Kem Wilson: A Mentor To Mentors
Kem Wilson: A Mentor To Mentors
Kem Wilson: A Mentor To Mentors
Kem Wilson: A Mentor To Mentors
Kem has made mentoring and discipleship the intentional focus of his life. Thousands of people have been directly impacted by Kem’s intentional approach to life and work, and the multiplying impacts on others are incalculable — which is exactly the way Jesus designed for us to work.
What are your goals and dreams?
How can I help?
For Kem Wilson, these two questions are so much more than great leading questions to know and help someone, they epitomize his approach to life and work — his mission — which is inspired by Jesus and focused on helping others achieve success.
Just over 25 years ago, Kem made mentoring and discipleship the intentional focus of his life, but if you talk to those closest to him — especially his family — they will say that he has been doing it all of his life.
Thousands of people have been directly impacted by Kem’s intentional approach to life and work, and the multiplying impacts on others are incalculable — which is exactly the way Jesus designed for us to work.
Kem has an extraordinarily intuitive genius that is able to see potential in others even before they see it in themselves.
Kem imparts who he is to those he mentors. You can see the mentoring marks — his life — in each of these leading mentors.
The Willing Galvanizer
Kem leads others in what to do next by encouraging them to do great work — instilling in them confidence — to use their unique gifts for the benefit of others.
“Kem’s willingness to mentor me has been one of the most life-shaping and life-giving blessings in my life. It began when I was only a teen, with his hospitality and love for Norma. I saw in their home what I wanted in a marriage and family. It formalized into a mentoring relationship in my 20’s, when Kem believed in me with a ministry dream God had given me.
What was so remarkable about his belief in me at the time was that I didn’t even believe in myself, nor did he have any reason to. And yet he was willing not only to share wisdom, but also to activate his gifts and leverage his resources and relationships to help me pursue the Lord’s calling on my life.
20 years later, by God’s grace, Downline Ministries and Harvest Church are by and large the fruit of Kem’s investment in me. Kem’s voice and presence has been with me every step of the way, and his trust in Jesus and love for Norma and his family continues to light the path for me as I pursue my wife Kathryn, and as we delight in our 5 sons. I am eternally grateful for Kem’s belief, his example, his partnership in the Gospel, and his love.”
– Kennon Vaughan, CoFounder of Downline and Lead Pastor at Harvest Church
The Visionary
Kem has an abundant mindset and the ability to see what is possible while considering all that God may do with our actions.
“Kem Wilson is a mentor’s mentor. It was his vision that brought the Second Presbyterian Fellows program into existence, he is a founding member of the Board of NEXUS which has trained over 1200 young adult leaders in Memphis, and he has personally mentored dozens of protégés. From its founding, he has also been the engine behind Downline Ministries which has discipled thousands of people in Memphis. In short, I don’t know anyone in Memphis who has facilitated, promoted, and conducted mentoring more than Kem Wilson.”
– Sandy Willson, Interim President of the Gospel Coalition and Former Senior Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church
The Enabler
Kem has the unique ability to see what people need and the willingness to help them succeed in life and work.
“Kem always says, ‘As a Mentor, I don’t know of many things more worthwhile and powerful than the opportunity to make a meaningful investment in someone’s life.’ Kem lives these words. He has impacted me through our work together with NEXUS. Witnessing his unwavering dedication to our mission and mentoring, his humble sharing of wisdom, and his heart to uplifting others has left an incredible impression on me and the many others he has mentored along the way.”
– Heather Hunt, Executive Director of NEXUS Leaders, Inc.
The Faithful Listener
Kem is full of patience and kindness as he listens to others and provides Christ centered support.
“I am personally grateful for his leadership, and when called upon he will drop anything to listen, provide wisdom, and remind me of the Lord’s faithfulness and timing.
Kem and Norma moved to bring the Fellows program to Memphis 19 years ago when they saw the need for recent college graduates to live a life of faith in community post college. Through their kindness, mentoring, abundant hospitality, stewardship of our fellows, and the way they constantly point them to the Lord, the program has been richly blessed. Kem takes the command for our faith to impact every part of life very seriously, and as a businessman and community leader his faith overflows into each and every crevice of his life. He teaches and implores others to do the same. Watching Kem lead and serve has helped our Fellows model his behavior.”
– Deborah Coleman, Fellows Director of Memphis Fellows
The Wisdom Dispenser
Kem’s wisdom comes from being deeply connected to God's word. He knows when to apply words of wisdom, when to let things play out, and when to take action.
“In difficult situations, Kem is a trusted go-to guy. I trust him because of his spiritual wisdom and business acumen.
He defuses the emotional side of the situation with great questions and he does not settle for the quick or simple answer.
Although he empathizes with me, he quickly gets to the heart of the issue by asking, ‘What do you think is the best outcome? What is best for the organization? And what is best for all parties?’
He challenges me to have hard conversations by recapping our conversation by saying, ‘You told me the issue and we discussed what should be done. Now what are you going to do next?’”
– Hamp Holcomb, Advisor at SFP Private Wealth
The Example
Kem’s most powerful witness to his mentoring device is his life. He simply and gracefully shines as an example for all to see.
“For me, Dad has really set an incredible example of what it means to be a balanced leader. He’s done this in 3 primary ways… being a leader within his Household (Godly husband and father), being a leader within his Community (selflessly giving time, treasures, and talents), being a leader within his Business (further allowing benefits that have accrued to employees and communities we are in and building wealth in the family so we can continue doing that).
Importantly, I think his priorities have been in that order too (family, community, business) which is worth pointing out. As you know, a big part of Dad's stewardship within the community has been his passion for and dedication to developing and mentoring young leaders. Dad has poured his life into mentoring and nurturing young men and women within our community… to pass the baton and do his part in creating the Godly leaders of the future. I’m mightily blessed to have had his guidance, influence, and modeling for me what it is to be a Godly family man, friend, businessman, citizen and steward of the community.”
– Kem Wilson III, Principal at Kemmons Wilson Companies
The Heart Of Belief
Kem is sure that the source of our life and gifts is Jesus. Kem is confident in his standing with His creator based on the grace and mercy of Jesus. His care, belief, and trust in others comes from an overflow of all he has received from God.
His mentorship is based on presence. More than anything, it has always been the way he carried himself and what he pursued. He has a stature of wisdom and grace. You can’t rattle him because his feet are firmly planted.
Growing up, he trusted me and had healthy expectations of how I should live my life. That created a desire and confidence to follow Jesus.
He asks great heart-based questions that have guided my path in business — encouraging me with statements like, “A path in business may be the best way to further your ministry and all you want to do for others.”
He always listens first. He is never demanding about what we should do, but is always open to giving us wisdom to guide our path.
When I moved to Memphis to work for the family business I had all the access, encouragement, and a great model for how to carry myself as a man of God in the workforce.
“Dad had confidence in me before I had confidence in myself. And when he spoke to me in such a way demonstrating that confidence he had, it gave me encouragement and strength to step into the man he knew I was and could be… and I believe it was because he trusted the Father over his life and my life and ultimately that allowed him to love me in that way.”
– McLean Wilson, Principal at Kemmons Wilson Companies
The Dedication
Kem makes himself available, but far beyond available. The resounding themes are clear. Kem believes in people more than — and oftentimes before — they believe in themselves.
This is exactly what Kem did for me at the most challenging time in my life and work. I ran into a wall trying to do the right things, but I was not going about them the right way with the right people. When it was clear God was closing a door, Kem was there to say,
“What do you think God wants you to do next and how can I help?”
This is how The Center - Memphis was born. Kem believed in me when I doubted myself. Kem made dozens of connections that helped us get started. Kem encouraged me and others to be bold in our vision and plans.
Now, I have a friend and mentor that inspires me by his example, that is available when I need him, that galvanizes me to be all that God created me to be, that connects me with others to enhance and amplify our work, that advises me in the wisdom of God's word, that loves and cares for me, and who reminds me of Jesus’ love for me.
Those two questions have changed my life and the lives of thousands in our city, including those who are now mentoring, discipling, galvanizing, visioning, encouraging, enabling, exemplifying, advising, faithfully applying God’s wisdom, and connecting others to Jesus.
Praise God for the gifts God has given Kem and the faithful way Kem deploys them for others!
What are your goals and dreams?
How can I help?
For Kem Wilson, these two questions are so much more than great leading questions to know and help someone, they epitomize his approach to life and work — his mission — which is inspired by Jesus and focused on helping others achieve success.
Just over 25 years ago, Kem made mentoring and discipleship the intentional focus of his life, but if you talk to those closest to him — especially his family — they will say that he has been doing it all of his life.
Thousands of people have been directly impacted by Kem’s intentional approach to life and work, and the multiplying impacts on others are incalculable — which is exactly the way Jesus designed for us to work.
Kem has an extraordinarily intuitive genius that is able to see potential in others even before they see it in themselves.
Kem imparts who he is to those he mentors. You can see the mentoring marks — his life — in each of these leading mentors.
The Willing Galvanizer
Kem leads others in what to do next by encouraging them to do great work — instilling in them confidence — to use their unique gifts for the benefit of others.
“Kem’s willingness to mentor me has been one of the most life-shaping and life-giving blessings in my life. It began when I was only a teen, with his hospitality and love for Norma. I saw in their home what I wanted in a marriage and family. It formalized into a mentoring relationship in my 20’s, when Kem believed in me with a ministry dream God had given me.
What was so remarkable about his belief in me at the time was that I didn’t even believe in myself, nor did he have any reason to. And yet he was willing not only to share wisdom, but also to activate his gifts and leverage his resources and relationships to help me pursue the Lord’s calling on my life.
20 years later, by God’s grace, Downline Ministries and Harvest Church are by and large the fruit of Kem’s investment in me. Kem’s voice and presence has been with me every step of the way, and his trust in Jesus and love for Norma and his family continues to light the path for me as I pursue my wife Kathryn, and as we delight in our 5 sons. I am eternally grateful for Kem’s belief, his example, his partnership in the Gospel, and his love.”
– Kennon Vaughan, CoFounder of Downline and Lead Pastor at Harvest Church
The Visionary
Kem has an abundant mindset and the ability to see what is possible while considering all that God may do with our actions.
“Kem Wilson is a mentor’s mentor. It was his vision that brought the Second Presbyterian Fellows program into existence, he is a founding member of the Board of NEXUS which has trained over 1200 young adult leaders in Memphis, and he has personally mentored dozens of protégés. From its founding, he has also been the engine behind Downline Ministries which has discipled thousands of people in Memphis. In short, I don’t know anyone in Memphis who has facilitated, promoted, and conducted mentoring more than Kem Wilson.”
– Sandy Willson, Interim President of the Gospel Coalition and Former Senior Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church
The Enabler
Kem has the unique ability to see what people need and the willingness to help them succeed in life and work.
“Kem always says, ‘As a Mentor, I don’t know of many things more worthwhile and powerful than the opportunity to make a meaningful investment in someone’s life.’ Kem lives these words. He has impacted me through our work together with NEXUS. Witnessing his unwavering dedication to our mission and mentoring, his humble sharing of wisdom, and his heart to uplifting others has left an incredible impression on me and the many others he has mentored along the way.”
– Heather Hunt, Executive Director of NEXUS Leaders, Inc.
The Faithful Listener
Kem is full of patience and kindness as he listens to others and provides Christ centered support.
“I am personally grateful for his leadership, and when called upon he will drop anything to listen, provide wisdom, and remind me of the Lord’s faithfulness and timing.
Kem and Norma moved to bring the Fellows program to Memphis 19 years ago when they saw the need for recent college graduates to live a life of faith in community post college. Through their kindness, mentoring, abundant hospitality, stewardship of our fellows, and the way they constantly point them to the Lord, the program has been richly blessed. Kem takes the command for our faith to impact every part of life very seriously, and as a businessman and community leader his faith overflows into each and every crevice of his life. He teaches and implores others to do the same. Watching Kem lead and serve has helped our Fellows model his behavior.”
– Deborah Coleman, Fellows Director of Memphis Fellows
The Wisdom Dispenser
Kem’s wisdom comes from being deeply connected to God's word. He knows when to apply words of wisdom, when to let things play out, and when to take action.
“In difficult situations, Kem is a trusted go-to guy. I trust him because of his spiritual wisdom and business acumen.
He defuses the emotional side of the situation with great questions and he does not settle for the quick or simple answer.
Although he empathizes with me, he quickly gets to the heart of the issue by asking, ‘What do you think is the best outcome? What is best for the organization? And what is best for all parties?’
He challenges me to have hard conversations by recapping our conversation by saying, ‘You told me the issue and we discussed what should be done. Now what are you going to do next?’”
– Hamp Holcomb, Advisor at SFP Private Wealth
The Example
Kem’s most powerful witness to his mentoring device is his life. He simply and gracefully shines as an example for all to see.
“For me, Dad has really set an incredible example of what it means to be a balanced leader. He’s done this in 3 primary ways… being a leader within his Household (Godly husband and father), being a leader within his Community (selflessly giving time, treasures, and talents), being a leader within his Business (further allowing benefits that have accrued to employees and communities we are in and building wealth in the family so we can continue doing that).
Importantly, I think his priorities have been in that order too (family, community, business) which is worth pointing out. As you know, a big part of Dad's stewardship within the community has been his passion for and dedication to developing and mentoring young leaders. Dad has poured his life into mentoring and nurturing young men and women within our community… to pass the baton and do his part in creating the Godly leaders of the future. I’m mightily blessed to have had his guidance, influence, and modeling for me what it is to be a Godly family man, friend, businessman, citizen and steward of the community.”
– Kem Wilson III, Principal at Kemmons Wilson Companies
The Heart Of Belief
Kem is sure that the source of our life and gifts is Jesus. Kem is confident in his standing with His creator based on the grace and mercy of Jesus. His care, belief, and trust in others comes from an overflow of all he has received from God.
His mentorship is based on presence. More than anything, it has always been the way he carried himself and what he pursued. He has a stature of wisdom and grace. You can’t rattle him because his feet are firmly planted.
Growing up, he trusted me and had healthy expectations of how I should live my life. That created a desire and confidence to follow Jesus.
He asks great heart-based questions that have guided my path in business — encouraging me with statements like, “A path in business may be the best way to further your ministry and all you want to do for others.”
He always listens first. He is never demanding about what we should do, but is always open to giving us wisdom to guide our path.
When I moved to Memphis to work for the family business I had all the access, encouragement, and a great model for how to carry myself as a man of God in the workforce.
“Dad had confidence in me before I had confidence in myself. And when he spoke to me in such a way demonstrating that confidence he had, it gave me encouragement and strength to step into the man he knew I was and could be… and I believe it was because he trusted the Father over his life and my life and ultimately that allowed him to love me in that way.”
– McLean Wilson, Principal at Kemmons Wilson Companies
The Dedication
Kem makes himself available, but far beyond available. The resounding themes are clear. Kem believes in people more than — and oftentimes before — they believe in themselves.
This is exactly what Kem did for me at the most challenging time in my life and work. I ran into a wall trying to do the right things, but I was not going about them the right way with the right people. When it was clear God was closing a door, Kem was there to say,
“What do you think God wants you to do next and how can I help?”
This is how The Center - Memphis was born. Kem believed in me when I doubted myself. Kem made dozens of connections that helped us get started. Kem encouraged me and others to be bold in our vision and plans.
Now, I have a friend and mentor that inspires me by his example, that is available when I need him, that galvanizes me to be all that God created me to be, that connects me with others to enhance and amplify our work, that advises me in the wisdom of God's word, that loves and cares for me, and who reminds me of Jesus’ love for me.
Those two questions have changed my life and the lives of thousands in our city, including those who are now mentoring, discipling, galvanizing, visioning, encouraging, enabling, exemplifying, advising, faithfully applying God’s wisdom, and connecting others to Jesus.
Praise God for the gifts God has given Kem and the faithful way Kem deploys them for others!