Lara Blackwood Pickrel is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She currently serves First Christian Church in Smithville, Missouri as their Senior Minister. Her first love in ministry is the work we do for and with young people, and she believes that youth ministry, young adult ministry, and family ministry are central to our call to make disciples who serve God and strive for justice in the world. She is also passionate about preaching, writing (curriculum, articles, and books), intergenerational ministry, mission, and creative worship.

Lara is married to Chuck Pickrel, who is also a minister in the CC(DOC). Their time at home is currently spent adoring their new daughter, Violet, and comforting their dogs who are still settling into the “new normal” of living with a baby.