The Search Committee for Co-Regional Minister is excited to report that we recommend Reverend Tom Stanley to be called as the next Co-Regional Minister of the Christian Church in Kansas.
The process revealed Tom to be the best candidate for the position. To stick to the outlined process took a great deal of work, but also faith on the part of the members of the committee. When we made our vote, we did so with confidence. This committee has every right to feel extraordinarily proud of the work we did.
Below is a short introductory bio given to you by Tom, but here are a few additional thoughts from the committee. Some of the characteristics that the Search Committee saw in Tom during the interview:
- He has a great passion for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He desires for the denomination to no longer be the “best kept secret” in Christianity.
- He seeks to bring the Church outside of the buildings.
- He communicates clearly and calmly.
- He has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma Baptist University and received a Masters of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary.
Meet Rev. Tom Stanley:
I currently serve Central Christian Church of Enid, Oklahoma, as their Senior Minister. Sandy and I have been married for nearly twenty-two years and are the proud parents of two amazing young people. Our son TJ is attending college at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. Our daughter Scout is married to Jace Bowles, and God has blessed us with our first grandchild, Miles Atticus Bowles.
I have served the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in called ministry for nearly twenty years. I have been a member of the Regional Board of the Christian Church in Oklahoma for a decade and served as an Area Moderator, Moderator-Elect, Moderator, and Treasurer. Additionally, I served the Oklahoma Region as chair of the constitution and bylaws revision committee.
I love the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)! I believe in the covenantal relationship between Congregations, the Regional Church, and the General Church. Unity, not uniformity, must continue to be our polar star. One of the greatest strengths of the Christian Church is our diversity. I believe with my whole heart that all are welcome at God’s table, just as Christ welcomes us.
I love to read, cook, and take evening walks with Sandy in my spare time. I very much look forward to what God has planned for us all!