~ Christian Activities Celebrates 32 Years: A look at Publisher Kathryn Darden ~
Who Is Christian Activities Publisher Kathryn Darden?
Kathryn Darden is an American author, publisher, entrepreneur, and journalist, best known as the founder and publisher of Christian Activities, an online platform that covers news, events, and reviews related to the Christian community.
Early Life and Education
Kathryn Darden was born in Nashville, TN, in the United States. The daughter of a career Army officer, she grew up in India, New Jersey and Washington DC before moving back to Tennessee. Darden attended Lipscomb University, where she majored in Spanish and English Education, minoring in Bible. She earned her bachelor’s degree there and graduated with honors.
Career in Journalism and Publishing
After completing her education, Darden began her career in journalism, working for various newspapers and magazines. She gained experience in writing, editing, and publishing, which would eventually lead her to establish her own publishing company. She also honed her leadership skills working as co-director of Citizens Against Waste in Tennessee, a grass-roots response to the Grace Commission on Government Spending.
In October 1992, Darden founded Christian Activities Nashville, a print publication that focused on providing news, event coverage, and reviews related to the Christian community, as well as other information of interest to believers. The publication established an online presence in 1995, and the platform quickly gained popularity, as it served as an essential source of information for Christians looking for reliable and relevant content across the country and around the world.
Under Darden’s leadership, Christian Activities has expanded its scope to cover various aspects of the Christian community, including music, books, movies, conferences, concert events and current events. The platform has also evolved into a comprehensive resource for churches and Christian organizations, providing them with tools and resources to enhance their outreach efforts.
Christian Activities has given voice to many up-and-coming artists before they were famous as well as many established artists. Artists who have been featured in the publication include a Who’s Who of contemporary Christian artists and personalties including: Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Jars of Clay, Skillet, Forrest Frank, TobyMac, Cindy Morgan, Max Lucado, Audio Adrenaline, Jonathan McReynolds, CeCe Winans, Sixpence None the Richer, Billy Graham, Brandon Lake, For King and Country, Rebecca St. James, Sandi Patty, Michelle Pillar, Greg Laurie, Phil Wickham and many more.
Personal Life
Kathryn Darden is a devoted Christian and a part of a local Nashville church community. She has worked with impoverished people in the garbage dumps of Mexico City and done mission work in Italy and Switzerland. She was a high school teacher for many years.
Beginning in the 1990s, she has authored and compiled several books, booklets and directories on topics ranging from poetry to concert promotion to book promotion. She has also written for numerous newspapers, magazines and journals. From 2010 to 2014, she wrote for Yahoo!
Darden has also appeared in multiple movies and commercials as an extra and was on the show “Nashville” from the first show through the last. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, photography and painting, as well as spending time with her friends, family and pets. She has won numerous poetry awards.
Legacy
Kathryn Darden’s work in the field of Christian journalism and publishing has had a significant impact on the Christian community. Through Christian Activities, she has provided a platform for Christians to connect, share their experiences, and stay informed about the latest developments within the community. Her dedication to her work and her unwavering commitment to Christian values have made her an influential figure in the world of Christian publishing.
Originally published July 20, 2024
I met Kathryn Darden at the UCLA Wave Conference in 2002 where Michael Franzese spoke. Lou Engle was a last minute addition added by Charlie Gaye of Provident Film Group out of England who had recently set up in LA. I spoke at the same time as Kent Jacobs and one of my artists performed. I had a Christian record label, For His Purpose Records. I had also just launched “A Dose of the Ghost” a Holy Hip Hop radio show on KWIN/KWNN 98.3/97.7 FM in Stockton CA. I would love to reconnect. There is revival happening in Punjab India and I would love to tell her about it and the journey God has had me on since 2002. http://www.cg4i.com