Lon Oliver

Lon Oliver serves as the Executive Director of Kentucky Appalachian Ministry (KAM), and as an Associate Regional Minister for the Christian Church In Kentucky.   Lon was called to serve Kentucky Appalachian Ministry (KAM) in addition to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations in Eastern Kentucky.   KAM is a Mission Center of Homeland Ministries and the Christian Church In Kentucky on behalf of the whole church.

Lon also serves as the Executive Director of Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center (AMERC).  AMERC is a consortium of 24 seminaries in addition to judicatories and church agencies.  AMERC provides quality cross cultural educational programs and contextual learning experiences for seminarians and religious leaders.

Lon is a staff consultant to Disciples Home Missions and is on the Executive Committee of the Rural Church Network in the United States and Canada.  Lon is also active in various ministries that seek to dismantle racism.

Lon’s ministry experience before coming to KAM includes Music Ministry, Christian Education and ten years of service as the Senior Pastor at the First Christian Church of Henderson, Kentucky.   Lon’s educational preparation consists of a B.S. from Northwest Christian University; M.Div., from Lexington Theological Seminary; D.Min., from Lexington Theological Seminary; and C.P.E. with the Veterans Hospital in Nashville, TN.   Lon has also trained in planning and congregational redevelopment with George Bullard and Alan Roxburgh.

Lon enjoys music--from the traditional music of the Kentucky Coal fields to Italian opera—and is an avid collector of recordings.  Lon also enjoys fishing and photography.  Lon is married to Maria de los Angeles Oliver, the pastor of Mt. Zion Christian Church.  They are the parents of David, a freshman in high school.

KAM receives additional staff support from Terry Royster, Executive Assistant with the Christian Church In Kentucky and Linda Ashley, Registrar of Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center.