian Steps Ministries, Brent continues to bring together Christian faith, teaching, service, and encouragement for people at different points in their journeys.
Brent’s background also includes music and performance, youth sports, and extensive domestic and international travel. Those experiences have placed him alongside people of many ages, cultures, professions, and perspectives—preparation that shapes the welcoming, adaptable, and relationship-centered approach of Hope Sojourns.
Travel has reinforced a simple conviction: the best service begins with humility. Hope Sojourns grows from Brent’s desire to help people cross cultures thoughtfully, learn from committed local leaders, and offer skills that meet real needs.
“We each have previous steps, our current step, and future steps in our journey.”Meet with Brent
A broad foundation
Experience shaped by service, leadership, and curiosity.
Brent’s diverse background helps him connect with people, adapt to unfamiliar settings, and guide teams with both purpose and practical care.
Technology leadership
More than 28 years in corporate IT delivery and management, leading work, people, relationships, and change.
Music and performance
Experience spanning opera, musical theater, 1950s and 1960s doo-wop, barbershop quartet and chorus, contemporary and traditional church music, and concert bands.
Youth sports
Ten years coaching youth teams, along with umpiring experience at the youth, high-school, college, and semi-professional levels.
Travel and culture
Extensive travel across 44 U.S. states, more than 20 countries, and five continents, with a continuing interest in people, culture, and place.
A versatile skill set
A diverse mix of pastoral, technical, creative, operational, teaching, coaching, and relationship-building skills brought together in service of people and communities.
Christian Steps Ministries
One practical step at a time.
Hope Sojourns works with Christian Steps Ministries, which helps people pursue a life of following Jesus through Christ-centered hope, Scripture-based teaching, and practical discipleship.