Christa L. McKirland
For those who follow Christ, I believe that flourishing comes when we embrace our shared calling of participating in Christ’s reconciliation of all things. We will recognize the Spirit's work in our everyday lives, empowering us towards a life of dignity, agency, and others-focused love.
Exploring and Expanding
Welcome to my official website. I am glad you found me, and I hope to be a fellow traveler with you as we seek life that is truly life. I am a Christian theologian and lecturer but also a mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. Those relationships shape how I am seeking to live my life, alongside others, as an outworking of my theology. I am excited to share what I am learning in this space.
Current Work on Power and Authority
Dive into my latest project, A Theology of Authority: Rethinking Leadership in the Church. This multi-year endeavor explores my theological perspective on how to understand authority and power within the church, especially “low church” traditions. This understanding should help us think more carefully about how we conceive of and implement authority—not only to curb abuse—but also to lead to a more flourishing communal and individual life. We are invited to participate in Christ's work in the world by being aligned with the Spirit—pursuing justice, rejecting power over one another, and loving sacrificially. Stay tuned for updates and insights as I seek to unpack these weighty topics!
“A gift to the church today, offering a sure foundation for discussions of ministry roles and responsibilities that will move the tired conversation forward to ensure that our churches—and all their members—can flourish”
“A wonderful combination of biblical, analytic, and practice theology, it will be a blessing both to those who celebrate it and to those who are challenged by it.”
“McKirland’s characteristically brilliant wok challenges us to position the community of faith around Christ’s authority, wherein every member ought to strive to become an authoritative witness to the gospel through the power of the Spirit.” ”
Updates
Let’s Chat
I live in Aotearoa, New Zealand, but am returning to the United States in July 2026. If you are interested in inviting me to speak at a church retreat, academic conference, summer camp, or to do consulting work related to supporting women in your organization, please contact me through the button below.
