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Staff Biography

Karen Greenwaldt

The Reverend Karen A. Greenwaldt is currently the general secretary of The General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) of The United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Prior to her election to general secretary in 2001, she was associate general secretary, administrator, and team leader of the Discipleship Ministries Division, The General Board of Discipleship. She is an ordained elder from the Central Texas Conference.

Karen joined the General Board of Discipleship staff in 1981, serving as director of church leader development and director of education and ministries with young adults and single adults.

Before joining GBOD, Karen was the associate council director for the Central Texas Conference. She has served as associate pastor and as a hospital chaplain.

The Rev. Greenwaldt received her masters in theology degree from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. Her bachelor of science degree is from McMurry University, Abilene, Texas.

The Rev. Greenwaldt has been elected as a clergy delegate to the 2008 General Conference, the highest governing body of The United Methodist Church. In addition, she will serve as delegate to the 2008 South Central Jurisdictional Conference. Previously, she was a delegate to the 2004 General Conference and the 2004 South Central Jurisdictional Conference.

Karen is the author of many books, including Singles Care One for Another, For Everything There is a Season, and Organizing in the Small Membership Church. In addition, she has a long list of published articles related to the vision and mission of the church. The Rev. Greenwaldt is a sought after preacher, speaker, small-group leader, and consultant with church leaders around the world.

The Rev. Greenwaldt is actively affiliated with East End United Methodist Church, Nashville, Tennessee, where she has served in various leadership positions, including teaching adult Sunday school and chairing the finance committee.

Karen is a bead and fabric artist specializing in making one-of-a-kind dolls, art quilts, beaded boxes, flowers, and jewelry. An avid reader and gardener, Karen enjoys engaging in conversation with young adults who do not associate in organized religious experiences.

She is married to Russell Harris, a full-time studio potter.

KAREN GREENWALDT
GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP
P.O. BOX 340003
NASHVILLE, TN 37203-0003
PHONE: 615-340-7022
FAX: 615-340-7019
E-MAIL: kgreenwaldt@gbod.org

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