Regions Archives - Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) https://disciples.org/category/regions/ We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness. Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:36:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://cdn.disciples.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06161620/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Regions Archives - Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) https://disciples.org/category/regions/ 32 32 Four DoC Regions seek to call Regional Ministers https://disciples.org/regions/four-doc-regions-seek-to-call-regional-ministers/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:36:35 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=37918 Four Regions of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are announcing the request for “letters of interest” to serve as their next Regional Minister. POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Georgia Regional Minister The […]

The post Four DoC Regions seek to call Regional Ministers appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>

Four Regions of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are announcing the request for “letters of interest” to serve as their next Regional Minister.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Georgia Regional Minister

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia is seeking to call an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to the position of Regional Minister. A Regional Profile and Job Description are posted on the following website: https://www.gadisciples.org/regional-minister-search. Persons who would like to be considered for this position should express their interest via email to Rev. Douglas M. Ivey, Chairperson of the search committee, at garegionsearch@gmail.com or by regular mail addressed as follows:
Search Committee Chairperson
Christian Church in Georgia
2306 Vineville Ave. Suite B
Macon, GA. 31204
Interested persons should also be sure that their Search and Call forms are up to date.
The application deadline is December 27, 2024.
________
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT​ Oklahoma Regional Minister

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma is seeking to call an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to serve as its Regional Minister. A Regional Profile and Position Description are posted at​ https://okdisciples.org/regional-minister-search/ . To be considered for this position, please submit a letter of interest via email to Rev. Susan D. Payne, search committee chair, at OklaDisciplesRegionalSearch@gmail.com, or by postal mail at this address:
Rev. Susan Payne
Search Committee Chair
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma
300 NW 70th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73116-7804
Please ensure that profiles are updated in Search and Call (Disciples Home Missions).
Deadline to respond is January 2, 2025.
_______
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Tennessee Regional Minister

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tennessee is seeking to call an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to the position of Regional Minister. A Regional Profile and Position Description are posted on the following website – https://tndisciples.org.

In order to be considered, all applicants are required to provide updated search and call paperwork. In addition, all applicants are required to mail or email a Letter of Interest to the Tennessee Regional Office addressed to:
LaVerne M Bobo (Search Committee Chairperson)
Christian Church in Tennessee
4006 Ashland City Highway
Nashville, TN 37218
Email address: tnregminsear@tndisciples.org
The application deadline is January 15, 2025.
____
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Illinois/Wisconsin and The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Michigan Regional Minister

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois/Wisconsin and The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Michigan will be seeking to call an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to the position of Regional Minister to lead the two-regions-becoming-one into the future. Persons who would like to be considered for this position should express their interest via email to Sandy Harvey (Regional Minister Search Committee Chair) rmsearch@cciwdisciples.org or paper mail to
Sandy Harvey c/o Christian Church in Illinois/Wisconsin
401 W. Jefferson St.
Bloomington, IL 61701
Questions can also be directed to the Regional Minister Search Partner, Andy Mangum, andy@ccsw.org.

​***NOTE PROFILE WILL BE AVAILABLE in January 2025***

Currently the timeline for calling a settled Regional Minister is:
January 2, 2025–Regional Profile and Position Description available
March 3, 2025–Application Deadline
October 4, 2025–Anticipated Joint Regional Assemblies and anticipated call of Regional Minister

The post Four DoC Regions seek to call Regional Ministers appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
A Statement in Support of Immigrant Communities https://disciples.org/office-of-the-general-minister-and-president/a-statement-in-support-of-immigrant-communities/ Fri, 20 Sep 2024 14:31:48 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=37474 Dear Disciples, and dear friends of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), As members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) we recognize the Biblical mandate to welcome the stranger, […]

The post A Statement in Support of Immigrant Communities appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>

Dear Disciples, and dear friends of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ),

As members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) we recognize the Biblical mandate to welcome the stranger, the foreigner, and the alien. Leviticus 19 tells us not to mistreat the foreigner who resides among us, but instead to “love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” Jesus instructs us to care for the marginalized and oppressed among us, for “just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). As such, our faith compels us to speak out against the dangerous racist and anti-immigrant rhetoric shared earlier this week.

During the US Presidential Debate on Tuesday September 10, Former President Donald Trump amplified false rumors that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were abducting and eating their neighbors’ pets. These false claims echoed similar anti-immigrant comments made by his campaign, including his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance.

This kind of rhetoric is unacceptable. It is dangerous, dehumanizing, and puts already vulnerable communities even more at risk of threats and violence. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is blessed to count Haitian congregations among our membership, including the Haitian Disciples of Christ in Florida who share:

“The recent false accusation against our Haitian community, alleging that we eat cats and dogs, are not only deeply painful but also damaging to our reputation. These unfounded claims perpetuate harmful stereotypes and foster division and mistrust. Our community
is built on respect, tradition, and shared values, and such misinformation
undermines our dignity. It is crucial for us to address these misconceptions
with honesty and compassion, promoting understanding and unity. By standing
together and correcting these falsehoods, we reaffirm our commitment to truth
and the values we hold dear.”


Haitian asylum-seekers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders are not only pursuing what is their legal right, they are also challenging us all to live in full alignment with our religious and spiritual values, which implore us to welcome all people and not to turn our back on those in need.

The former president’s rhetoric targeting Haitians is not just xenophobic– it is anti-Black. Mass migration from Haiti does not occur simply in response to natural disasters – it is closely tied to harmful, racist U.S. and Western foreign policies toward Haiti going back to 1804 when the country was founded by formerly enslaved people who fought for and won their freedom.

Portraying Black immigrants as dangerous fuels the same racist stereotypes that impact Black Americans and Black people across the diaspora. It is a deliberate tactic to spread hate, promote further polarization in our country, and maintain our broken immigration system.

We urge public figures, pastors, faith leaders and political leaders alike to use their platforms to uplift immigrant communities and foster an environment of care and respect, rather than perpetuating division with false narratives.

As a faith tradition, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada is committed to advocating for the dignity, rights, and humanity of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. We stand in solidarity with the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio and across the United States and Canada. We continue to work and pray for humane and just immigration policies and programs.

Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens
General Minister and President

Rev. Allen Harris
Regional Minister in Ohio

Rev. Sandy Messick
Regional Minister in Florida

Click to download a pdf of the letter.






The post A Statement in Support of Immigrant Communities appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
Commemoration and Celebration of Life for Rev. Chris Morton https://disciples.org/regions/commemoration-and-celebration-of-life-for-rev-chris-morton/ https://disciples.org/regions/commemoration-and-celebration-of-life-for-rev-chris-morton/#comments Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:46:44 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=36395 As we continue to hold Rev. Chris Morton’s Family and the Nebraska region in our hearts and prayers, we want to share details regarding the Commemoration and Celebration of Life […]

The post Commemoration and Celebration of Life for Rev. Chris Morton appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>

As we continue to hold Rev. Chris Morton’s Family and the Nebraska region in our hearts and prayers, we want to share details regarding the Commemoration and Celebration of Life Services on April 3rd at 11 am. Bethany Christian Church will livestream the service and you can view it here.

Rev. Sandy Denton and Rev. Melissa Strong, of the Nebraska region, are also requesting we share our stories about Rev. Chris Morton. “Stories are how we share the deepest values and characteristics of a person. It is how we re-member our loved ones in our minds and memories. Rev. Chris Morton touched more lives he probably ever knew. Therefore, we are asking you to share a story of how Chris touched your life, inspired your ministry, or made you laugh.”

Please send your stories to memoriesofrevchris@gmail.com by April 5th. They will then be compiled into a book for his family.

The post Commemoration and Celebration of Life for Rev. Chris Morton appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
https://disciples.org/regions/commemoration-and-celebration-of-life-for-rev-chris-morton/feed/ 1
In Memoriam: Rev. Chris Morton https://disciples.org/regions/in-memoriam-rev-chris-morton/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 21:23:18 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=36377 It is with great sorrow we share that Rev. Chris Morton, Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) passed away on Monday, March 18th. We ask that you […]

The post In Memoriam: Rev. Chris Morton appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
It is with great sorrow we share that Rev. Chris Morton, Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) passed away on Monday, March 18th. We ask that you keep his family and the Nebraska Region in your hearts and prayers.

The post In Memoriam: Rev. Chris Morton appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
Alabama-Northwest Florida Region calls Rev. Kerry Kesey as their New Regional Minister https://disciples.org/regions/alabama-northwest-florida-region-calls-rev-kerry-kesey-as-their-new-regional-minister/ Fri, 16 Feb 2024 14:57:57 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=36061 The Regional Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Alabama—Northwest Florida has called Reverend Kerry Kesey to serve as the next Regional Minister. The historic decision was made with […]

The post Alabama-Northwest Florida Region calls Rev. Kerry Kesey as their New Regional Minister appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>

The Regional Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Alabama—Northwest Florida has called Reverend Kerry Kesey to serve as the next Regional Minister. The historic decision was made with a unanimous vote of the Board during a called meeting on January 11, 2024. Rev. Kesey is the first woman called to serve as ALNWFL Regional Minister and will begin her ministry on April 1, 2024.

Rev. Kesey is currently the minister at First Christian Church Fayette, Missouri, having previously served congregations in Kentucky, Kansas, Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii.

The Search Committee is grateful for all the prayers, feedback, and support from those in the Region. The 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: Clarissa Harms (chair), Giovanni Amar, Rev. Mark Benson, Joe Cunningham, Stuart Price, Kaitlin Richardson, Patricia Jones (moderator-elect), and Rev. Robin Blakemore (moderator).

The post Alabama-Northwest Florida Region calls Rev. Kerry Kesey as their New Regional Minister appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
OGMP announces Director of Communications https://disciples.org/administrative-committee/ogmp-announces-director-of-communications/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 20:43:26 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=35430 The Office of the General Minister and President is pleased to announce that Angelique Jordan Byrd has been appointed as the new Director of Communications, effective January 1, 2024. She […]

The post OGMP announces Director of Communications appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
The Office of the General Minister and President is pleased to announce that Angelique Jordan Byrd has been appointed as the new Director of Communications, effective January 1, 2024. She has a wealth of marketing experience spanning 29 years and is adept at planning and executing omnichannel campaigns with strong analytical, strategy, project management, and leadership skills. She reflects, “working for a major advertising agency, telecommunication company, and a leading utility corporation was rewarding, but nothing compares to using my gifts in ministry.”

She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Advertising from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and a Master of Science Degree in Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University.

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.

The post OGMP announces Director of Communications appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
Christian Church Foundation Board Approves Next Foundation Leader https://disciples.org/general-ministries/christian-church-foundation-board-approves-next-foundation-leader/ Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:22:43 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=35317 The Christian Church Foundation Board of Directors met in Phoenix, AZ, November 10-12, for their fall meeting. The highlight of the meeting was to vote on the recommendation of the […]

The post Christian Church Foundation Board Approves Next Foundation Leader appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
The Christian Church Foundation Board of Directors met in Phoenix, AZ, November 10-12, for their fall meeting. The highlight of the meeting was to vote on the recommendation of the President-Elect for the Christian Church Foundation. The search committee, chaired by Rev. David Yonker, Senior Minister of First Christian Church, Burlington, IA, and current Vice-Chair of the Christian Church Foundation Board of Directors, brought this recommendation after a months-long search process following the executive search model set forth by the Office of General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

The Christian Church Foundation Board of Directors unanimously approved the recommendation from the search committee for Rev. Matt Rosine as President-Elect for the
Christian Church Foundation. Rev. Rosine joined the Christian Church Foundation staff in 2021 as the Vice President for the Great Lakes Zone. He has served congregations and ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for over 20 years. Before joining the Christian Church Foundation staff, he served with Pension Fund of the Christian Church and Disciples Church Extension Fund. Prior to his work there, he served local congregations in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Rev. Rosine is a graduate of Texas Christian University and obtained his Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School.

Rev. Yonker said, “Matt’s professional experience and his personal commitment to financial
stewardship make him the right person to ultimately lead the Foundation. As he prepares to
succeed President Kidwell, he will have our support and prayers.” Moving forward, Rev.
Kidwell and Rev. Rosine will work closely together to ensure a seamless transition.
In other business, the Christian Church Foundation Board of Directors heard a
presentation from investment manager Dodge & Cox, reviewed the impact of the 2023
General Assembly on the Foundation’s ministry, approved the 2024 budget, and elected
Ms. Annabel Santana-Colón of Bronx, NY, to the Board of Directors. The Board
expressed gratitude for the financial stability of the Christian Church Foundation,
acknowledging that this stability could not exist without the support of our trusted
partners and donors.

The Christian Church Foundation Board celebrated the dedicated service of Ms. Gita
Gardner of Lakemont, GA, Mr. Jeff King of Fort Worth, TX, Ms. Angela McDonald Fisher of Solon, OH, Rev. Tanya Tyler of Alto, NM, and Ms. Sharon Worley of El Paso,
TX, as they each ended their service on the Board. The Board also recognized the
incoming Chair, Rev. David Yonker of Burlington, IA, and recognized the outstanding
service of outgoing Chair, Rev. Tanya Tyler. Incoming Board members, Ms. Diana
Brown of Chickasha, OK, Mr. Jared Cline of Fort Worth, TX, Rev. Kara Foster of
Madisonville, KY, and Ms. Patice Holland of Roanoke, VA, all participated in the
meeting as they prepare for their Board terms to begin in January 2024.

The Board’s next meeting will be April 21-23, 2024, in Indianapolis, IN.

The post Christian Church Foundation Board Approves Next Foundation Leader appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
The Capital Area Region calls new Regional Minister https://disciples.org/general/the-capital-area-region-calls-new-regional-minister/ Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:29:15 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=31559 The Regional Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Capital Area has called Rev. Dr. Marcus L. Leathers to serve as the next Regional Minister. The historic […]

The post The Capital Area Region calls new Regional Minister appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
The Regional Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Capital Area has called Rev. Dr. Marcus L. Leathers to serve as the next Regional Minister. The historic decision was made with a unanimous vote of the Board during a called meeting on August 13, 2023. Rev. Leathers is the first African American called to serve as Capital Area Regional Minister and will begin his ministry on September 15, 2023.

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.

The post The Capital Area Region calls new Regional Minister appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
Indiana Region calls next Regional Minister https://disciples.org/general/indiana-region-calls-next-regional-minister/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 16:59:03 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=31501 The Regional Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana has called Rev. Dr. Christal L. Williams to serve as the next Regional Minister. The historic decision was made with a […]

The post Indiana Region calls next Regional Minister appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
The Regional Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana has called Rev. Dr. Christal L. Williams to serve as the next Regional Minister. The historic decision was made with a unanimous vote of the Board during a called meeting on September 2, 2023. Rev. Dr. Williams is the first Black woman called to serve as Indiana Regional Minister and will begin her ministry here in January 2024.

“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.

The post Indiana Region calls next Regional Minister appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
Northern Lights Region launches search for next Regional Minister & President https://disciples.org/general/northern-lights-region-launches-search-for-next-regional-minister-president/ Fri, 16 Jun 2023 16:29:07 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=30749 The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Northern Lights Region is seeking to call an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to the position of Regional […]

The post Northern Lights Region launches search for next Regional Minister & President appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Northern Lights Region is seeking to call an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to the position of Regional Minister & President. Formed in 2020 by the proudly diverse congregations in Alaska, Washington, Northern Idaho, and Montana, the Northern Lights Region serves 50 churches include two Korean congregations, two Samoan congregations, and several blended congregations of Disciples and other faith traditions.

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:

The post Northern Lights Region launches search for next Regional Minister & President appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
Alabama-Northwest Florida Region launches search for next Regional Minister https://disciples.org/general/alabama-northwest-florida-region-launches-search-for-next-regional-minister/ Fri, 16 Jun 2023 16:25:30 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=30748 The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Alabama-Northwest Florida is seeking to call its next Regional Minister to lead and guide the region as a regional church. A diverse group […]

The post Alabama-Northwest Florida Region launches search for next Regional Minister appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Alabama-Northwest Florida is seeking to call its next Regional Minister to lead and guide the region as a regional church. A diverse group of fifty-three congregations in Alabama, the Florida panhandle, and Meridian, Mississippi, the region is seeking an ordained minister within our denomination who values diversity, inclusion, and a commitment to finding ways to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in this day and time.

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:

The post Alabama-Northwest Florida Region launches search for next Regional Minister appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
Pastoral Letter Addressing the Unjust Rise of Anti-LGBTQIA Legislation in the United States https://disciples.org/uncategorized/pastoral-letter-addressing-the-unjust-rise-of-anti-lgbtqia-legislation-in-the-united-states/ Fri, 12 May 2023 15:09:34 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=30515 May 8, 2023  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 […]

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

]]>
May 8, 2023 

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 10th 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).

]]>
Indiana Region seeks next Regional Minister https://disciples.org/regions/indiana-region-seeks-next-region-minister/ Mon, 06 Mar 2023 20:22:25 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=29896 March 6, 2023 The Christian Church in Indiana seeks a new Regional Minister to lead the region with heart and vision beginning in September 2023. The position will provide visionary […]

The post Indiana Region seeks next Regional Minister appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
March 6, 2023

The Christian Church in Indiana seeks a new Regional Minister to lead the region with heart and vision beginning in September 2023. The position will provide visionary and executive leadership to the region’s staff, structure, and program and walk alongside the region’s 130 congregations and their leaders. The Indiana Region is a diverse community of Disciples stretching throughout the state with administrative offices in Indianapolis.

Ideal candidates will possess congregational and regional leadership experience, cross-cultural competency, deep understanding of the Disciples of Christ, and commitment to leading collaboratively. Additional qualifications, job description, and applicant instructions can be found here:

Interested persons should apply as soon as possible, but no later than April 15, 2023. All applicants must have a current profile and references on-file with Search and Call. A Search Committee comprised of Indiana Disciples is reviewing applicant materials in accordance with the executive search model. Rev. Teresa Dulyea-Parker of the Christian Church in Illinois/Wisconsin and Michigan is assisting with the search.

The post Indiana Region seeks next Regional Minister appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
Northern Lights Region calls Interim Regional Minister https://disciples.org/regions/northern-lights-region-calls-interim-regional-minister/ Wed, 28 Sep 2022 13:22:23 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=27487 The board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Northern Lights Region is pleased to announce the calling of the reverend William A. Robey as the region’s Interim […]

The post Northern Lights Region calls Interim Regional Minister appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>

The board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Northern Lights Region is pleased to announce the calling of the reverend William A. Robey as the region’s Interim Regional Minster.  Bill will begin his ministry on October 1 and serve from 12 to 18 months during the search for a new settled regional minister.

Bill, a retired Air Force pilot, is already well-known in the Northern Lights Region having served as the pastor of First Christian Church in Sumner, WA for 12 years prior to retiring.  He also spent a year as the interim minister in Helena, MT in 2006 and 2007 and served seven other congregational interims around the West.  Bill served as the Transformation Team Co-Leader and New Church Coordinator for the former Northwest Region.  He also served as acting regional minister of the Northwest Region during Sandy Messick’s sabbatical in 2014.

“We are excited to move into this next phase of our living into the vision and mission to which God is calling the Northern Lights Region,” said Amy LaCroix, Regional Moderator.  “Bill has many gifts to bring to our work during this interim period.”  “I am honored to be called to the position of Interim Regional Minister and am looking forward to faithfully serving the region and its congregations.”

The post Northern Lights Region calls Interim Regional Minister appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
Imagine with Me: Covenant Imagination in Ohio https://disciples.org/regions/imagine-with-me-covenant-imagination-in-ohio/ https://disciples.org/regions/imagine-with-me-covenant-imagination-in-ohio/#comments Fri, 16 Sep 2022 17:32:34 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=27441 On today’s Imagine with Me, General Minister and President, Rev. Terri Hord Owens welcomes the Rev. Allen Harris, Regional Pastor and President of the Christian Church in Ohio, to share […]

The post Imagine with Me: Covenant Imagination in Ohio appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>

On today’s Imagine with Me, General Minister and President, Rev. Terri Hord Owens welcomes the Rev. Allen Harris, Regional Pastor and President of the Christian Church in Ohio, to share a bit about the transformation he’s seeing across the region and how the Covenant Curriculum has impact how Ohio is imagining its future.

Resources

Find the resources mentioned in the episode, including the Covenant Curriculum used by the Ohio Region, the Covenant Project information and town hall schedule and registration.

Transcript

Rev. Terri Hord Owens: Hello Disciples, welcome to another episode of Imagine with Me this is your General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens and I’m excited to bring you another conversation with an innovative and creative leader from across the church the Rev. Allen Harris who currently serves as the Regional Minister in our Ohio Region. I am delighted to have this conversation with Allen who many of you know and love and who is a dear friend and colleague so welcome to Imagine with Me, Allen. Thank you for making time. 

Rev. Allen Harris: It’s great to be with you, Pastor Terri. Thank you so much for inviting me on to this wonderful presentation that I watch a lot of and really appreciate it.

THO: Well thank you. We’re enjoying doing it and I hope the church is learning a lot from hearing from all these exciting voices. Tell us a little bit about yourself. You’re not new to regional ministry but you currently serve in the Ohio Region so share a little bit about your ministry and then I want to ask you a few things about what’s happening in Ohio

AH: Absolutely. Absolutely. Well I’m proud and pleased and honored to be the Regional Pastor and President of the Christian Church in Ohio. I have been that since April of 2021 and so just about a year and a half into it and finding it to be an exciting and challenging time in the life of the church but that’s not a surprise to anybody and really finding a warm and almost a hungry receptivity to pastoral care and to ideas that are innovative and trying to move the church forward especially after the last couple of years that we’ve had. 

THO: Yes, the last couple of years that we’ve had. Let’s talk about that a little bit. You know congregational ministry has really been a challenge in these last few years and one of the things that I always love hearing about are our stories of how our congregations are simply daring to imagine who we must be as I always say as a new church for a new world. So what’s happening in Ohio? What testimonies and stories can you share of what congregations are doing to reimagine their ministry and to meet the needs of their communities?

AH: Absolutely well if I could share a couple of things first it’s more on a regional level to help serve our congregations during this time. One is an expanded use and kind of a reauthorization of regional elders I know other regions use regional elders and Ohio has done it quite effectively but we’ve really expanded that and part of that’s the recognition that the regional church office is smaller and leaner with less resources than it’s had before and our congregations, our lay leaders as well as clergy are hungry for someone to know that they’re there to hear them when they have a concern about needing connections and networking in the church or their pastors getting ready to go into search and call and need help on their end as well as the church in in search and call. So we’ve really expanded our regional elders and I have to say I’m thrilled at the group that we have right now we have 12 regional elders they are more diverse and representative of this rich region than they have been before and that pleases me greatly. So that’s one thing we’ve done. And also we’re recognizing that more of our congregations are unable to have the resources for a full-time minister and so many of them are relying on part-time especially commission ministers, so we have partnered with the Christian Church in Illinois/ Wisconsin and the Christian Church in Michigan to be part of their school for ministry program. And what’s already in place is a comprehensive three-year program including mentorship for commissioned ministers and we are entering into that so that our commission ministers will have the kind of education and training and support that they need prior to going in or early on in their commission ministry. And I’m thrilled that we’re doing that but our vision the three regions vision is to expand that to also have ongoing clergy continuing education and also that much needed lay education for treasurers and moderators and elders and deacons so I’m really excited about that. So those are a couple of things we’re doing on a region-wide level. 

THO: Yeah, I think now…go ahead, go ahead…I if you were going to tell another story I wanted you to do that. 

AH: Well I have some congregational stories that I’m excited…you know we live in a time where when we sit around chatting about church so often it’s the difficulties but I want to talk about some of the exciting things that are happening. I want to tell you about First Community Church in Dublin, Ohio, which is a multi-campus church in the Columbus area led by Glen Miles who has an amazing staff. Well, one of the things that they have decided to do to move into the future you know particularly acknowledging the need for more conversations about racial justice is that they have called someone that was their intern to be their Minister for Community Justice. And one of the very first things he did was to invite an organization that is called From Guns to Gardens Program. And this artist takes guns and refashions them into artwork for gardens and Community Christian has quite a bit of public space and these artwork pieces now guns that will never be used on the streets again but beautify their sanctuary. So that’s a cool thing.

And I want to talk about a Fifth Christian Church here in my own Cleveland, Ohio, where Rev. Reggie Bunch has been called as the new pastor in the middle of Covid he recognized that the church needed to be a part of the solution and he invited the county health department to come and give Covid vaccines. But he didn’t just want that. He wanted more than that. So they created an outdoor festival in their parking lot and they had health care screenings for all kinds of health conditions. They asked their musicians and their neighborhood musicians to sing and it was it was a community festival all around the health of the community. And that’s you know particularly an African American community and it was wildly successful. 

And then one more example go on and on and on. First Christian Church of Wilmington, Ohio, wanted to respond to what happened in Ukraine the war in Ukraine and they wanted to raise money for the Week of Compassion. They happened to have a world-class classical pianist. And he and another piano friend of his offered to do a concert for Ukraine and they raised a sizable chunk of change for Week of Compassion all in response to what was happening in the world. So those are just some examples of some local congregations in Ohio that are doing something to respond. 

THO: My cup is full Allen with just so much goodness and excitement. Courageous creativity right the willingness to see things differently and to imagine that that a God can do through us more than we could ever ask or imagine. And so I’m really excited. Also really excited about even the collaboration that you lifted up between Ohio and Illinois Wisconsin and Michigan. People may or may not know Illinois Wisconsin was where I served for all of my ministry I was ordained to Indiana but lived and served in Illinois Wisconsin. So I know that region and know those people well and I’m excited about even the collaboration between Illinois Wisconsin and Michigan that’s present in a new covenant agreement that they have. And as a bi-vocational pastor I certainly understand that environment where congregations are not able to afford a full-time minister and people who have prepared for ministry in lots of different ways and supporting them and that ongoing education. 

And I finally am really excited because I know how much congregations need that ongoing development for moderators and lay leaders in the church. I think that’s board development at the congregational, regional and even general level is one of the real challenges in our church that people come to those positions not really understanding not just fiduciary responsibility but things like managing executives and handling budgets but the human aspect of being faithful of fiduciaries in those environments. So lots of good stuff lots of good stuff there. 

And at the heart of it all right isn’t it this covenant in design? In our design it says that we’re bound together by God’s covenant of love both to God and with one another you have in the Ohio region used our new covenant curriculum and we’ve been doing all these town halls to talk to the church and share with them what we call the Covenant Project about new ways in which we hope the church will be able to connect and congregations will be able to connect. And not just with the General Assembly but with the General Board and the ways in which we make make decisions together but tell us about how Ohio entered into using the Covenant Curriculum. How do you think it went what would you recommend about it and what benefits do you think it had for Ohio? Lots of questions there but tell us about that curriculum and how you used it and what the benefits were. 

AH: let me begin with a huge thank you for making covenant such an important part of your ministry as our General Minister and President I’m a Christian educator I was tutored by Jay Cy Rowell at Brite Divinity School and I will forever be a teacher at heart and so when I saw one of the first things you did was to create a curriculum around covenant my heart leapt with joy so I knew we were going to offer it immediately and then when I looked at the curriculum and saw how he questions were framed in such a powerful way how the videos went so perfectly well with what you were trying to express. I knew we were going to use it. So the first thing I did was I needed it to be available to as many people as possible and I knew at that moment this was a year ago that that needed to be virtually. 

So I asked one of my friends, yes, I went to a friend reverend Heidi Barham who is pastor of Ledgewood Christian Church in Novelty, Ohio. She also happens to be in charge of diversity equity inclusion at the Hospice of the Western Reserve. I ask her to teach with me and after about a millisecond she said yes. So we taught five sessions opened it to anyone and everyone in the region and I think we even had some folks from beyond the Christian Church in Ohio and we had some great sessions. Every night it was you know “oh, our time is up can’t we talk a little longer?” I felt people were hungry. I just think, Terri that people haven’t been given the language. We know, we know contracts. We know laws. We even know vows and promises but we don’t know covenant so well. And yet it is I like to say covenant is the glue that holds the church together so I just really appreciated that so that was one thing. 

We did but then almost immediately Candace Wilson who is our moderator for the regional church council said “well, I think this ought to be required of our regional church council members.” Why would we gather Regional Church Council together if I don’t know what covenant means so she personally led a series of virtual gatherings, classes, workshops conversations for our council members. We are considering now making that a regular part of our orientation for regional church council. But wait there’s more so both of these things I mean you know you lead by uh example and so our congregations uh began to take it up and do and lead it in their own congregations. And I was so thrilled when I heard from Rev. Becky Lynn Gregory who is the Interim Pastor at Compass Christian Church in Mason, Ohio. She said “oh I’m going to do a sermon series on the Covenant Curriculum and include the curriculum” and the curriculum would be the basis for the sermon. They redesigned their sanctuary. They had movable space so they put round tables in for worship which was kind of you know revolutionary um bright colored tablecloths and they did the curriculum in the middle of worship. And she said it was wildly successful. 

But then she invited me to preach the Sunday after the curriculum was concluded. And I tell you I could preach on covenant all day long and of course I preached on Jeremiah 31 particularly 33-34, you know. The covenant that I will make with the house of Israel I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people. And one of the things I talk about in that sermon is that I love covenant because it’s not forced on you it’s laid upon your heart. And there’s the ancient Jewish story that you know a rabbinical student asks the master “why lay it on the heart why not put it in the heart?” And the rabbi said well “you know my student that’s because when the heart is broken the covenant can fall in and that’s when you need covenant most is when your heart is broken.” 

THO: oh wow

AH: So we, I love that curriculum it’s really well done and you got some great speakers so thank you know excellent 

THO: I think you know as our committee of our general board began to we went to retreat in the desert in Arizona thinking about uh where God was leading the church and how could we be a more nimble church how could we learn these lessons and not only share stories of what we’re doing in ministry but enable our relationship across these three expressions of the church to be more robust and meaningful that people needed to be connected. And I think that you know even as I travel around there are people who are still I’m not as familiar with say the regional expression of the church or the general expression of the church. And that notion of covenant, as opposed to contract right we have an ecclesial polity where we don’t you as a regional minister don’t appoint pastors. I have uh very little operational authority over general ministries or regions this this doesn’t work by force of contract or by gavel it works because we all choose to be in this relationship and that we choose to live not only into that covenant that’s laid on our hearts but the covenant that Jesus institutes at the table, where we’re all welcome. So I think that is so important so there was a wonderful team of folks who helped write and put that together and I’m sure when this video is posted there will be a link to that curriculum. It’s free it’s all online there are no books to buy but videos there are study guides and I think there’s so much more that that we want to get that curriculum out to even more churches and congregations. So what’s been I think the thing I love is that you’ve seen it work at the regional level even for your regional council as well as your congregations. Have you had participation in our Covenant town halls the Covenant Project? How are people responding to that? This is sort of a follow-on we were preparing the soil if you will for the work that we believe we needed to do as a church, yes, starting with that theological foundation. To share in the time that we have left maybe share a little bit about how people are receiving the Covenant Projectwhich talks about how we’re going to be changing the way in which we relate to each other not restructuring ourselves but changing the way we make decisions together.

AH: well I so appreciate the Covenant Project because it does build on the theological work you’ve already done but it leads by example. I just love that because a covenant is about relationship more than it is anything. And the way that you all the general church is working with the larger church in the local congregations and regions to move through these pretty big changes is done in a relational way not a top-down way not you know some decree or fiat. And so it’s being very well received lots of people are talking about it and I’ve got all of my regional elders making sure that it’s talked about in our in our district so thank you for leading by example I think the changes that are to come will be needed and I will think will be much more received well received because of how it was rolled out

THO: Oh awesome. That blesses me to know and to hear that and that’s what we’re hearing in the town halls we’re actually taking little polls to see, are you excited? Are you understanding? Offering people a chance to ask questions or even to schedule we’ve scheduled some um town halls we did a town hall for the staff of one of our general ministries. We’re doing one at I’m doing one at Disciples Divinity House at University of Chicago for those students. We’re doing one for Disciples Seminary Foundation. Certain regions we’re doing them with clergy so if there’s an opportunity for more information and more engagement and people have said by and large we’re modeling this is what we’re doing. If it looks like this, if it looks like being able to engage and ask questions and really feel like the congregation is connected not only to the region but to the general church that the assembly basically could be called into session at any time and that the power really and the connection now that congregations understand that they too are directly engaged in that work that’s just been really, really exciting.

AH: amen and thank you. Amen. 

THO: Thank you for that I received that on behalf of the General Board and the Governance Committee and all the folks who have worked so hard  to make these things happen. Allen we could talk all day I’m so grateful for your collegiality and ministry for your friendship, for the vision and for the passion with which you lead. Ohio is blessed to have you and we’re just so grateful uh for your coming on today just to share how Ohio is leveraging this conversation about covenant. And what excites me more than anything is it is yielding connection, it is yielding excitement and God be praised. So we thank you for your time and thanks for being on with me today, I so appreciate it.

AH: It’s my honor. 

THO: Well folks there you have it another episode of Imagine with Me. I tell you I’m blessed beyond words whenever I hear of how congregations are trusting God and daring to imagine who they must be in this new world, believing in God’s limitless love and trying to live inside God’s limitless imagination. How exciting and I’ll be eager to hear other stories from other regions as we move through this this journey to General Assembly 2023. 

Look on the posting here for the link to that Covenant Curriculum your congregation, your Region, your General Ministry wherever you are um we can certainly even help you find facilitators to lead that curriculum if that’s the support that you need to do it and we want to hear your stories about the difference that this curriculum and the theological understanding of covenant is making in the lives of your congregation and your communities so thanks for watching and be sure to check us out next time when we’ll have another episode of Imagine with Me remember that God loves you and so do I God bless.

The post Imagine with Me: Covenant Imagination in Ohio appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
https://disciples.org/regions/imagine-with-me-covenant-imagination-in-ohio/feed/ 1
Covenant Journal 2022 https://disciples.org/general-board/covenant-journal-2022/ Wed, 25 May 2022 09:30:00 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=26996 In spring of 2022 the General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) gathered digitally to prayerfully consider the work of the church. The Covenant Journal highlights the reports […]

The post Covenant Journal 2022 appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
In spring of 2022 the General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) gathered digitally to prayerfully consider the work of the church. The Covenant Journal highlights the reports and work from that gathering as well as features upcoming events in the life of the church.

The post Covenant Journal 2022 appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
Imagine With Me: Regional Ministry https://disciples.org/congregations/imagine-with-me-regional-ministry/ Fri, 10 Dec 2021 07:29:00 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=26299 “Our part of the church way over here across the mountains in in northern California/Nevada belongs to Arizona, and belongs to the Southwest, and belongs to Oklahoma, and belongs to […]

The post Imagine With Me: Regional Ministry appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>

“Our part of the church way over here across the mountains in in northern California/Nevada belongs to Arizona, and belongs to the Southwest, and belongs to Oklahoma, and belongs to Ohio, where I lived for a long time. And so, we’re all in this church together, doing things together that none of us can do by ourselves. And so, that’s one of the ways that we are in covenant with each other, which I think of as a kind of holy agreement to be a church.” – Rev. Dr. LaTaunya (Toni) Bynum, regional minister for Northern California/Nevada region and president of the College of Regional Ministers.

Rev. Terri Hord Owens talks with three regional ministers about the work made possible by the Christmas offering and Disciples Mission Fund. Rev. Dr. LaTaunya Bynum of the Northern California/Nevada region, Rev. Dr. Andy Mangum of the Southwest region, and Rev. Pam Holt of the Oklahoma region share stories of the work and impact of regional ministry.

Find out more

The post Imagine With Me: Regional Ministry appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
Michigan, Illinois-Wisconsin regions make strides in working together https://disciples.org/regions/michigan-illinois-wisconsin-regions-make-strides-in-working-together/ Fri, 30 Jul 2021 18:08:36 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=25477 $15,000 Oreon E. Scott Grant to develop region partner relationship Teresa Dulyea-Parker and Eugene James, Regional Ministers of the Christian Church in Illinois/Wisconsin and Michigan, respectively, have announced the receipt […]

The post Michigan, Illinois-Wisconsin regions make strides in working together appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
$15,000 Oreon E. Scott Grant to develop region partner relationship

Teresa Dulyea-Parker and Eugene James, Regional Ministers of the Christian Church in Illinois/Wisconsin and Michigan, respectively, have announced the receipt of a $15,000 grant from the Oreon E. Scott Foundation, Indianapolis, to support the regions as they move toward working together in a new partner relationship.

Beginning in January 2022, Rev. Dr. Dulyea-Parker is expected to serve both Illinois/Wisconsin and Michigan Regions as Regional Minister and to lead the two regions in discovering mutual means of engaging in ministry together even as they continue to be two legally independent regions. Rev. James will retire as Michigan Regional Minister in December.

“This grant will help us become a new model for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by carrying out regional ministry in a shared collaborative partnership within two Regions,” noted the Rev. Dr. Dulyea-Parker. “We look forward to drawing upon leadership and program gifts within each region that will strengthen our congregations.”

The new Partner plan includes Michigan calling four clergy as Regional Associates. They will receive a stipend, work part-time in supporting a cluster of congregations and clergy in their districts.

“Building up the spirit of connection among clergy and congregations in the four districts of the Michigan Region also will be an emphasis going forward,” Rev. James said. “The grant will provide support for the strategies developed by the Michigan Region’s Church Growth and Vitality Commission, working with Regional Associates and the Regional Minister,” he added.

Several events are planned in 2022 to launch the partnership, including a clergy retreat in April for clergy from both regions and fall leader events for local churches.

Dr. David Anderson Hooker of the Kroc Institute at Notre Dame University will be the keynoter at the Clergy Retreat, focusing on issues of anti-racism. Dr. Hooker is Professor of the Practice of Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies within the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs.

The post Michigan, Illinois-Wisconsin regions make strides in working together appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
Florida seeks regional minister https://disciples.org/general-church-positions/florida-seeks-regional-minister/ Wed, 28 Jul 2021 13:39:26 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=25464 The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Florida is seeking to call an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to the position of Regional Minister. A Regional Profile […]

The post Florida seeks regional minister appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Florida is seeking to call an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to the position of Regional Minister. A Regional Profile and Position Description can be accessed here.

All applicants are required to provide updated search and call paper work in order to be considered. Furthermore, all applicants are required to submit a Letter of Interest to:
Alice Price, Chair of the RM Search Committee
9600 Royal Palm Blvd.
Coral Springs, FL 33065.

The application deadline is September 15, 2021. 

The post Florida seeks regional minister appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>
Imagine With Me: Spiritual Development https://disciples.org/congregations/imagine-with-me-spiritual-development/ Fri, 23 Jul 2021 12:08:45 +0000 https://disciples.org/?p=25347 As we know, there are so many folks that are just yearning for a deep relationship with God and to be able to provide a tool, a resource, for folks […]

The post Imagine With Me: Spiritual Development appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>

As we know, there are so many folks that are just yearning for a deep relationship with God and to be able to provide a tool, a resource, for folks to be able to really just allow their heart, their soul, their mind, their body, and spirit to to get close to God, and to explore and discern what God has. – Rev. Becky Sundquist, First Christian Church, Highland, IN

Rev. Terri Hord Owens talks with people from the Indiana Region who have been working to build spiritual maturity through some fresh thinking encouraged by the region. Included in the conversation were Rev. Becky Sundquist of FCC Highland, Rev. Melissa Kleinschmidt and Sara Shierling of Countryside Christian Church. Countryside built a labyrinth to serve their community.

Find out more:

The post Imagine With Me: Spiritual Development appeared first on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

]]>