van der Swaagh, Kirk & Barbara

For over 40 years, Kirk and Barbara lived in the great city of New York. They met in 1974 at Temple University in the Master of Fine Arts program for acting. Soon after finishing their training, they moved to NYC to pursue careers in the theater. Though their careers were progressing nicely, the Lord revealed His greater purposes. In 1987, Kirk assumed the pastorate of a church in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, a fellowship he served for 35 years. 

A 2019 visit to Scotland, and a conversation with MTW missionaries, planted a seed that ripened. Kirk and Barbara joined the Glasgow-based team in 2022, working with the Free Church of Scotland to plant churches, strengthen existing churches, and support pastors. Living, ministering, and raising six children in New York City has exposed Kirk and Barbara to cross-cultural, post-Christian ministry, an experience they pray will serve the mission of Jesus in Scotland.