The Regional Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana has called Rev. Dr. Christal L. Williams to serve as the next Regional Minister. The historic decision was made with a unanimous vote of the Board during a called meeting on September 2, 2023. Rev. Dr. Williams is the first Black woman called to serve as Indiana Regional Minister and will begin her ministry here in January 2024.
“This is a momentous day for the Indiana Region,” says Matt Rosine, chair of the Search Committee. “Dr. Williams personifies the leadership qualities, character, joy, and passion to lead our Region into God’s bright future.”
Rev. Dr. Williams currently serves as the Regional Minister and President of the Christian Church in Tennessee, a position she has held since 2016. Prior to her ministry in Tennessee, she served 17 years as Associate Regional Minister in the Illinois/Wisconsin Region. She understands congregational dynamics and employs a style of leadership that many people describe as “grace-filled and truth-telling.” She possesses a bold faith in Jesus Christ and a deep love for God’s people.
Born in Cleveland, OH, Christal is a graduate of Jarvis Christian University (Hawkins, TX) and Christian Theological Seminary (Indianapolis, IN). She received her Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. She is a former Trustee of Christian Theological Seminary and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Christian Church Foundation and the Executive Committee for International Disciples Women’s Ministries. She was ordained in 1998 at Southport Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN.
Her references use the following words to describe Christal:
“Christal is personable, has a good sense of humor, and loves the church. She is direct yet caring. She speaks her mind without denigrating others. She is a wonderful preacher, who can break out into song when inspired.”
“Christal is creative and brings joy to her work wherever she goes. She has a strong faith which sustains her and is contagious and from which she teaches and leads.”
“Dr. Christal doesn’t do the work alone. She calls on leaders, whether boards, commissions, or task groups, to show up and be present and do the work together. She knows that the health and well-being of our church depends on all of us working together. She is also a prophetic truth-teller, meaning you know exactly what she is thinking and what she believes God has called her and the church to do.”
“She is a leader, overcomer, administrator, survivor, and lover of people as God commanded.”
At its meeting, the Regional Board also called Rev. Carolyn Reed to serve as Acting Regional Minister through the end of 2023. Carolyn has faithfully served as Associate Regional Minister in Indiana for the past 24 years. She will continue to provide care and leadership to congregations and clergy in the Region during this time of transition.
The Search Committee is grateful for all of the prayers, feedback, and support from those in the Region. The nine-month search process included anti-racism training, coaching from independent consultants and screeners, broad feedback from within the Region, and deep faith in God’s abiding light. Members of the Regional Minister Search Committee include Ms. Raquel Collazo, Rev. Monique Crain Spells, Rev. Tonja Gerardy, Rev. Luis Gierbolini, Rev. Baek Hee Kim, Rev. Nathan Kibler, Ms. Sandy Kincaid, and Rev. Matt Rosine.