Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tennessee has Chosen the Rev. Dr. Christal L. Williams as their next Regional Minister

The Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin celebrates with the Christian Church in Tennessee the call and candidacy of the Rev. Dr. Christal L. Williams as their next Regional Minister. We know and love Dr. Williams who has been part of our staff for 17 years. She has a place in our family and life, and we will miss her dearly. And, we know she is more than ready and prepared for this leadership position. We will be in prayer for the continuing process, even as we prepare to send her forth with our blessing.

Tennessee Region Letter

On Line Version Called Regional Assembly Letter

February 15, 2016
To the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tennessee

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

As you are aware, upon the retirement of Dr. Glen Stewart, a search committee was commissioned for the purpose of finding and recommending a new Regional Minister and President to lead the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tennessee.

In these past 14 months, Dr. Beth Dobyns has very capably and faithfully served in an interim capacity.

I now write you with exciting news for the future of our region.

At meetings  on Friday February 12 and Saturday, February 13, 2016, the Tennessee Region Executive Committee and the entire Regional Board affirmed the Tennessee Region Executive Search committee’s recommendation of the Rev. Dr. Christal Williams as the Regional Minister and President of the Christian Church in Tennessee.

Dr. Williams’ bio can be found here and her resume can be found here.

A called Regional Assembly will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville. The purpose of the Assembly is for the churches in the Tennessee region to affirm or deny the Call to Dr. Williams.

The Called Regional Assembly will begin at 11AM and will end before 1PM.

In the coming weeks you will receive more information on the voting process.

In His Service,

Deborah DeWitt
Moderator, Tennessee Region

Rev. Dr. Christal LaShawn Williams Bio

Rev. Dr. Christal Williams Bio

As a Twenty-First Century trendsetter, Pastoral Pioneer and Bridge-Builder, the Rev. Dr. Christal L. Williams is a leading voice, echoing through the airways of time, with a soul-stirring message of God’s Love, Kingdom Authority and Deeper Revelation for all people. As an Inspirational Preacher, Spiritual Coach and Prophetic Administrator Rev. Christal Williams offers a grassroots and organic way of asking one to dig deeper into their understanding of God, Faith and Life and Church. This is witnessed in her Life’s work as one of the Associate Regional Minister for the Urban Metro Area (Plus) Congregations in the Illinois-Wisconsin Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). As an influential leader and relationship cultivator Christal takes to heart her personal mission to love, equip and encourage all persons toward a reconciling relationship with God. Her tenure in ministry has been wide spread throughout Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, and Indiana. Pastor Christal has engaged in ministry around the world; having traveled extensively to China, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Israel-Palestine, Egypt, West and South Africa, and Europe for Ministry and Cross-cultural exchanges. Christal is committed to ecumenism, accompaniment, hospitality and nurturing global partnerships.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Christal graduated from the Cleveland School of the Performing Arts, where she had a special emphasis on Vocal Music and Theory. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Jarvis Christian College, Hawkins, Texas; a Master of Divinity Degree from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. Christal holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. On June 20, 1998, Christal was ordained a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at Southport Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Christal is the proud Founder and President of Credo International Women’s Ministries, Incorporated and A.W.O.K.E. (Anointed Women Overseeing Kingdom Endeavors) and is the author of three books, The Power of Asking; Unleashing God’s Best For Your Life, Moving From Endangerment to Empowerment: Rediscovering the Word of God, Beneath It All: A Conversation Specifically For Women.

This transformational leader is respected by her colleagues and admired by her friends. In her role as Discovery mentor, Christal offers a thought provoking, contagious leadership that transcends lines of age, ethnicity, culture and theological boundaries. She has a host of trainings, multitudes of certifications and several awards. She is a proud member of The Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc., N.A.A.C.P and IMPACT Network Ministry.