Matthew’s parable of the workers in the vineyard is one of my favorites. I love the final scene where the various workers stand, waiting to be paid. … [Read more...] about Experiencing Grace: Reflections on the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
About Kyle Reese
Kyle Reese serves as the Senior Minister at the First Baptist Church of Savannah, Georgia, and concurrently contributes his expertise as a consultant for the Center for Healthy Churches (CHC). In addition to his work with churches, Kyle led a non-profit organization dedicated to achieving civility and respect while celebrating our differences.
Kyle's past work in church and the non-profit world aligns seamlessly with his responsibilities at CHC, where he focuses on conflict resolution, visioning/strategic planning, and team development. Drawing on an extensive 30-year career, Kyle has successfully led congregations in both Texas and Florida. His leadership approach emphasizes practical and healthy strategies to achieve shared goals, navigating the challenges of diverse theological and political perspectives. Congregations seeking effective leadership find Kyle to be a valuable resource.
Beyond his professional commitments, Kyle actively engages with the communities he serves. He is a member of Rotary Peacebuilders of Savannah. He holds positions on the board of Baptist Health in Jacksonville and chairs the Baptist Health Community Health and Well-Being committee. Kyle currently serves on the board of Baptist News Global. A former moderator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Kyle earned degrees from Wayland Baptist University, George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University, and Northern Seminary.
Dr. Kyle Reese is married to Dr. Karla Repper, a clinical psychologist in Jacksonville, and takes pride in being the father of three adult children.
Q & A with Kyle
What inspired you to serve as a church consultant?
I’ve had the privilege of serving as a pastor for over 30 years. In addition, I led an interfaith nonprofit organization for a few years but never wavered in my love for the church. It was in that time that I became a consultant and interim pastor. I’ve taken another senior minister position but still love to walk alongside churches in their pursuit of faithful mission and congregational health.
How do you integrate your faith and training?
A majority of the New Testament exists because the church is learning how to work together and deal with differences. It’s a part of what it means to be human and to be church. What we hold in common is our confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. From this common confession, most congregations need processes and tools to enact that confession into mission faithfulness.
What are your primary areas of focus?
I focus on conflict transformation, vision, and team development. I have training in conflict management and civil discourse, loving the opportunity to help folks feel comfortable with difference for the sake of a great vision.
Can you share a memorable success story or impact from your work?
I was leading a congregation in conflict transformation. Church members were conflicted with each other, the clergy had significant conflict within the church, and, finally, the church had a conflict with its denomination which had recently facilitated their pastor search process. In one of our first meetings, I worked with church leadership to produce a timeline of the church’s life. Since its beginning, the church was located in a resort area and had no devotion to a particular denomination. So, the newly forming church invited ministers from three denominations to preach and chose the one they liked the best. Over 60 years later, the loose affiliation persisted with a majority of the congregation. It was transformative and eye-opening for the leadership and helped them understand what they were experiencing was a part of their story from the beginning. That realization was the beginning of a transformative process for all of us.
What kinds of churches or leaders do you find yourself most drawn to?
I love working with diverse congregations. In an increasingly polarized society, I think communities of faith are some of the last places where authentic diversity can exist and be celebrated. I love seeing people rally around a common vision and purpose for the diverse people of God.
Why does this work matter to you?
The command of Jesus is to love God, one another, and our neighbor. This work allows me to do fulfill Christ’s command. I love being with people and learning with them. And I love the idea and reality of church.
Available for Consultation in: Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina
Endorsements:
Kyle Reese is a leader. He quickly immerses himself in the process and brings two valuable areas of expertise to the table: an understanding of the challenges churches face in creatively using their properties and a knowledge of how churches interact with local nonprofits.
His engagement and insightful questions skillfully summarized our points of consensus. His collaboration with lay leadership and the rector resulted in a comprehensive plan for expanding support for the pool, addressing specific challenges we were facing.
Kyle's strategic approach to engaging with the leadership of all the city’s major funders of children’s services was truly impressive. He is fearless because, although he may not know someone, he always manages to secure appointments with them and then reports back to us on the best way to open the pool to young people who want to learn to swim. His ability to navigate these relationships was a testament to his capabilities.
At a subsequent meeting, Kyle's facilitation skills were put to the test when he led a discussion between the CEO of one of the strongest neighborhood youth agencies and our Pool Task Force. His ability to keep our work on schedule, make the most of our meetings, and consistently stay one step ahead of us resulted in a successful outcome. This success instilled confidence in his abilities among the team.
Before working with Kyle, our lay leadership didn’t have the language and vision for conceiving our pool as a ministry. However, Kyle's work with us allowed us to change how we think of our 100-year-old pool— not just as an unusual church facility, but a ministry. Now our Vestry speaks of the pool as ministering to the need for leisure, healthy living, and life-saving water safety, a transformation that was inspired by Kyle's vision.
If you can work alongside Kyle Reese, don’t miss the opportunity. His passion, energy, and commitment will inspire you through the process, and you will not be disappointed with the results.
Articles by Kyle Reese
Two Steps Forward: Navigating Church Property Transitions with Grace and Hope
It’s been 18 years since I’ve lived in my home state of Texas. I’ve had wonderful experiences serving a church in Florida, leading a non-profit, and … [Read more...] about Two Steps Forward: Navigating Church Property Transitions with Grace and Hope
