The Midsouth Conference board announced that Rev. Josef Rasheed has been selected to serve as interim superintendent. The interim role follows the resignation of Garth Bolinder, effective June 30, 2025.
“As a Board, we have been led to Josef through prayer, diligence, discernment, and reflection on the needs of the Midsouth Conference,” Flint Barnes, interim board chair, wrote in an email announcement.
Josef began serving in the Midsouth Conference in 2005 when he planted CrossRoads Covenant Church in DeSoto, Texas. He is currently transitioning from his role as senior pastor there, as well as from his position as regional coordinator for Africa on the Serve Globally team.
Josef earned his bachelor’s degree in pastoral studies from Patten University and graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2006. He was ordained by the Covenant in 2010. He has been married to his wife, Rochelle, for 36 years, and they have six children.
“It’s hard to capture the depth of Josef’s impact in just a few words,” said Grace Shim, executive minister of Serve Globally. “He carries joy, wisdom, and a pastor’s heart into every space where all feel seen, valued, and encouraged by his presence. I’m grateful for the opportunity to witness how Josef connected meaningfully with brothers and sisters in Africa, where his humble leadership significantly strengthened our partnerships and relationships. We will deeply feel his absence, and we bless him in his new role, trusting that the same inspiring and Spirit-led presence he brought to Serve Globally will bless the conference and denomination.”
Josef added, “I am looking forward to stepping into this new role. While it has been difficult to depart from Serve Globally and CrossRoads Covenant Church, I believe God has called me to this work for this season. My hope is to serve faithfully, and I ask for your prayers as I begin this new assignment.”
He begins his new role on October 1.
