An ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Kurt T. Appel has spent over two decades in full-time ministry as a church pastor, intentional interim specialist and as a stewardship strategist who has conducted capital campaigns in dozens of congregations across the country. With his background in church development and experience in the local church, his ministry is focused upon helping churches become disciple making congregations.

Prior to entering full-time ministry Dr. Appel was an Engineer with Sharp Electric, Inc., a major commercial and industrial electrical contractor. He completed his undergraduate work in Mechanical Engineering at Louisiana Tech University, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary.

Kurt and his wife Claudia have three adult children and currently reside in Louisiana.