Our Regional Executive Committee is very pleased to announce that it has selected two Associate Regional Ministers to serve the Greater Springfield and Greater St. Louis portions of the Region. Rev. Dr. Phil Snider of Brentwood Christian Church and Rev. David Woodard of Affton Christian Church will begin their new duties on November 1. They will help facilitate clergy and congregational connections, as well as provide search and call assistance.
In addition, Rev. Jennifer Long, who has been serving as our Regional Disciples Women’s Ministries Coordinator, has also been named Associate Regional Minister for Women’s Ministries. There will be no change in the scope of her duties.
The three join Associate Regional Minister for the Commission on the Order of Ministry Rev. Katherine Kinnamon to complete our Regional Minister staff team. All four will be installed near the conclusion of our Regional Assembly on its final day, Saturday, October 7, 2022 at Lake Ozark Christian Church.
Rev. Dr. Phil Snider
Rev. Dr. Phil Snider has been the senior minister at Brentwood Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Springfield, MO since 2003. Born and raised in the heart of the Ozarks, he’s a graduate of Missouri State University (BS), Phillips Theological Seminary (MDiv) and Chicago Theological Seminary (DMin). Phil’s books on church leadership include two volumes published by Chalice Press, The Hyphenateds (2013) and Preaching as Resistance (2018). Over the years he’s taught at Missouri State University, Drury University and Phillips Theological Seminary, as well as serving in numerous capacities in the region, most recently as a member of the regional Board of Directors. Part of his calling as a minister includes helping congregations draw on the richness of their valued traditions within the shifting context of these times, so they might be faithful and innovative in following where the Spirit leads in both ancient and new ways. He hopes to help churches in the region further live into the shared calling of being a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world, especially by placing a premium on the kind of authenticity and integrity that deepens Christian discipleship and invites others to experience the wonder of Christ’s transformative love. Phil’s wife, Amanda, is a teacher in Springfield Public Schools. They’re the proud parents of three children and one grandson, plus their dog, Leo, and cats, Mia and Ava.
Rev. David Woodard
Raised in West Carrollton, Ohio, David is a graduate of Georgetown College, Kentucky. He received his MDiv from Lexington Theological Seminary, and a Certificate in Advanced Theological Studies from Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis. David is married to the amazing Tammy Tobin Woodard. Together, they have five kids and three grandkids. He is the Lead Pastor of Affton Christian Church, St. Louis, where he has served for 19 years. For the past several years, David has served as chair of the Ministry Discernment Team – helping to shepherd those going through the Commissioned Minister process, and on the Regional Commission on the Order of Ministry. His interests include spending time with his family, playing golf, and science fiction; namely, all things Star Trek and Doctor Who. David is committed to nurturing and strengthening relationships among clergy, congregations, and the Region.
Rev. Jennifer Long
Rev. Jennifer Long currently serves as Pastor of the Prairie Grove CC in Buffalo, MO, a new church start within the CCMA. Jennifer graduated from the Missouri School of Religion in Jefferson City, later graduating from Phillips Theological Seminary with her Masters of Divinity. She is an ordained minister within the CCMA and has served as the Disciples Women Coordinator of Mid-America for over 2 years. Jennifer believes in women and the value they have in ministry. She wants to see them unite, and find the love and fellowship of Jesus Christ hanging onto and communicating with one another in this fragmented world.