Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)
Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
95b-111
December 18, 1995
INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Directors of the Board of Church Extension of
Disciples of Christ, meeting here Dec. 12-13, have named two executive staff members as
officers of the church planning and financing unit.
The Rev. Gary W. Kidwell has been appointed vice-president for field
services. Ellen L. Mitchell is now assistant vice-president for development.
Kidwell, a general consultant since 1991, will assume oversight of general
services to congregations and organizations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
across North America and Puerto Rico. He also edits Cutting Edge, published by BCE, and
Biblical Preaching Journal.
"Gary is a pastor at heart and brings a tremendous love for and
commitment to serving congregations," stated the Rev. Jeff Wright, chairperson of the
board of directors. "His gifts make him a natural for these new
responsibilities," Wright added.
Mitchell's promotion to assistant vice-president comes after more than 15
years of BCE staff experience, the past two years as director of development.
She joined Church Extension in 1980 as supervisor and administrative
assistant in investor services. For eight years she was office manager, responsible
for personnel and office management. The new assistant vice-president also is editor of
the BCExtension newsletter.
"Ellen Mitchell understands her work as a ministry and presence with our
many friends of BCE," President James L. Powell observed. "Both Ellen and
Gary combine a keen sense of the church with a thorough experience of planning and
development that will strengthen the leadership of Board of Church Extension," he
added.
Before joining Church Extension Kidwell served as minister of Twin Pines
Christian Church, Lexington, Ky. As a new church pastor/developer, Kidwell launched the
Twin Pines congregation in 1985.
Kidwell received a bachelor of science degree in psychology from
Campbellsville (Ky.) College and a master of divinity degree from Lexington Theological
Seminary. Kidwell and his family are active members at Carmel (Ind.) Christian Church.
Mitchell is a graduate of Purdue University with bachelor's and master of
science degrees. She and her family are active in Greenfield (Ind.) Christian Church where
she is vice-president of the elders.
She also is a member of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives.
-- end --