Thoughts from your Regional Minister
By Larry Ross, Interim Co-Regional Minister
Published in the November 2021 issue of the Kansas Messenger
Please allow me to introduce myself. I am your new INTERIM Co-Regional Minister, serving from the Topeka office, and eager to be of help. I was raised in Michigan, called to ministry at Culver-Stockton College, served churches in Illinois, Texas, Missouri, and Michigan, and retired at the end of 2019 after 16 years as Area Minister for the North Texas Area of the Southwest Region.
I am also a husband (of Judy), the father of three (a son and two daughters) and the grandfather of seven, all of whom live within an hour of my home in Garland, Texas. The youngest, at age four, is especially precious as a COVID survivor, and they are all such unique personalities. I am a bowler, a golfer, a gamer, and somewhat of a handyman. I am a believer in the Church and in the basic goodness of people. I came to Christ at a Nicky Cruz youth crusade and discovered the Disciples at college, and I marvel at the strength of our marvelous diversity!
I capitalized INTERIM earlier intentionally, for interim ministers have special roles. I hope to not only ‘stand in the gap’ with regional staff and programs, but also to see the region with fresh eyes and provide fresh perspective and suggestions. A wise soul once charged me to never forget that the front-line Christians are in the pews, and that we ministers exist to serve and help, as well as lead. As this region continues to search for a settled regional Minister, I will do my best to care for churches and ministers alike!