New Mission Interpretation Executive Appointed in Indianapolis

Jon Barnes

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan (Jon) Barnes as the new Executive for Mission Interpretation and Constituency Relationships with the Division of Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries.   A search committee composed of Don Gillette, Chair of the DOM Board and Co-Chair of Global Ministries; Sara Laroche, board member; Tonya Ellis, communications and marketing Staff of Church Extension; and Julia Brown Karimu, DOM President and Co-Executive of Global Ministries interviewed 4 candidates and were unanimous in the selection of Jon Barnes to serve in this position.  The Executive Search Model was utilized in the screening of candidates

Jon has served 10 years as a Global Ministries’ missionary.  He served from June 2002 to February 2011 with the Congregational Church of Southern Africa, based in East London, South Africa.  He and his wife Dawn helped to implement various community based projects.  He served from March 2011 to the present with the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa in Maputo, Mozambique as the project development officer.  He has experience and knowledge of both the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, mission experience, and the educational background to enable him to be successful in this position.

Jon and his wife Dawn have two children, Khaya and Alyson. Jon is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  He has a Bachelor of Arts in History; a Master of Divinity degree; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Development (Missiology). We are excited to welcome Jon to the DOM/Global Ministries staff.  He will officially began this ministry August 1, 2012.