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.

All active or retired clergy are invited to attend this year's Clergy Summit Retreat for fellowship, relaxation, and learning. The two-day retreat will take place at the Disciples Ministry Center (DMC) in Fullerton and in the surrounding area on October 16-17, 2025.

Thursday, October 16
Thursday after lunch is reserved for a selection of activities, including visiting the Bower’s Museum to view the Terracotta Warriors from China and other exhibits, participating in the Red Lantern Escape Rooms, or playing Miniature Golf. Hotel rooms are available free of charge for active clergy – pastors or chaplains – traveling more than 25 miles from the Disciples Ministry Center.

 Friday, October 17
On Friday morning, we'll learn about Regional and General church resources in a unique format. In the afternoon, active clergy can rest while retired clergy attend a dedicated workshop.

Tentative Schedule

Thursday, October 16th

11:00 am: Check-in at the DMC and receive box lunch 

Afternoon Activities: 

12:00 pm: Leave for clergy’s choice of activities:

1. Visit to Bowers Museum - Sponsored by New Church Ministry

This is in keeping with the Regional Gathering theme of Unbreakable Hope: God’s Power in Clay Jars: World of Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century “The core theme of the exhibit is about the social and cultural changes from about 2300 B.C.E to 206 B.C.E in the province.”

2. Play miniature golf at Camelot Golfland, Anaheim

3. Red Lantern Escape Room, Brea

3:00 pm Check in at the Marriott Hotel

5:00 pm Return to the DMC for mocktails, dinner, conversation, dessert, and coffee

Friday, October 17th

8:30 am Continental breakfast at the DMC

9:00 am For Such a Time as This: Resourcing Clergy 

Lunch

Active Clergy: Free time 

Retired Clergy: Workshop from Older Adult Ministry: “5 Wishes” 

5:00 pm  Return to DMC for dinner, entertainment, fellowship, dessert and coffee

Register today by clicking here. Summit registration closes October 13th. (The deadline has passed to RSVP for the museum visit). A $50 refundable deposit reserves your event spot. Meals will be available starting with a box lunch on Thursday, and musical entertainment is scheduled for the Friday evening dinner. 

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

ALLIANCE Q: COLORS OF HOPE RETREAT
October 13-16, 2025
Camp Christian, Marysville, Ohio

Theme: Ancestral Curses, Lessons + Blessings – Being the Best of What Has Been

In a world grappling with division, fear + unraveling justice, hope is no longer optional—it’s essential. AllianceQ invites you to the 2025 Colors of Hope Retreat, which offers a sacred pause + a powerful return to ourselves + our ancestors. Together, we’ll draw wisdom from what was, so we can become what’s needed now. This retreat invites us to confront ancestral wounds, embrace hard-earned lessons + carry forward blessings with boldness.

This year’s theme calls us into deep exploration of legacy, healing + possibility. Through ritual, rest, joyful connection + collective learning, we’ll ask: What do we carry? What can we lay down? What must we pass on? Because to hope is to resist. To gather is to remember. And to remember is to heal. We can’t wait to gather with you. Register today!

MIGRATION: SHAPING THE NARRATIVE
PACIFIC SCHOOL OF RELIGION

Join the Pacific School of Religion for the 2025 Earl Lecture Series—this year’s theme is Migration: Shaping the Narrative. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and connections, we’ll explore how stories of migration—past and present—can reclaim power, resist erasure, and shape more just and compassionate futures. We’ll ask what it means to center lived experience, shift dominant narratives, and take collective action toward a world where all belong.

The event begins with the 2025 Distinguished Alumnx Banquet, followed by a day of Earl Lectures that will include engaging speakers, thoughtful discussion, and community worship.
Visit psr.edu/earl2025/ for details.

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

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.