The Leach family: (back row) Reggie, daughter Regina (front row) Kelle, sons Theron and Thane. Photo by Thane Leach.
In April, Minnesota Conference vice president for finance Reggie Leach announced that he had accepted a call to the Arizona Conference. Elder Leach will serve as conference treasurer, while his wife, Kelle, will teach grades 3 and 4 at Glenview Adventist Academy.
Reggie and Kelle have been part of the Minnesota Conference for almost 12 years. “This has been a very tough decision, but we feel God’s clear calling,” said Reggie. “This is the first time among many ‘feelers of interest’ over the years that our ‘fleece’ has been answered. We have always wanted to be where we can serve as a team, so for us, a ministry calling needs to be for both of us.”
For many, Elder Leach has been the face of this conference. He has seen the membership grow from 6,592 members in 2004, to 9,656 members today. He has been a powerful supporter of the local churches, Adventist education and North Star Camp. He believes in the missionary spirit supported by our church founding fathers, has worked in the mission field (Guam) and has encouraged his kids to go on mission trips. Leach has also served as an elder in Southview and St. Paul First Churches and been involved in evangelism, preaching and stewardship training across the conference.
Since 2004, Leach served as the vice president for finance as well as stewardship director. During his term as treasurer, tithe increased from $5 million to more than $7.7 million. He has been a faithful steward and reliable financial manager.
Altogether, the Leach family has been part of the Mid-America Union Conference for 24 years. Reggie says, “Our family will always have many good memories of Minnesota. All three of our kids grew up here through most of their elementary and high school years—particularly Regina going through grades 1-12 all in Minnesota. We especially want to express our appreciation to Maplewood Academy and the various staff members that have had a major, positive and life-changing impact on Thane and Regina.”
On a personal note, I met Reggie in the late ’90s during his Campion Academy days in Loveland, Colorado. I have worked with him in this conference as a lay member, a district pastor and an administrator. I have worked on conference plans with him, and have seen God bless this conference in ways that brought great results. I think God will be honored wherever Reggie serves.
