Introducing Rev. Joan Bell-Haynes: Interim Regional Minister
The Executive Committee and the Regional Board of the Christian Church in Georgia is delighted to announce the selection of Rev. Joan Bell-Haynes as our incoming Interim Regional Minister.
Rev. Joan Bell-Haynes comes to us from serving as Executive Regional Minister for the Central Rocky Mountain Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada for more than six years. She is an alumna of the Disciples Divinity House/University of Chicago Divinity School. She holds a BA in Psychology and served for most of her career as Assistant Dean of Academics, College of Health Sciences at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA, before discerning her call to ordained ministry under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, Ray of Hope Christian Church.
A native of Macon, GA, Rev. Bell-Haynes has served the Christian Church (DOC) as a servant-leader for more than 30 years in ministry. Her service has included: Co-Pastor, United Christian Parish, Reston, VA; associate minister at both University Christian Church, Hyattsville, MD and Community Christian Church, Kansas City, MO; Associate Regional Minister, Christian Church Capital Area Region, Washington, D.C.; First Vice Moderator of the General Assembly (2013-15) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Christian Education Director, Ray of Hope Christian Church, Decatur, GA. She has served on the Boards of the Christian Church Foundation, National Convocation, and Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM).
Rev. Bell-Haynes currently serves on the Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Team for the College of Regional Ministers as well as on the Boards of Lexington Theological Seminary, Disciples Divinity House, Chicago, and Disciples Church Extension Fund. She has significant leadership experience in spiritual development, conflict transformation, and bridge-building, as she proclaims all persons as “God’s beloved.” She has collaborated with ecumenical and interfaith partners throughout her ministry, including Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Catholic, and Sikh communities. Rev. Bell-Haynes was the 2017 co-recipient of the Christian Church (DOC) Capital Area Region’s Bridge Builder Award. She worked as project manager for Spirit House, Washington, DC, with Veteran Civil Rights leader Rev. Ruby Sales, Founder and Executive Director, where she learned the value of teaching non-violence practices to our children at an early age and passing on our history to our children. She practices self-care with her beloved family and friends. She loves the arts, including music, dance, poetry, theater, travel, art galleries, and wineries.
Rev. Bell-Haynes' projected start date with the Georgia Region is December 1, 2023. Please join us in celebrating the new places God is leading us on this journey of faith together as the Christian Church in Georgia.
During this transitional period, the Executive Committee has formulated a few processes to assist with continuing the business of the Region. Please continue to contact the Regional Board or the Regional Staff with any questions, concerns, challenges or if you need assistance from the Regional Office at office@gadisciples.org or from the Executive Committee at executive@gadisciples.org. You may also call the regional office at 478-743-8649. You should receive confirmation of receipt of your email or voicemail within 24 hours. This includes any help needed with the Search and Call process.
Blessings and Peace,
Executive Committee
Rev. Donna Gunter, Moderator
Paula Robin, Moderator-Elect
Rev. Will Johnson, Treasurer
Rev. Sarah McClelland-Brown, Secretary
Dolores Trimiew, Disciples Women
John Anderson, Disciples Men
Rev. Sheila Hunter, Past Moderator