The Reverend Richard Lane Stryker was appointed Superintendent of the Southeast District of the North Alabama Conference in June 2007. Prior to becoming a superintendent, he served as pastor of churches in Liberia, Tennessee and Alabama. He is married to Jennie and their son is Waddy.

Reverend Stryker is a graduate of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary (Bachelor of Theology 1986), and the Memphis Theological Seminary (Master of Arts in Religion 1989 & Master of Divinity 1993). He is enrolled in the Doctorate of Ministry program at the School of Theology University of the South.

In North Alabama he served as pastor of Rising Star UMC in Hobson City (1997-2000) St. Paul UMC in Birmingham (2000-2002) and St. Thomas UMC in Sylacauga (2002-2007).

He is author of articles, essays and a book entitled "Forged from Chaos: Stories and Reflections from Liberia at War.

He has received awards for evangelism, social justice and commitment to a better community.