Meet Kelry Kirschenmann | Program Director for Hollywood Prayer Network

I am a part of a Los Angeles-based, global non-profit called Hollywood Prayer Network. Hollywood Prayer Network was founded by a wonderful woman and producer named Karen Covell. 23years ago, Karen saw a need to create a community for Christians working in the arts, media, and entertainment industries, as well as the need for the local church around the world to see Hollywood as a mission field to pray for. One of her key phrases is “Hollywood is a Nineveh, not Sodom and Gomorrah!”. This references 2 well-known bible stories – The Story of Jonah, who was in the belly of the whale for 3 days and 3 nights, and the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Jonah preached to Nineveh after being spit out by the whale, and the entire city was saved and served God. Abraham asked God to save Sodom and Gomorrah if there were only 5 righteous people in the city, but none were found, and the city was destroyed. However, there are many more than 5 righteous people in Hollywood, and Hollywood Prayer Network exists to prove it! We have connected with over 10,000 local Christians here in LA that are creatives and industry professionals with a passion to use their gifts and serve God. There 175 global chapters, hundreds of 1-to-1 prayer partnerships, and relationships or connection points with more than 80 local churches. Success like that for a ministry comes down to only one factor: prayer. Prayer is everything, and when we tell someone we will pray for them, we do so with love for them as a person, and faith that God will answer. So yes, prayer is the most important factor of what we do.

As Program Director of Hollywood Prayer Network, I wear many hats, and get to express myself as a creative in a variety of ways. I am an artist at home, but in this role my art most commonly comes in the form of events and experiences that we create for our community members. These events and gatherings give opportunities for connection, prayer, and building relationships. We host weekly Friday Prayer ZOOM calls, monthly coffee meetups to get to know Hollywood Prayer Network and get plugged into the community. We also have community groups based on vocation – some that meet weekly, or monthly, or quarterly. We also have ongoing events in the LA area – both prayer events and community events that just focus on cultivating community and networking. I am most excited that people have come to know Hollywood Prayer Network as a safe place to get together with other Christians working in the industry, and that the events are put together in excellence, and with care for the attendees – experientially, emotionally, relationally and spiritually! There are challenges all the time when you are working with people, and it takes wisdom from God to remain patient, compassionate, and mindful of the different needs and personalities, but its so rewarding to know that we are making an impact! What I want the world to know is that the momentum of God is growing in Hollywood. It’s no longer a stigma to serve Jesus and work in the film, arts, or media industry. People are getting bolder about the individual and unique gifts they have from God, and they are seeing how their spiritual walk is impacting their ability to create authentic art in excellence! Influence and impact are things that God wants for you to have as you shine for Jesus and live out your full potential! And not just professionally – but in your friendships and relationships as well!

This did happen to me as I moved out here in 2017 before my best friend did and she came to visit me! Fun fact – she moved here 3 months after me and we have been serving God together, exploring the city, and enjoying great food ever since. I would say that if another friend visited we would first look at the Hollywood Prayer Network calendar and see what awesome events are happening! If there was a fabulous dinner party, or screening, or prayer night, we wouldn’t want to miss it. After planning around HPN events, we’d start each day with a brunch spot, then a hike or some time at the beach. After that, we’d hit up some great thrift stores, and end each day with a fantastic dinner and a show. There is so much to do in LA, it’s honestly hard to plan a perfect week because I’ve been here almost 7 years and I still have barely scratched the surface of what is to offer!

I want to shoutout Karen Covell, the fearless leader and visionary behind Hollywood Prayer Network. Without her tenacity, drive, heart, and vision for Hollywood, thousands of people would be lonely and wouldn’t have been impacted by the love of Jesus. I also want to shoutout the prayer warriors around the world that are catching the vision and praying for Hollywood more than ever before, and truly making a difference. I also want to acknowledge the volunteers and community friends that keep an organization like Hollywood Prayer Network going, growing, and blessing the community. I want to shoutout my husband and kids, without whom I would not be able to serve the community of creatives and intercessors that make up Hollywood Prayer Network. They are truly my moon and stars. Lastly, I want to shoutout the Lord Jesus Christ, who saved me 12 years ago from a life of depression, substance abuse, toxic relationships, heartbreak, and brokenness. My story has so many chapters of hardships, but also victory – and that’s all because of my relationship with God. Coming to Los Angeles with just a promise and dream from God to serve this community was one of the most difficult and rewarding decisions I have ever made! But it led me to one of the wildest journeys yet- helping run an international network and beautiful community of creatives and prayer through Hollywood Prayer Network!!