Music Pastor
Ken and Marie Bryars

Biography
Pastor Ken grew up in Mobile, Alabama, with two older sisters and a younger brother. His family took an active role in the church, having been in the Assemblies of God for generations.  (His father was a church deacon for 41 years!)  While growing up in church, Ken developed his passion for music and worship. In addition to playing the saxophone in the high school band, he also sang in three choirs.

It was at his home church where he met Marie, who would eventually become his wife.

Pastor Ken attended the University of South Alabama where he earned a B.S. degree in Music Education. He continued his education at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Arts degree in Theology.

While at college, Ken participated in many musical productions. He was the Assistant Student Conductor of the Symphonic Band at the U. of  S. A. Pastor Ken is also a published composer and arranger. He has written many of the songs that are sung at Bethany, as well as large musical scores for The Singing Christmas Tree and The Easter Passion Play.

Ken began his ministry at First Assembly of God  in Alabaster, Alabama. He also led the music ministry at his home church, Knollwood Assembly of God, and at Raleigh Assembly of God in Memphis, Tennessee.

His wife, Marie, grew up in the same church and town as Pastor Ken and continues to help in their ministry. Marie graduated from the University of   Southern Mississippi with a degree in music education. She is a soprano in the Bethany choir and has directed past children's choirs. Along with spending time with her family, Marie enjoys needlepoint, working with crafts, and quilting.

The Bryars have two children--Joshua and Amanda.

Joshua is a graduate of Agawam High School and Westfield State College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Joshua and his wife Stacy live in Agawam, and Joshua is currently teaching in the Springfield Public School system.

Amanda is a graduate of Agawam High School, and is manager of the Ann Taylor Loft in Meriden, CT. She and her husband, Todd, live in New Britain, CT and devote much of their free time to various golf courses in the area.

Current Areas of Responsibility
Pastor Ken has been serving as Bethany's Minister of Music since 1992 and  he continues leading people into the presence of God through worship.

Other areas of responsibility include: Choir and Orchestra, Community Communications, Director of Easter and Christmas Programs, Weekly Tape and CD Ministry, oversight of Sound and Video, and the Bethany Hour Radio Program.