“We have not had anyone in this position for a number of years,” Carlos J. Craig, Texas Conference president, stated. “With our growing membership and ongoing pastoral transitions, we felt that filling this position again would help expedite much-needed pastoral placements for our churches.”

Runnels initially served as a part-time pastor for the Philadelphia and Yancey Seventh-day Adventist churches beginning in 2012. He became a full-time pastor for Philadelphia and Atascosa churches in 2017.

Prior to his call to ministry, Runnels worked as a social worker in a number of places including schools, counseling centers and as an employee assistance program specialist. He graduated with a social work degree from Oakwood College (now Oakwood University) in Huntsville, Alabama, and obtained his master’s degree in social work from Hunter College (Silberman School of Social Work) in New York, New York.

In his role as a social worker, he served disadvantaged youth and their families as an advocate, resource and counselor, administering assessments to determine their needs.

Before becoming a pastor, he served as a first elder for more than 12 years. During that time, he was elected to the Southwest Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Executive Committee (2004 – 2008) and the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Executive Committee (2008 – 2012).

“Runnels’ vast experience with church procedures and behavioral assessments will be beneficial for hiring pastors,” Craig added. “He will begin his position October 1, 2019.”