Rev. Gwendolyn V. Kirkland was ordained and installed on March 14, 2010 as the Associate Pastor of Stewardship at Covenant UCC.  With a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Bradley University and a Master of Education degree from DePaul University she brings a passion for teaching to ministry.

Reverend Gwen came to Covenant UCC in September 2007 as an Intern from Chicago Theological Seminary. Since that time she has contributed a monthly Expressing Generosity insert for the bulletin, and taught various classes for all ages on Bible based financial topics. Each month Reverend Gwen teaches the New Members’ Class on Discipleship and Stewardship. 

Over the last twenty-eight years Reverend Gwen has served the community in the field of financial services. She is a Certified Financial Planner with her own independent practice that includes clients from throughout the United States. She is a contributor to many publications including Essence and Black Enterprise and has been featured on PBS.

As a Board member for the United Church Funds, the investment arm of the UCC and as a member of the Stewardship Committee of the Illinois Conference, Reverend Gwen shares her expertise in finance and investments with the wider church.   

Reverend Gwen enjoys laughter, dancing, listening to music, antiquing, reading and traveling. She is an avid collector of Black memorabilia, specifically items relating to the “Gold Dust Twins.”  Her favorite scripture is Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”