DMF Day 2024, a one day giving event to support Disciples Mission Fund is coming up on September 12th, the 236th birthday of Alexander Campbell. On DMF Day we will host live events, share stories and resources, and have a worshipful time of prayer in gratitude for the difference that the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is making. Stay tuned for the full schedule. 

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The 2024 election will be a test of our democracy and our faith. Early planning and strategic engagement by the faith community is critical. Join us for this informative Zoom Meeting on June 26, 2024, as we discuss how you, and your congregation, can prepare for the election and care for your community before election day.

The Faiths United to Save Democracy (FUSD) campaign exists to overcome the recent assault on democracy, making it more difficult for voters who are low-income, black and brown, elderly, students, and disabled to exercise their sacred right to vote.

FUSD is a nonpartisan, multi-racial, multi-faith, and multi-generation 2022-2024 voter protection campaign focused in the states of AL, AZ, FL, GA, MI, NC, OH, PA, TX, and WI. It is rooted in the belief that everyone is made in the image of God and deserves the freedom to vote.

Register to join the Zoom Meeting on Wednesday, June 26 at 7pm EST | 6 pm CST.

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The Poor People’s & Low Wage Workers’ Assembly & Moral March on Washington and to the Polls will convene on June 29, 2024. The assembly will “call on candidates for public office” to “endorse a moral public policy agenda that includes policies that lift from the bottom.” Visit the Poor People’s Campaign website to learn more and register.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is an anchor organization. If you are a Disciple planning to attend this year’s assembly and moral march, please let us know here. Disciples are invited to gather at National City Christian Church, our national church, at 9 am on June 29^th. Plan to join us as we prepare for the day and share together prior to walking over to the assembly on the National Mall that begins at 10am.

DOC t-shirts are also available for purchase. You can order your t-shirt today. The deadline for ordering is June 21st.

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The Poor People’s & Low Wage Workers’ Assembly & Moral March on Washington and to the Polls will convene on June 29, 2024. The Christian Church is an anchoring organization. Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President, participated in a press conference on April 29, 2024. You can view the conference on Facebook. The assembly will “call on candidates for public office” to “endorse a moral public policy agenda that includes policies that lift from the bottom.” RSVP and learn more here.

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Angelique previously served as the Regional Director of the Communications Ministry in The Christian Church (DOC) in Illinois and Wisconsin (and Michigan). She is a Disciple from Illinois. She authored the book, “The Phygital Church: Using Social Ministry to Make Disciples,” to assist congregations with being intentional about ministry in the digital space.

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Dr. Leathers is no stranger to the Capital Area Region where he has served in pastoral leadership for over 20 years. Rev. Leathers serves as a Core Organizer/Trainer with the Anti-racism/Pro-reconciliation Initiative and has served in other capacities across the region such Director, Camp and Conference, the Board for the Disciples Center for Public Witness, and the Commission for Ministry.

Dr. Leathers completed a Master of Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary. He is married to Tammi Coleman Leathers. They have been blessed with three children Coleman (deceased), Madison, and Maxwell.

The Search Committee is grateful for all the prayers, feedback, and support from those in the Region. The 18-month search process included anti-racism and bias training, consultation from independent evaluators and Regional Ministry Search partners, feedback from within the Region, and an unwavering commitment to follow God’s leading every step of the way. Members of the Regional Search Committee included: Mike Cline, Tonya Farren, Hugh Howard (deceased), Beth Hindsley, Rev. Tim Bobbitt, Rev. Delancy Catlett, Rev. Dr. Carol Green- Freeman, and Rev. Terri McLellan.

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“This is a momentous day for the Indiana Region,” says Matt Rosine, chair of the Search Committee. “Dr. Williams personifies the leadership qualities, character, joy, and passion to lead our Region into God’s bright future.”

Rev. Dr. Williams currently serves as the Regional Minister and President of the Christian Church in Tennessee, a position she has held since 2016. Prior to her ministry in Tennessee, she served 17 years as Associate Regional Minister in the Illinois/Wisconsin Region. She understands congregational dynamics and employs a style of leadership that many people describe as “grace-filled and truth-telling.” She possesses a bold faith in Jesus Christ and a deep love for God’s people. 

Born in Cleveland, OH, Christal is a graduate of Jarvis Christian University (Hawkins, TX) and Christian Theological Seminary (Indianapolis, IN). She received her Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. She is a former Trustee of Christian Theological Seminary and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Christian Church Foundation and the Executive Committee for International Disciples Women’s Ministries. She was ordained in 1998 at Southport Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN.

Her references use the following words to describe Christal:

“Christal is personable, has a good sense of humor, and loves the church. She is direct yet caring. She speaks her mind without denigrating others. She is a wonderful preacher, who can break out into song when inspired.” 

“Christal is creative and brings joy to her work wherever she goes. She has a strong faith which sustains her and is contagious and from which she teaches and leads.”

“Dr. Christal doesn’t do the work alone. She calls on leaders, whether boards, commissions, or task groups, to show up and be present and do the work together. She knows that the health and well-being of our church depends on all of us working together. She is also a prophetic truth-teller, meaning you know exactly what she is thinking and what she believes God has called her and the church to do.”

“She is a leader, overcomer, administrator, survivor, and lover of people as God commanded.”

At its meeting, the Regional Board also called Rev. Carolyn Reed to serve as Acting Regional Minister through the end of 2023. Carolyn has faithfully served as Associate Regional Minister in Indiana for the past 24 years. She will continue to provide care and leadership to congregations and clergy in the Region during this time of transition.

The Search Committee is grateful for all of the prayers, feedback, and support from those in the Region. The nine-month search process included anti-racism training, coaching from independent consultants and screeners, broad feedback from within the Region, and deep faith in God’s abiding light. Members of the Regional Minister Search Committee include Ms. Raquel Collazo, Rev. Monique Crain Spells, Rev. Tonja Gerardy, Rev. Luis Gierbolini, Rev. Baek Hee Kim, Rev. Nathan Kibler, Ms. Sandy Kincaid, and Rev. Matt Rosine.

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Louisville, KY – The General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) convened in Louisville, Kentucky, from July 29 to August 1, 2023, and proudly announces the re-election of Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens to a second term as General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. She is the first African American and second woman to lead the denomination – and the first African American woman to lead a mainline Christian denomination.  

The Administrative Committee of the General Board, following the procedures and requirements outlined in The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Standing Rules of the General Board, officially nominated Rev. Teresa Hord Owens for re-election. Subsequently, the General Board voted to forward her name for consideration.

On Tuesday, August 1, Owens was installed and charged with continuing her ministry of visionary love, spiritual leadership, prophetic imagination, and ecumenical service. In her sermon during closing worship, she invited the General Assembly to “imagine new ways of being church and to stay at the table no matter what we face. Our commitment to staying at the table is grounded in our covenant relationship with God and with one another.”

Rev. Owens is regarded in the ecumenical world as “head of communion” and as the chief representative of the church in national and world ecumenical councils. In keeping with the Disciples’ historic commitment to Christian unity, she serves in leadership at the National Council of Churches as the Treasurer of the Governing Board and as a member of the World Council of Churches Central Committee. Her ecumenical and interfaith collaborations also include the Faith Table, an interfaith social justice coalition. 

Prior to being elected to serve as General Minister and President in 2017 she served as the dean of students for 12 years at the University of Chicago Divinity School, pastor of First Christian Church of Downers Grove in Illinois, and more than 20 years in corporate America leading diverse teams in data management. 

Rev. Teresa Hord Owens’ re-election to the esteemed position of General Minister and President is a testament to her unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership in serving the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) community. Throughout her initial term, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the denomination’s values, biblical literacy and spiritual formation, building an infrastructure for ministry and congregational data, and fostering engagement and inclusion within the Church. Her visionary approach to ministry has inspired many, and she continues to be a beacon of hope for those seeking a more just and inclusive Church community.

Her exhortation to the church is “Let’s be the church we say we are. It is in being who we say we are that we actively bear witness to God’s limitless love for all.”  In addition to collaborative service with the ministries that comprise Disciples Justice Ministries, she has been active in leadership in the Poor People’s Campaign.  

We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of her continued leadership and the transformative work she will spearhead during her second term in office.

The post The General Assembly Re-Elects Rev. Teresa ‘Terri’ Hord Owens to General Minister and President appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

The search committee is seeking candidates that has a dynamic understanding of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and can connect congregations with resources, cultivate relationship with clergy, congregations, camps and ecumenical partners. The search committee desires a candidate that seeks to understand the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest and Northern Plains as well as an ability to learn and adapt to the unique church culture of the Northern Lights Region.

To learn more about this opportunity, please visit:

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The search committee is looking for someone who feels called to regional ministry and who will be responsive to congregations and their clergy, helping both in their quest to be faithful, healthy, and vibrant in these challenging times. They look forward to calling a leader who values the covenant we share as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)—general, regional, and congregational—and who is committed to excellence in ministry and a willingness to use their gifts and abilities in light of God’s grace.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Alabama-Northwest Florida is a vibrant community of faith that celebrates diversity and congregational unity. One-third of our congregations are historically African American, and our new church growth has focused on planting churches in areas with growing Hispanic populations. In addition, we celebrate one of our congregations in formation, Pacific Islander Agape, a Chuukese Disciple Congregation, as our first NAPAD community.

To learn more about the application process please visit:

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Rev. Frederick-Gray currently serves in a part-time capacity as Director of Mission Support & The Peace Intern Program with Disciples Peace Fellowship, where he has been responsible for strengthening connections with the church, while equipping young adults as ambassadors for peace and justice. Prior to his current role, he served for seven years as Senior Minister at First Christian Church in Scottsdale, AZ, where he was a transformational leader who helped revitalize the congregation. Rev. Frederick-Gray has had extensive experience participating with, and providing leadership to, numerous organizations that do justice and advocacy work. He is a co-facilitator for the Disciples Justice Ministries cohort group; he previously served as part of the Arizona Faith Leaders Public Policy Working Group; and was president of the founding board of Arizona Interfaith Power and Light. He also served as a political fellow with the Center for Progressive Leadership.

This is a critical time for DHM as the ministry continues to undergo creative and strategic transformation, to meet the needs of a rapidly changing wider church environment. Part of that transformation includes a process of developing a strategic approach to coordinating DHM’s engagement around a variety of justice issues; promoting and supporting advocacy efforts by congregations, regions, and ministry partners; and providing ongoing informational and educational content regarding critical social justice issues. As the Director for Justice and Advocacy Ministries, Rev. Frederick-Gray will lead this effort within DHM. His portfolio of responsibilities will include coordinating DHM’s work in the key areas of refugee and immigration ministry; climate change and environmental justice; and racial justice initiatives.

Rev. Frederick-Gray is a graduate of Texas Christian University, where he majored in religious studies and psychology. He also received his Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, TN and is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He currently resides in Cambridge, MA with his wife, Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray, who serves as president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, and their son, Henry. He will continue his work with Disciples Peace Fellowship.

Disciples Home Missions is building the future and is excited to have Rev. Frederick-Gray join its dynamic staff. As a general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), DHM continues to prioritize mission, advocacy and programs, as we work alongside congregations, regions, other general ministries and the wider society. For more information, please contact Disciple Home Missions at info@dhm.disciples.org.

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General Minister and President Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens with Rev. LaMarco Cable, President of Division of Overseas Ministries, and Rev. Chis Dorsey, President of Disciples Home Missions, join their voices with other leaders across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to denounce the rising violence against LGBTQIA persons, the communities that hold them dear, and any legislation that causes harm to trans youth and LGBTQIA persons across the United States. 

There have been 461 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in state legislatures this year. 119 of these bills ban gender-affirming healthcare for trans and non-binary youth. This places more than 54,000 trans youth receiving life-saving medical care at risk. Upon the release of this pastoral letter, that number continues to grow. This is not entirely new: at the 2019 General Assembly, GA-1929 noted the increase in legislation aiming to “devalue, punish, and erase transgender and gender-diverse identities in the recent past.” The current climate confirms those concerns. We have witnessed an increase in violent rhetoric and actions aimed at trans youth, their families, and the communities that support them, including many congregations across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States. 

The work of GA-1929 is not new but an extension of GA-1327, which celebrates its 10^th Anniversary this year. At the 2013 General Assembly, GA-1327 called “upon the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to recognize itself as striving to become a people of grace and welcome to all God’s children though differing in race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance or theological perspective.” 

Violence in any form – physical, rhetorical, legislative – is antithetical to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which calls us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. There is no exception or caveat, no room to cultivate hatred or distrust of the neighbor. Prejudice has no place in the kindom of God. Trans youth and their families deserve the human dignity to seek medical care and build lives of joy and thriving. 

The 2019 General Assembly, by adopting GA-1929, called on all expressions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) “to grow in the embodiment of God’s generous welcome for transgender and gender-diverse people and their families through education, shifts in institutional language and practice, and the cultivation of trusting relationships with transgender and gender-diverse people and their families.” The invitation to educate, shift and cultivate trust is a call to recognize the beloved status of all of God’s creation, continue to allow our faith to be informed by science, as well as imagine a path towards greater understanding and full inclusion. As followers of Jesus Christ and as part of the one body of Christ we welcome all to the Lord’s table as God has welcomed us. 

As leaders across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) we encourage the church not only to take increased steps towards education, welcome and cultivating trust but to consider the ways in which the church can be a force for wholeness in communities across the United States, decrying violence and encouraging the full inclusivity and thriving of all of God’s beloved children. 

Signed,

Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada

Rev. Chris B. Dorsey, President and CEO, Disciples Home Missions

Rev. LaMarco Cable, Co-Executive Global Ministries, President, Division of Overseas Ministries

Rev. Dr. Todd Adams, President, CEO, Pension Fund of the Christian Church

Mark D. Anderson, President and CEO, National Benevolent Association

Belinda R. King, President and CEO, Disciples Church Extension Fund

Joel Brown, Ph.D., President, Disciples of Christ Historical Society

Gary W. Kidwell, President, Christian Church Foundation

Rev. Chung Seong Kim, Executive Pastor, North American Pacific/Asian Disciples Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Brad Lyons, President and Publisher, Chalice Media Group

Rev. Angéle Saunders Johnson, Executive Director, Disciples Women’s Ministries

Tamara Rodenberg, President, Higher Education & Leadership Ministries

Rev. Paul S. Tché, President, Christian Unity and Interfaith Ministry

Valerie Melvin, Regional Minister, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in North Carolina

Rev. Dr. Teresa Dulyea-Parker, Regional Minister and President Illinois/Wisconsin and Michigan

Rev. Bill Robey, Interim Regional Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Northern Lights Region

Rev. Dr. Rick Spleth, Regional Minister, Region of Indiana 

Rev. Bill Rose-Heim, Regional Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Greater Kansas City

Rev. Joan Bell-Haynes, Executive Regional Minister, Central Rocky Mountain Region

Rev. Ken Marston, Co-Regional Minister, Christian Church in Kansas

Rev. Tom Stanley, Co-Regional Minister, Christian Church in Kansas

Rev. Dean Phelps, Interim Regional Minister, Christian Church Capital Area

Rev. Bill Spangler-Dunning, Regional Minister for the Christian Church in Virginia 

Rev. Dr. Jay R. Hartley, Regional Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona

Rev. Dr. Christal L. Williams, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tennessee

Rev. Christopher B. Morton, Regional Minister, Christian Church in Nebraska

Rev. Allen V. Harris, Regional Pastor & President, Christian Church in Ohio

Rev. Sandy Messick, Regional Minister, Florida Disciples Regional Church

Rev. Dr. Andy Mangum, Regional Minister, Christian Church in the Southwest

Rev. Joshua J. Patty, Regional Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Upper Midwest

Rev. Dale Braxton, Interim Regional Minister, Christian Church in Alabama and North Florida

Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister, Mid-America Region

Rev. Dr. Nadine Burton, Executive Regional Minister, Great River Region

Rev Dr. Don Gillette, Regional Minister, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky

Rev. Dr. Cathy Myers Wirt,  Regional Co-Minister, Christian Church in Oregon and Southwest Idaho

Rev. Dr. La Taunya Bynum, Regional Minister, Christian Church of Northern California/Nevada

Rev. Pamela Holt, Regional Minister, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma

The post Pastoral Letter Addressing the Unjust Rise of Anti-LGBTQIA Legislation in the United States appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

The Board of Directors is searching for an Executive Director who builds and values relationships with students, staff, the board, partner institutions, and donors. DSF seeks an individual who brings creativity and energy for nurturing a spirit of mutuality that strengthens the mission and vision of DSF and establishes best practices for the continuing growth of this non-profit organization that dates back to 1959.

The successful candidate brings experience in nonprofit leadership (or other equivalent experience), a theological, educational or related graduate degree, an awareness of the emerging trends and opportunities in theological education and a willingness to live within commuting distance to Fullerton, CA, in order to be present in the DSF office.

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Early Monday morning, February 6, 2023, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria. At least 78 aftershocks have been reported, and a second earthquake nearly as large (7.5) rocked central Turkey not long after.

General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, Rev. Terri Hord Owens provides a word of lament in response to the devastation and support for the work the church does with Week of Compassion.

Make a gift to Week of Compassion.

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Dr. Delesslyn Audra Kennebrew, J.D., M.Div. is a Visionary Strategist, Faithful Innovator, Inspirational Essayist, and Energizing Preacher. For 16 years, she has worked to give life to the vision and mission of local churches and is currently intrigued by conversations that consider the intersection of faith, innovation, design thinking, and social transformation. Dr. Kennebrew has a passion for helping churches to discern, discover, and develop what’s next. She is founder of The WOVEN Network and co-founder of The Orchid Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit which exists to invest in the lives of girls in Africa by meeting a basic need to promote healthy personal hygiene and cultivate positive self-esteem. She is the founder of The Living Room Christian Fellowship – an online ministry gathering on Facebook Live every Thursday evening and hosted Kids Korner Radio program every Sunday evening for the last ten years. Dr. Kennebrew has also learned the value of rest and has embarked upon a social entrepreneurship endeavor, Morning Glory Retreat, a place for clergy to rest. She hopes to welcome and host faith leaders into this sacred space beginning in Spring 2023.  

She currently serves as the Regional Minister for Ministry Innovation in the Greater Kansas City Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where she gives leadership to church planting, congregational transformation, ministry innovation, and church affiliation. Dr. Kennebrew is now looking forward to leading within the National Convocation as the Administrative Secretary and Associate General Minister. In this new role, she is determined to ensure that the issues, priorities, and constituency of all who make up the National Convocation are represented. She understands that she will lead as an inspiring visionary/advocate, strategic administrator, creative innovator, and faithful follower of Jesus Christ.  

Dr. Kennebrew is an avid writer and has written over 400 blog posts for her blog, Salvation and Stilettos hosted at www.SpiritedConcepts.net. She is also the author of two books: Step Out of the Boat: An Invitation to Walk on Water and The Power to be PERFECT: A Collection of Reflections on Spiritual Perfection. She is a proud graduate of Loyola University New Orleans (B.A. Mass Communications), the University of Arkansas School of Law (J.D.), Emory University – Candler School of Theology (M.Div.), and Columbia Theological School (D.Ed.Min., Doctor of Educational Ministry). Her ministry motto is Colossians 3:17 – And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.  

Dr. Kennebrew will begin her ministry with the National Convocation March 1, 2023. 

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While this survey is voluntary, clergy participation in the survey is extremely important and valued. All responses to the survey will be anonymous and you will not be identified in any way. The survey will be available in both English and Spanish. The results from the survey will be aggregated among the denominations under study and released in a national report in early 2023.  Additionally, the data collected will be made public and available for download on PRRI’s website for use by researchers. 

The link for the survey can be found below. If you have any questions about the study, please feel free to contact PRRI at info@prri.org.  

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Global issues of common concern were prominent across the Assembly: climate change, indigenous persons’ rights, and a desire for just peace in areas of conflict, including Ukraine.  These concerns are interrelated, and throughout the Assembly, voices on the margin (including indigenous, young people, and persons with disabilities) emphatically called on the WCC to work together and include more people at the table in order to tackle these difficult challenges. As Rev. Terri Hord Owens reflected on the event:  

“The work of the World Council of Churches feels very familiar to Disciples, as we proclaim and work towards becoming an anti-racist, pro-reconciling church and continue to expand who is at the table and who gets to be a part of the conversation and really, who gets to shape our shared future. And in doing this work Disciples also recognize the challenge of living into a visible unity, walking together even when we don’t agree.”

At various gatherings, U.S. and Canada Disciples met with other Disciples and Churches of Christ from around the world, to highlight our global connection to each other and our history rooted in the Stone-Campbell movement.  On Thursday September 1, participants from Disciples-affiliated communions around the world gathered together. Coming from Argentina, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Canada, and the United States, the time together provided an opportunity to meet one another and learn more about each other’s contexts and history.

Because the Assembly is a global gathering, Disciples had opportunities to engage with global theologians, including leaders from Faith and Order Commission, to hear some of the challenges and concerns from the ground and the struggle to be together at the Table. While comparatively small in numbers, Disciples contribute greatly and play an important role in the ecumenical movement, as we have throughout our history. Rev. Terri Hord Owens, Disciples General Minister and President, served as moderator of the Education and Ecumenical Formation subcommittee of the Programme Guidelines Committee during the Assembly, a committee that evaluates and gives oversight to the educational component of the WCC.  In addition, she was elected to serve on the Central Committee of the WCC for the next eight years.  

United States and Canada Disciples also gathered over dinner with Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General-Secretary-Elect of the World Council of Churches and a member of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, to hear some of the challenges facing the ecumenical movement today. Dr. Pillay talked about the WCC, what hopes and dreams he has for the global Church, and what keeps him engaged in the ecumenical movement. Even when sharing in the worship and work of the Assembly, the deeply ingrained theological, political, and social conflicts were obvious. Dr. Pillay noted that Disciples have played an important role leading to this Assembly, and discussed how he sees Disciples being even more engaged in the life of the whole ecumenical movement, one that can truly embody the more peaceful world we seek.

It is important for Disciples to be present in global and ecumenical settings, where so much is learned and shared. As Vy Nguyen, Executive Director of Week of Compassion, shared at the end of the Assembly, 

“The WCC uses the language of pilgrimage to articulate the journey of churches all over the world. A pilgrimage of justice. A pilgrimage of love. A pilgrimage that changes all of us. One afternoon I met with the General Secretary of ACT Alliance. We discussed the marginalization of communities around the world, the effects of climate change, and the consequences of colonialism. Then my phone started to buzz. The alerts were about the flooding in Mississippi and Pakistan. That was just the beginning and it wasn’t simply an idea. It reminded me that this work is urgent. This work is immediate.

…Humanitarian work is difficult with enormous implications. Pilgrimages require other people as it involves intentional collaboration and partnership. You never walk alone. I am grateful for this pilgrimage and the people we get to collaborate and engage with in order to make this world a more just and loving place.”

Please visit the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Facebook page for a series of photos and reflections from the leaders, delegates and Week of Compassion sponsored seminarians in attendance at the World Council of Churches 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany.  

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The Church of Impact: a renewed, relevant and relational Church. This is the theme under which the National Hispanic and Bilingual Fellowship (the Obra Hispana) gathered in Fort Worth, Texas for the 21st Biennial Assembly July 21-23, 2022. It was truly an inspirational gathering that brought opportunity to be together in person for the first time since 2018. From the opening lunches for Women, and for the first time, Men; to the youth and young adult activities, and children’s program, fellowship and relationship building were at the center as all sought to be renewed by God and through each other. The opening worship service was a tangible demonstration of the relational church as joining the Obra in worship were the College of Regional Ministers and Forum (Forum of Regional Moderators) who were simultaneously gathered in Fort Worth, and an expansive representation of General Ministries and Higher Education Institutions. Interconnected through linguistic, cultural and contextual differences, the Church gathered to worship the one who is the center of who we are as Disciples of Christ, Jesus. 

A representational worship team comprised of worshippers from six of the nine Hispanic Conventions who did not know each other before arriving in Fort Worth, led the Assembly through Spirit filled and anointed music under the direction of Rev. Ivan Santiago. The relational church tangibly lived out in and thru them as they forged relationship that led to renewal and relevance for each of them as they shared testimony of how the experience impacted their lives and how this would transform ministry for them back in their home congregations. Additionally, this assembly was the most diversely represented in age, clergy/lay representation, and length of time in the Disciples of Christ. A renewed church gathered for powerful preaching and learning, and was challenged to deeper relationship as the Church of Impact. 

Amidst worship and fellowship that filled the spirits of those present, history was in the making. In business session, a resolution to dissolve the Pastoral Commission for Hispanic Ministries was unanimously approved, moving into a renewed and more relevant governance for Hispanic Ministries that removes a patriarchal system of the past thirty years to open a pathway for empowerment for and from within the community. This process will continue forward as a witness for the whole church to General Assembly in 2023. Another historic moment was in the Gala Celebration as those in attendance walked the red carpet to celebrate the thirty-year anniversary of the establishment of the Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries. A panel with three of the National Pastors (Rev. David Vargas, Rev. Pablo Jimenez and Rev. Lori Tapia) and moderated by then Obra Moderator, Rev. Samuel Ramirez, shared stories of moments from the ministry of each’s tenure. The Southwest Hispanic Convention surprised the assembly in the Gala with Mariachi music, prizes and a salsa eating contest, definitely a much-needed time of fun and fellowship that renewed the soul. 

The youth spent time together to explore the assembly theme on a deeper and more contextual level through a powerful message and activities that provided opportunity to embrace their own importance in their local congregations, communities, schools and any other place God sends them to be persons of impact and make a difference in the authentic selves that they each are. 

National Pastor, Rev. Lori Tapia, sharing the message during closing worship, led the assembly through a visual experience of the relational church as she moved to connect, challenge and empower the Church to live into the prophetic declaration of being the Church of Impact God calls us to be for a broken and fragmented world, our families, communities and more. “Let us not be so caught up in programming, so that we can be caught up in the proclaiming of the Gospel in action and love, this is where our relevance lies and our relationship matters,” Tapia shared. The Obra Hispana will gather for the 22nd Biennial Assembly is Kansas City in 2024 and looks forward to the Bilingual Worship Service they will offer at the General Assembly in Louisville in 2023. 

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Search committee chair and DCHS board member, Rev. Rebecca Hale, noted that “This is an important time as the Society builds on the excellent leadership of Rev. Dr. Lowery in expanded digitization, infrastructure improvements, and living ever more fully into the Society’s vision of  ‘celebrating our past and telling its hard truths, we seek a church empowered to make history now and thus to shape a future ever more faithful to God’s dream of unity and justice for all’.”

Through an extensive search process, the Society sought a visionary leader to work alongside the Board of Trustees to lead DCHS into a future that lives into the vision illustrated at the March 2022 Kirkpatrick Lectures with the theme: “Systemic Racism, Antiracism, and Reconciliation in Our Shared History and Tradition.” The ability to make significant gains in digitization, fundraising, and infrastructure improvements were also named as priorities in the search for a new President. 

Dr. Brown recently earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago with a dissertation titled: “Preparing the Way: African American Women and Social Christianity in Turn-of-the-Century Chicago.” He holds a Master of Theology (Th.M.) from Texas Christian University, Brite Divinity School, where his thesis was titled: “White Evangelicals and the Civil Rights Movement” and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Abilene Christian University, Graduate School of Theology. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Abilene Christian University. 

Joel’s recent work includes serving as the Associate for Publications and Programming at the Disciples Divinity House at the University of Chicago, serving as the Managing Editor for the Martin Marty Center for the Public Understanding of Religion, and as the Managing Editor for the Religion & Culture Forum (2016-2018). 

Committee and Board of Trustee members noted that Dr. Brown brings excellent scholarship, a breadth of knowledge related to historical archives, deep connections to the Stone-Campbell traditions, and a visionary yet humble spirit that will guide the Society. Joel’s well lived and clearly articulated commitments to equity and justice work also came to the fore during the search process. 

Dr. Brown notes, “I am incredibly honored and deeply humbled by the call to serve in this leadership role and to continue the important work that DCHS has been doing of preserving and telling our history, both lifting up those narratives that tell of our movement’s faithfulness and achievements as well as reckoning with those parts of our story where we have fallen short and caused harm. As we find ourselves in a particular moment when “history” is being weaponized to narrow minds and hearts, I look forward to working with our churches, ministries, schools, and partners in other streams of the Stone-Campbell Movement to realize that critical and faithful study of our history can be a source for liberation, justice, and wholeness as we move forward into the future.”

Dr. Brown begins his service in on September 1, 2022.

The Search Team was led by Rev. Rebecca Hale, DCHS Board Member; Archie Jenkins, DCHS Board of Trustees Chair and member of Guyton Christian Church in Georgia; Rev. Dr. Tim Lee, Professor, Brite Divinity School; Joyce Lambert, Elder at Philadelphia Fellowship Christian Church in Pennsylvania; Rev. Janae Pitts-Murdock, Senior Pastor, Light of the World Christian Church, DCHS Board Member; Rev. Dr. José Francisco Morales Torres, Professor, Chicago Theological Seminary; Rev. Sandhya Jha, Consultant, Without Fear Consulting; Dr. James Gorman, Professor, Johnson University, DCHS Board Member.

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“Joyful to share the work of the church with these Disciples leaders as part of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches.” With one sentence and a photo from the General Minister and President, the whole Disciples church came into the room in Geneva, Switzerland, joining global ecumenical partners for a week-long conversation and discernment about the church’s direction and faithful witness in turbulent times.  

In whole-committee gatherings and small working-group conversations, representatives addressed several pressing concerns, and voted in a new General Secretary to lead for the next five-year term. 

Ukraine

Member churches last met in mid-February, and are deeply grieved by the invasion and war that has erupted in Ukraine in the months since. 

We lament that … the people of Ukraine are enduring an appalling toll of death, destruction and displacement. … The effects of this conflict also threaten to tip many millions of already food-insecure people into famine in several countries around the world, [and] to provoke widespread social and political instability… 

In their Statement on the War in Ukraine, the WCC commends local churches and specialized ministries for their outpouring of humanitarian response, especially their care for refugees. In a planned ‘Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace’, led by the Acting General Secretary, a WCC delegation will visit Kiev and Moscow, meeting with church leaders there in an effort to “discern the things that make for peace.”

Ethiopia

The Central Committee also discussed what Disciples and their ecumenical partners have often reminded each other:

While the attention of the world is focused on the war in Ukraine, other humanitarian crises – in many cases exacerbated by the effects of that conflict – lack the international attention and response they need.

The Statement on the Humanitarian Situation in Ethiopia names the dire circumstances. Malnutrition is rampant and armed conflict has left public services, water, healthcare, and education decimated. On top of the warring factions, Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa region are suffering one of the most severe droughts in the last forty years. 

The WCC appeals to its members to ensure that these emergencies are not forgotten, and that in addition to providing humanitarian resources, focus must go to the root causes of such crises, especially “fulfilling unmet commitments to climate change mitigation and adaptation.”

Climate

It’s clear that the measurable and accelerating  effects on climate change continue to affect all aspects of life in the global community. As the Statement on the Imperative for Effective Response to the Climate Emergency notes,

Our Christian faith impels us to act – not only to speak – to safeguard God’s Creation, to protect the most vulnerable, and to promote justice. The global community is now faced with an existential need to move and act immediately and effectively for the sake of the whole of Creation…

The Central Committee particularly turns to Indigenous Peoples in this regard. As they occupy 20-25% of the Earth’s land surface, holding 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity, they are “both especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change while being among the least responsible for it, and sources of important wisdom and spirituality for a sustainable future.” 

Moving these conversations forward will be the new General Secretary, elected June 17 2022 to lead the World Council of Churches into the 11th WCC Assembly (this September in Karlsruhe, Germany) and for the next five years. 

Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay is the ninth General Secretary. A native of India, a pastor and theologian, most recently dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, the Secretary-elect comes to this role with a long history of gathering people from different churches to be about the work of transformation and reconciliation. 

I believe that churches coming together is one thing, but we also need to offer guidance and direction to a suffering world. … We don’t just gather to worship and pray and praise —which is a very important thing for us to do—but we also gather to transform the world. … If we learn to trust the work of the Holy Spirit, we can find each other even through difficulties.

A few days before leaving for Geneva, Rev. Terri Hord Owens offered a pastoral word to the Disciples church that rang true for her again as she spent these days in challenging and meaningful conversation with colleagues in the WCC Central Committee:

The power of our hope comes in understanding and recognizing that the love of God is revealed through Jesus Christ and that the power we have through the Holy Spirit helps us to overcome and survive and to transform the world. … May the God of limitless love, may the power of the Holy Spirit, and may the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ give us all that we need to do the work to create a world where all of humanity and creation flourishes.

Disciples who gathered at the WCC Central Committee meeting: 

Rev. Terri Hord Owens – General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada

Rev. Josh Baird – Team Leader, Global H.O.P.E., United Church of Christ

Ana Maria Melilla de Medio – Evangelical Church of the Disciples of Christ in Argentina

Rev. Vy Nguyen – Executive Director, Week of Compassion

Rev. Paul Tche – President, Christian Unity and Interfaith Ministry

Rev. Nathan Day Wilson – World Council of Churches

Vy Nguyen, Ana Maria Melilla de Medio, Terri Hord Owens, Paul Tche, Nathan Day Wilson

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