In accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tennessee, the Regional Board has called a Search Committee to lead the process of calling a Regional Minister. This page is dedicated to keeping you informed as the process unfolds. The Search Committee kicked off its work on April 27, 2024 with our Regional Minister Search Partner, Rev. Dr. Donald Gillett, II, Regional Minister of Kentucky.
The Search committee’s first task is to develop a profile of our Region that will enable the prospective candidates to have a better understanding of who we are, as well as our hopes and dreams for the work of the church through our Region.
Your voice is important to this process. We are developing a multi-layered plan to gather input from our members and ministers across the Region. We plan to offer in person meetings, as well as Zoom gatherings and an online survey to encourage broad participation. Look for more information in the weeks to come.
We welcome your input and ideas. We covet your prayers as we move forward in a way that will honor and glorify God.
The Regional Board ensured that the Search Committee represents not only the geographic breadth of Tennessee, but also offers diversity in race, gender, age and sexuality. In addition, members include both ministers and laity of churches of varied sizes. These are the members of the Regional Minister Search Committee. To learn more about each, click on the name for a brief bio.
Elder LaVerne M. Bobo, Chairperson
LaVerne Bobo is a Disciples of Christ ordained Elder serving at Mississippi Blvd Christian Church located in Memphis, Tennessee where she has served in various ministries. Her commitment to serve others has been recognized by her church, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated®, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, National Council of Negro Women, Professional Women of America, and National Coalition of Women in Ministry. She is the proud mother of one son (Justin) and seeks enjoyment in spending time with her family and friends, acting, reading, playing Mohn Jong, and focusing on her health.
Elder Mara Grisham, Vice Chair
Mara Grisham lives in Cleveland, TN with her husband, Nick, and corgi, Trapper. She is active with Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, and the YMCA. Mara has served on the Regional Board and on the TDWM cabinet several times. Reading, gardening, and learning to knit are her past-times.
Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Mitchell
Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Mitchell is the Senior Minister of Lindenwood Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee. He is a lifelong Disciple and passionate about the future of the Christian Church in Tennessee.
Rev. RJ Robles
An ordained clergy member in the Christian Church (DOC) and alum of Vanderbilt Divinity School, Rev. RJ serves as the Social Justice & Community Outreach ministry leader at New Covenant Christian Church (DOC) located in Nashville. He is also a Social Work professional at two local non-profits and is a Council Member of the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance. In their spare time, RJ enjoys writing poetry and singing karaoke.
Rev. Dr. Qualice Seymour
Dr. Seymour was ordained in the Christian Church (DOC) in November 2023. She is an alum of Memphis Theological Seminary where she received her Masters and Doctoral degrees; both focusing on Leadership. Dr. Seymour works as a Project Advisor at FedEx in Human Resources and serves as Administrative Pastor of Anointed Temple of Praise Christian Church (DOC) in Memphis. In her spare time, she enjoys bike riding, crafting, and listening to music. Dr. Seymour is married to Daryll and their blended family is made up of one daughter, one son, and four grandsons.
Elder Sandy Clingan Smith
A lifelong Disciple, Sandy recently retired after four decades in corporate America. Today, she is a Spiritual Director, Retreat Leader and Facilitator. Woodmont Christian Church has been her church home since she moved to Nashville. Sandy finds peace in contemplative spiritual practices, gardening and travel. She and her husband, Steve, have an empty nest, with adult children living in California (Alex) and New York (Kasey).
Rev. Tara Faith Williams
An ordained clergy member in the Christian Church (DOC) and alum of Vanderbilt Divinity School, Pastor Tara serves as Senior Pastor of New Covenant Christian Church (DOC) located in Nashville. She is also a Human Resource professional at Vanderbilt University. She is married to her best friend and covering, Chan. Their love produced five children and overflows to three beautiful grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies and vacationing.
Rev. Dr. Donald K. Gillett, II, Regional Minister Search Partner
Rev. Dr. Donald K. Gillett, II has served as Regional Minister in Kentucky since 2021. Before that, he served as the senior pastor of East Second Street Christian Church in Lexington for 22 years. Additionally, he has served on the Division of Overseas Ministries Board, General Board of the Christian Church, National Convocation Board and more recently as an adjunct faculty member at LTS and as Executive Director of the KCC.