Rev. Dr. Terry Tieman, President & Director of DISCIPLESHIP
Terry Tieman began his career in ministry as a pastor in Michigan and Arkansas after graduating from seminary in 1983. He then served for 13 years as Mission Executive of the Mid-South District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). In 2009, Terry became the Executive Director of Transforming Churches Network (TCN), helping churches become more effective in reaching their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. TCN’s transformation process—which is based on Biblical principles and was developed through worldwide research on effective mission movements and pilot projects—has successfully changed hundreds of churches from the inside out. Terry continues to gain front-line experience as Pastor at Grace Celebration Lutheran Church in Memphis, Tennessee, where he has served since 2018. He is also the author of several books, including Hinges: Opening Your Church’s Doors to the Community, Catching Vision, Skill Builders, and People of Passion. Terry’s most recent work has led to the development of Seasons of Discovery, a step-wise church transformation process. Through EMERGE 29:11, Terry’s valuable knowledge is helping more ministries succeed in their efforts to “…go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Paul Reaves, Director of GENEROSITY
Paul Reaves has a heart—and gift—for helping ministries navigate financial terrain. For nearly 33 years, he was part of the leadership team of the Mid-South District of the LCMS, serving as Business Manager in the 1990s, Church Planting Facilitator in the 2000s, and Development Officer in the 2010s (to mid-2024). He also served the ministries, workers and members of the three-state Mid-South region as District Vice President for Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) for just under 30 years, as well as eight years for the LCMS’s Southern Illinois District. Paul is known for his passion to connect people, ministry and resources. As Director of Generosity for EMERGE 29:11, Paul shares key insights gained through his many years of experience in ministry funding and building donor relationships.
EMERGE 29:11 Board of Directors
EMERGE 29:11 is blessed to have the spiritual, organizational, and leadership counsel of the following distinguished Board of Directors:
Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, President Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
Rev. William Diekelman, Former First Vice-President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Former President of the LCMS Oklahoma District
Rev. Larry Tieman, Sr. Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church & School in Crystal Lake, Illinois
Rev. Rich Elseroad, Pastor Emeritus of Grace Lutheran Church in Knoxville, Tennessee
Mr. Dave Graf, Attorney with Forvis Mazars Consulting in Little Rock, Arkansas
Mr. Mathew Pitsch, Deputy Secretary of State and Chief Financial Officer for the State of Arkansas