Meet our New Regional Minister

May 25

On Thursday, May 21st we held a special Regional Assembly. This Assembly was an in-person and virtual event to meet the candidate selected by our Regional Minister Search Committee. We held a Question and Answer session followed by a vote.

Rev. Dr. Lara Blackwood Pickrel was confirmed as our next Regional Minister!

She will begin serving in this role this July.

Rev. Dr. Lara Blackwood's Resume:

Ordination

• Ordained into Christian Ministry at First Christian Church, Fayetteville, AR on May 24, 2009

Education

• DMin, Phillips Theological Seminary (2019)

• MDiv Equivalency, Phillips (2009)

• MTS, Brite Divinity School (2003)

• BA in Religious Studies, TCU (2000)

Ministerial Service

• Senior Minister, Hillcrest Christian Church, Overland Park, KS (Feb 2022 – Present)

• Senior Minister, First Christian Church, Smithville, MO (July 2017 – Jan 2022)

• Associate Minister, First Christian Church, Smithville, MO (Jan 2014 – July 2017)

• Associate Minister, Hillside Christian Church, Kansas City, MO (Aug 2009 – Dec 2013)

• Associate Minister, First Christian Church, Fayetteville, AR (Aug 2006 – Aug 2009)

• Regional Youth Minister, Great River Region (2006 – 2009)

• Associate Minister, First Christian Church, Abilene, TX (Nov 2003 – July 2006)

• Intern, University Ministries, TCU (2001-2002)

• Area Youth Minister, Trinity Brazos Area,

• Christian Church in the Southwest (2000 – 2001)

Additional Church Service

• General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (2022 – Present)

• Tall Oaks Camp & Conference Center Board President (2023 – Present)

• Chalice Press Board, chair (2021 – Present)

• GKC Becoming Beloved Community Racial Justice Summit planning team (present)

• Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising from the Lake Institute (in process)

• Kansas Leadership Center certified facilitator

• Tri-Regional Partnership (GKC, KS, NE)

• CC(DOC) General Assembly Youth Event Planner/Director (2023 – Louisville)

• GKC Regional Bylaws Committee

• GKC Camp & Conference and RYC Adult

• Disciples Youth Ministry Network planning team (2010 – Present)

• Chalice Press author & editor of curriculum, devotionals, and books

• World Council of Churches General Assembly Steward (2006)

Personal Life

Lara is married to Rev. Chuck Pickrel, Minister to Youth at Saint Andrew CC. Together, they are parents to 8.5-year-old Violet. Their family also includes two cats (Willow and Pumpkin). Having served in GKC for nearly 17 years, their networks of

support are deep here, both inside and outside of the Church. Together they love travel, gaming with friends, and quiet days at home.

Fun Facts & Interests

• Graduated from high school in El Paso, TX (J.M. Hanks HS – Go Knights!) class of 1996

• Hobbies: knitting, travel (both international and domestic), board games, role playing games, Sci-fi/Fantasy (books, movies, tv), writing

• Favorite colors: purple (Go Frogs!), green, fuchsia, blue

• Spiritual Loves: nature, silent retreats, music, drawing/painting, Black Mountain NC, Scotland