Have you ever wondered what makes an ordained minister? Is it seminary degree, the fancy robe, or perhaps an unusually robust collection of coffee mugs? Let’s take a humorous but accurate journey into the sacred calling of ordained ministry, guided by the United Church of Christ’s own Manual on Ministry.

by Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, ACM for Authorization, Accountability, and Discernment

Last week, Dr. Toni, Dr. Gloria, and I attended AM21 (Authorizing Ministry for the 21st Century) to help the conference staff hone our skills to become better servant leaders. This year's gathering, themed "Unraveling for Repair," was held in Tempe, Arizona, and provided a transformative experience that challenged us to reflect on how our ministries and leadership are evolving.

The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ offers our deepest sympathies to the Rev. Ann B. Day and all who mourn the passing of Donna Enberg. We hold Ann, their loved ones, and all who grieve in our hearts and prayers, asking for peace and comfort during this time of profound loss.

Donna, along with her wife, Ann, created the UCC's Open and Affirming (ONA) program in 1987. Enberg continued as the program's treasurer for 20 years until her retirement in 2007.

 Together, Ann and Donna were instrumental in developing the most successful and fastest-growing LGBTQ+-affirming church movement in the world.

Job Description

Grant Director: Thriving Churches Initiative “The Journey Project”

NM Conference of Churches

3-5 years Temporary Position

Salary $54,600 per year with 5% COL raise each year, Fringe Benefits at 25% of salary added to salary per year.

Part-time: 25-30 hours per week

 The Grant Director of The Journey Project will direct the Strengthening the Church Initiative for NM Conference of Churches until the end of the grant period 2027 or for extended period as approved by NMCC Board and the Lilly Endowment.

Click through for details.

On behalf of Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the U.S. and Canada and the United Church of Christ in the U.S., we offer our prayers and support to the churches and people of South Korea at this uncertain time. We were deeply concerned when South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol surprisingly declared Martial Law on December 3. However short-lived, President Yoon’s initiative to seize government control to use against political opponents was widely regarded as a self-serving act that threatened the entire nation with fear and instability.

Click through to read the full statement.

“The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:11-12 (NRSVUE)

The Apostle Paul reminds us that God calls individuals into ministry not only to shepherd and teach but also to grow in their own faith and understanding. This growth is vital to equipping the church to navigate a changing world. As the Body of Christ, congregations have a sacred role in nurturing the continuing education of their pastors, ensuring they remain spiritually enriched, theologically informed, and practically equipped to lead with wisdom and compassion.

Clergy continuing education is not merely professional development—it is a spiritual investment in the life of the whole church. A pastor’s learning fosters vibrant preaching, deeper pastoral care, and innovative ministries that address the needs of the community. Whether through supporting sabbaticals, encouraging participation in workshops and conferences, or celebrating milestones in learning, churches have an opportunity to be active partners in their pastor’s growth.