KENNETH L. McLAUGHLIN

Kenneth L. McLaughlin is a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles, the leading missionary quorum of the Community of Christ. In April 2002 he was assigned to the Western Mission Field, which includes the Arizona USA Mission Center, Greater Pacific Northwest USA Mission Center, Inland West USA Mission Center, Rocky Mountain USA Mission Center, Sierra Pacific USA Mission Center, Southern California USA Mission Center, and Southwest International (Mexico/USA) Mission Center. McLaughlin is also director of Co-Missioned Pastor Initiative.

A full-time minister since 1989, past assignments include apostle to the Western U.S.A. and Canada Mission Field, the Pacific Field, president of the Ohio Valley Region, Youth Ministries (including Spectacular and the International Youth Festival), and Asian American Ministries.

Before accepting full-time ministerial responsibilities, McLaughlin was assistant attorney general of Ohio. Prior to that, he served as a staff executive in the church’s Legal Services Division and as a teacher in the Westerville, Ohio, city schools.

A native of Ohio, he graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University with a B.S. degree in education and earned a J.D. degree from The Ohio State University College of Law. He received an M.A. in religion, with honors, from Park College in May 1992.

McLaughlin has served the church in various capacities, including pastor and youth minister.

His past community activities have included serving as a trustee of the Eastwood Village Civic Association, member of the boards of directors of Hope House and Child Placement Services, member of the Ohio Democratic Party, and member of the Community of Christ World Hunger Committee.

McLaughlin is married to Suzanne Trewhitt McLaughlin, assistant professor of Christian education and director of contextual education for the Community of Christ Seminary of Graceland University. They have two children, Kathryn Hoyt and Matthew McLaughlin.