Christian Church | Pacific Southwest Region

All Licensed and Ordained Ministers in the Pacific Southwest Region are required to meet the minimum standard of 1.5 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) per year to maintain standing in the PSWR, effective January 1, 2006. 1.5 CEUs equals 15 hours of instructional time.  

Ministers can earn CEUs by attending either Regionally sponsored and other religious/spiritual educational opportunities not sponsored by the PSWR. 

To apply for CEU credit for Regionally sponsored events, a CEU credit form will be provided for you at the event and will be stamped by event leaders at the end of the event. The minister is then required to submit this stamped form to the Regional Office for the credit to be applied to their ministerial profile. Submit the form and documentation via email to Michel Johnson at mjohnson@docpswr.org or a copy mailed to the Regional Office. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.

To apply for CEU credit for events not sponsored by the PSWR, download and print the PSWR CEU Form. Complete the form and attach proper proof that you completed the instructional hours. Submit the form and documentation via email to support@disciplespswr.org or a copy mailed to the Regional Office. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.

Upcoming CEU opportunities will often be shared via PSWR E-Shout. Use the form below to sign up to receive these emails. Please scroll down below for a list of upcoming CEU opportunities. You can also check the PSWR Regional Calendar and the “Upcoming Events” page for information on upcoming events.

MEDICAID, MEDICARE, SNAP AND YOU: WHAT TO EXPECT, WHAT TO DO
Thursday, October 23 | 4:30 pm PT
Webinar

Hosted by National Benevolent Association (NBA), this webinar will address the implications of H.R. 1, also known as the Big Beautiful Bill. We will develop a discussion on evaluating its impacts and explore ways for communities to resist it, as well as equip them for organizing, prophetic, and pastoral work. We will focus on the effects of H.R. 1 on healthcare and food assistance programs, particularly Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP. 

There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Learn more.

PREPARING FOR THE MARATHON: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS FOR THE LONG, SLOW WORK OF JUSTICE
October 25, 2025 | 10 am - 3 pm PT

Disciples in Southern California have been on the front lines of big, public problems in recent months. From heightened immigration enforcement and racial profiling, to the devastation of wildfires throughout the region, to affordable housing, and the deployment of the national guard, none of our churches are untouched by these disasters. 

On October 25th, Week of Compassion is gathering leaders who want to build the capacity to confront these public problems for a day of conversation and training to help us break out of our silos and build resilient relationships. These relationships are the fuel that will sustain our work for the long haul. If you are a pastor or lay leader who is ready to listen deeply and have meaningful conversations, build relationships to take action, and move toward solidarity with others, this is for you. We will gather from 10:00-3:00 at Downey Memorial Christian Church, and lunch will be provided.

On Sunday, October 26th, we invite you and your congregation to join us for a shared worship service at East Whittier Christian Church as an outward expression of the unity of purpose and solidarity we are creating together and to celebrate being in community with one another. 

Register here

OLDER ADULTS TO MEDITATE!
Wednesdays, October 29 - November 19
9:00 am PT | Webinar
Presented by Older Adult Ministries

Enrich your spiritual life and that of others by following the contemplation resource, “Looking for God Over Your Shoulder.” It will be our guide to a different topic each week. An image, scripture verse, meditation reflection, and prayer will be shared. Then participants will be invited to explore discussion prompts. Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister of the Mid-America Region, has been a participant in contemplative meditation circles in earnest for a decade and will lead our discussions. He practices daily meditation either alone, with his family, or with an online community. He has written, with other Disciples, “Looking Over God’s Shoulder: A Contemplation Guide for Older Adults.” Learn more.

ADULTING 101: THINGS NOBODY TAUGHT ME ABOUT MONEY
November 5 | 4:00 pm PT Webinar

Hosted by National Benevolent Association (NBA), this dynamic three-part webinar series empowers youth and young adults to reimagine their relationship with money. Hosted in partnership between the Making a Child Change (M.A.C.C.) Foundation, Disciple Home Mission’s YAYA Ministries, and NBA’s Young Adult Leadership Development Program, each session combines practical financial tools with reflection on money as a tool, a privilege, and a responsibility.  

Participants will explore: 
Mindset: Unpacking family stories, spiritual wisdom, and historical context around money. 
Behavior: Building financial agency through budgeting, intentional spending, and foundational habits. 
Legacy: Planning for the future with strategic saving, debt management, investing, and generosity. 

The schedule for the series is as follows: Part I- November 5th Part II- December 10th Part III- January 21st

There is no cost to attend. Register now for Part I

‘PREACHING IN THE DESERT”
DISCIPLES PREACHING EVENT
November 10-12, 2025 Scottsdale, AZ

Doesn't it often feel like our souls and our spirits are as parched as desert sand? And yet, the desert is teeming with life, often beneath the surface where we can't quite see it. It's a place of resilience and growth. Preaching, even in the desert, is no wasted effort; it's an act of faith, a commitment to hope. This fall, Disciples clergy are invited to come to the desert… to hear good preaching, to think together about our calling, to find water for our thirsty souls, to discover life where we least expect it.

Leadership at this retreat includes our own Rev. Dr. Jonathan Hall from First Christian Church, North Hollywood and Dr. Jonli Tunstall from Abundant Life Christian Church.
Learn more or register here

2025 MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT FOR CLERGY
Saturday, November 15 | 8:15 am PT
Presented by National Benevolent Assoc.

The 2025 Mental Health Summit for Clergy is a three-hour virtual summit designed to equip clergy with essential mental health knowledge to better support themselves and their congregations. Through expert-led sessions and practical discussions, participants will explore how to recognize mental health challenges and respond with care, how to build effective partnerships with community mental health, and learn how to intentionally weave mental health and wellness awareness into every aspect of congregational life, from sermons and small groups to outreach and pastoral care. As we acknowledge the emotional demands of ministry, this summit also offers tools to support clergy well-being as they become informed, compassionate leaders in promoting mental well-being in their faith communities. Click here for more information about the agenda, the event or to register.

RHYTHM OF GRACE: AN ADVENT PAUSE
Monday, December 1 | 10:00 am PT
Presented by National Benevolent Assoc.

Join the Mental Health and Wellness Team for a sacred space of stillness and renewal. This Sacred Sabbath Rest Practice is a gentle invitation for clergy to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the spirit of Sabbath before the busyness of Advent Season. Through collective rest, reflective practices, and restful wellness tools, we’ll create a sanctuary to simply be. Whether you’re journaling, meditating, lying in quiet, or engaging in guided reflection, you’ll be held in a space that honors your need for rest and spiritual care. As you prepare to minister and care for others this Advent, you deserve to begin from a place of rest. Leave feeling refreshed, grounded, and deeply nourished. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Click here for more information and to register.

NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH MORE HOPE, PEACE, LOVE AND JOY!
Wednesday, December 3 | 9:00 am PT
Presented by National Benevolent Assoc.

Sometimes sadness and grief can overtake the joy of the holiday season. We may find ourselves just going through the motions, forgetting the real reason we are busily preparing – yet we know we feel sad. Join us to share and learn ways to honor the sadness and loneliness, and find ways to rekindle feelings of Love, Peace, Hope and JOY!

Webinar Co-Leaders:

Rev. Lina Eddy is the Silver Chalice Guide and a transitional interim pastor in Missouri. She has been involved with Older Adult Ministries and has co-led webinars on grief and joy during the holidays.

Rev. Brett Winters is pastor of Sun City Christian Church in Sun City, AZ. Sun City CC has been an older adult ministry church since its inception, and is a Silver Chalice-designated congregation.

There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Click here for more information or to register.

FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY: CONNECTING THE PIECES – LEADERSHIP AND SYSTEMS WISDOM
January 6 – March 3, 2026 4:00-6:00 pm PT
Offered by Disciples Interims

This interactive and immersive course introduces ministers to Family Systems Theory (Bowen), inviting deep personal reflection and bold self-leadership. Participants will explore how vulnerability and curiosity lead to transformation—not just in their ministry contexts, but in themselves.

You will gain:
✅ A strong foundation in the Eight Concepts of Bowen Theory
✅ Insights into your family of origin through genogram work
✅ Tools to observe and lead in anxious ministry systems
✅ A supportive community for peer consultation and coaching
✅ Clarity in how vulnerability becomes a strength in leadership

This course is led by faculty Rev. Donald Chase, Rev. David McVey, Rev. Dale Matherly. Cost is $600.00. Click here to register. For more information, contact Rev. Scott Woolridge, swoolridge@dhm.disciples.org

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY - EMERGE
Asynchronous Online Course

New Church Ministry is now offering a Leadership Academy course on CHURCHx, an elearning platform built to support mission and ministry. Learn about the DisciplesNEXT framework from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. This course is ideal for those who work during the week or are bi-vocational. While it provides the same curriculum as those who attended Leadership Academy in person, only the EMERGE track session is currently available. EMERGE participants discern their missional purpose, develop their future stories, and prepare their communities of faith for launch. However, workshops and resources are continuously being added. Access to this course never expires. Learn more

New Church Ministry proudly presents IMPACT, a new webinar series that welcomes you on a captivating journey of storytelling and deep mutual learning. In each episode, host and Minister of New Church Strategies Rev. Dr. Jose Martinez invites guests who have defied conventions and fostered vibrant communities of faith to share their invaluable experiences and personal narratives. By exploring the challenges, triumphs, and transformative moments of these visionary leaders, attendees gain invaluable inspiration and direction for their own ventures. 

This dynamic series embraces diversity, welcoming influential leaders from a multitude of faith traditions and backgrounds. From established religious institutions to emerging spiritual movements, IMPACT showcases a broad spectrum of voices and perspectives, ensuring participants have a rich tapestry of insights to draw from. While each of its speakers bring a distinct approach and innovative strategies to the table, equipping participants with a toolkit of ideas to create thriving, inclusive places of worship that resonate with today’s seekers, IMPACT emphasizes the power of storytelling as a catalyst for change. Whether you are an aspirational individual looking to make a difference or a member of an established congregation that is considering revitalizing its mission, IMPACT is your transformative guide. Join us as we delve into the profound potential that storytelling has to shape the future of faith communities worldwide. Together, we can ignite a new era of spiritual vitality and make an enduring impact on the lives of those we serve.

CERTIFICATE IN PASTORAL MINISTRY

Join the conversations that will expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitments, and give insights on how to minister in a changing world. The Center for Ministry and Lay Training's online program allows you to explore your call to ministry or even earn a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry. Click here to apply.

Phillips is the only Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) seminary offering this Certificate in Pastoral Ministry. Since 1906, Phillips has been educating those who serve the church and is pleased to continue the 120-year legacy of the Bible College of Missouri through the Center for Ministry and Lay Training.

As a student, you’ll not only learn from our top-notch faculty, but you’ll also build a network of others engaged in ministry. The Center for Ministry and Lay Training is not designed for those who want to do ministry the way it’s always been done. If you want to make a difference in this changing world, we’ll help you push beyond your comfort zone. Learn more about the program and upcoming course schedule.

Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry training consist of two steps and a small group Fieldwork experience. The first step is Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry: The Work of the Leader (FTML). The second step, Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry: The Work of the Congregation (FTMC) builds on the information and experiences of FTML. The curriculum is designed for experiential learning throughout. Participants read content prior to class so that they are able to use the information to understand specific transition situations as found in sacred stories or in congregational case studies. Even in the virtual world connections and conversation are a vital part of the IMN FTM training.

UN*SILENCE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: BECOMING A SENSITIVE RESPONDER TO THE HIDDEN PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS

Clergy and lay leaders who are passionate about reducing Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence (DV/IPV) can sign up for a 5 hour training facilitated by Courtney Armento. The course is available for a discounted rate of $117 and is self-paced with occasional live sessions with Courtney for Q&A. In the course, you will discover what to say (and what not to say) to those experiencing DV/IVP so that you facilitate spaces of calm in the midst of their storm. You will become equipped to create safe spaces so that you can empower those going through DV/IVP to make conscious choices. With your help, we can turn around the toxic culture of DV/IVP that unfortunately many have experience in churches and reduce -- dare we say eliminate? -- DV/IVP in our communities. Sign up for the course here (CEU credits available)

Several ministries are offering online trainings and webinars for clergy and church leaders. One source is New Church Hacks, offered by New Church Ministry, a ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that trains, equips, assists and multiplies emerging and affiliating congregations and leaders. New Church Hacks provides clever solutions to tricky problems and empowers courageous leaders with the tools, tips and how-tos to start, sustain and strengthen congregations.

ChurchWest Insurance and their partners are busy developing tools to help your ministries in the weeks and months to come. Please visit their website to browse available webinars. CEU credits will be given based on the length of the webinar session (most sessions average one hour).

The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center provides speakers and education resources for churches of all denominations on biblical peace and justice issues, as well as conflict transformation skills training and training for church leaders grounded in family systems theory. It also provides mediation and consultation services for churches, schools, and other organizations. Please visit their website to browse available webinars and educational opportunities. CEU credits will be given based on the length of the webinar session.

Union Theological Seminary | Progressive theology has long taken shape at Union, where faith and scholarship meet to reimagine the work of justice. Grounded in the Christian tradition and responsive to the needs of God’s creation, a Union education prepares its students for committed lives of service to the church, academy, and society. A Union education develops practices of mind and body that foster intellectual and academic excellence, social justice, and compassionate wisdom. Union forms courageous faith leaders who make a difference wherever they serve. Please visit their website to browse available webinars and educational opportunities. CEU credits will be given based on the length of the webinar session.