James L. Powell, president of Church Extension of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will step down from that position on Aug. 1, and assume a new role as Senior Advisor for Advancement. Lori Adams, currently Church Extension's vice president for Missional Development and Operations, has been appointed transitional president until permanent leadership is determined.

Powell has served as president of Church Extension since 1995. Prior to that he led the denomination's new church initiative and served as vice president for congregational services. As president, he has made major contributions to Church Extension's efforts to better serve the ever-changing face of the Christian Church. Powell will work as senior advisor until his official retirement on July 31, 2011.

Church Extension is in a discernment process to determine the type of leadership needed for the emerging organization. When the search begins, an open Executive Search Process will be used. To learn more visit: www.disciples.org/Portals/0/PDF/DNS/2010/20100721-CELeadershipTransition.pdf