Get to know Dave Reinholz!
David A. Reinholz serves as the new associate Conference lay leader for the PNWUMC.
We are relatively new to the Pacific Northwest, so many of you probably don’t know me. I served for 29 years as an Air Force officer and then became a high school teacher. I have been a member of Bothell UMC, Langley UMC and currently Battle Ground UMC. It has been my honor to teach Sunday School, Disciple Bible studies, lead VBS, serve as youth leader, worship leader and choir director. I also served on Christian Education committees, and as an Administrative Council chairperson.
Presently, I serve as the campus ministry coordinator for Central Washington University at Ellensburg UMC where the new pastor, Jen Stuart, and I are making plans for the upcoming academic year. This passion for mentoring youth and young adults motivated me to collaborate on a grant request from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The purpose of the $100,000 grant we received is to place young adults discerning their call into ordained ministry in pastoral leadership roles in local churches. I will be working with our Conference lay leader, Joan Holms, and other episcopal area laity to develop a Lay Academy and leadership development tools for the laity of the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area. Finally, I enjoyed serving on the annual conference worship planning committee and hope to do some more creative worship collaboration.
My entire work life has revolved around developing young leaders. As an instructor pilot and commander, I was concerned with training the next generation of pilots and enlisted members to complete the unit mission. As a teacher and youth leader, I mentored and affirmed young people to allow them to recognize their gifts and capabilities. I feel strongly we need to recruit and develop young people, our replacements. Much like training in a combat aircraft, leadership development in the church is a continuing process as new people are guided into faith and discipleship.
I look forward to working with Joan and the Board of Laity as we move forward toward the place God is already preparing for us to serve God’s people.
