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.

DSF CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
ONLINE COURSES

Registration is still open for The Church at Work: Worship, Preaching, and Pastoral Care, beginning September 1 and part of the DSF Certificate Program.

This course will address ways we give voice to the gospel within our churches and wider communities, focusing on preaching and worship in local contexts (rural, urban, etc.), teaching, and providing care to individuals and families. Special attention will be given to storytelling, planning worship, and liturgical occasions (such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals) in cultural perspective.

The course is designed for your busy life: the first three weeks are fully asynchronous, wrapping up with a live Zoom session on September 25 from 6-8 pm PT for group conversation and connection. Register now!

Registration is now open for The Pastoral Leader: Spirituality, Ethics, and Justice, beginning October 5 and part of the DSF Certificate Program.

How do pastoral leaders spiritually sustain themselves and their congregations/organizations to create the kinds of change they want to see in their communities?  How do we maintain a passion for justice? This course will introduce spiritual practices that can both ground us and propel us. What direction will your ministry take from here?  What values do you want to embody and carry forward? What values do you want to see your congregations/organizations embody and carry forward? And how will you take care of yourself in the process?

The course is designed for your busy life: the first three weeks are fully asynchronous, wrapping up with a live Zoom session on October 29 from 6-8 pm PT for group conversation and connection. Register now!

These courses are part of 10 fully online offerings in the DSF Certificate Program, designed to strengthen ministry practice, support vocational discernment, and deepen theological grounding — all with flexibility to fit your life.

Why the DSF Certificate Program?
✔ Start the Certificate at the beginning of any month of the year
✔ Ideal for CEUs, vocational discernment, and continuing education
✔ Build practical tools for real-world leadership while learning in community

All courses are fully online: Full Certificate Program: $3,000 / Individual Courses: $300. Scholarships available up to 50% to ensure access for all. Together, let’s build ministries that heal and uplift. Learn more and enroll at dsf.edu/dsf-collective.

RESTORE CLERGY’S 2026 PROGRAMS
”Leading From Abundance” - September (5-week virtual experience) | “Wellness Insight” - November 5

Ministry shapes how we lead, but it can also quietly shape who we believe we must be. Many clergy find themselves leading from the outside in: managing the expectations of others, measuring their worth by congregational approval, and struggling to distinguish their own voice from the roles they fill. Restore Clergy's programs are designed to change that.

Each program is a different entry point into the same essential journey — from leadership defined by the expectations of others toward leadership grounded in your own values, calling, and self-knowledge. Whether you're just beginning to ask deeper questions, ready to work in community over a sustained period, or looking to grow in a specific area, there is a place for you here: Wellness Insights, Leading from Abundance, and Restoration Fellowship.

Visit restoreclergy.com/programs for more information

OREON E. SCOTT CLERGY CONFERENCE
WHAT ROOTS KNOW: STORY, SOIL, AND THE SACRED BENEATH
September 1-4, 2026
Christmount Conference Center, Black Mountain, NC

A retreat for clergy in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Together we will explore sacred stories, rediscover rest, receive ecological justice training and practical tools for ministry, connect with wise companions, and grow some joy. How do we honor the past, deepen roots of history and relationship, and practice reciprocity in a time of great challenge?  How do we find strength of faith and community in the midst of deep erosion of democracy, connection, creation care and welcome.  

You’ll spend transformative days with distinguished speakers and guides including Rev. Julian DeShazier (keynote speaker and Pastor of University Church, Chicago), Rev. Carol Devine (Faith and Climate Educator with Blessed Tomorrow), Rev. Dr. Dara Cobb Lewis (Spiritual Director and Pastoral Counselor),  Apostle Sharyn Cosby (Pastor of In the Spirit Christian Church and Climate Ambassador) and Josh Kelly (Mountain Ecologist), Rev. Dr. John Frey (Technology, Sustainability and Pastoral Leader) alongside ecumenical colleagues and pastoral innovators.

Whether you’re new to creation care or a long-time advocate, you’ll gain new language and tools to inspire your congregation to care for the environment, interwoven with space for rest, relationship, prayer, and excellent food.Registration is currently open to Disciples and Ecumenical clergy with sliding scale options and scholarships available- Contact Shardinnieri@gmail.com for more information. REGISTER NOW

BRIDGING THE GAPS: AN INTERFAITH LOOK AT HEALTHCARE AND NUTRITION IN THE OBBBA ERA
Wednesday, September 23 | 4:30 pm PT | Online
Hosted by NBA’s Justice Initiatives team

As changes connected to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act continue to impact healthcare, nutrition, Medicaid, SNAP, and safety-net programs, this free virtual webinar will explore what has already changed, what may intensify in 2027, and how agencies, congregations, and community partners can educate, prepare, and respond.

Join Rev. Angel Luis Rivera-Agosto in conversation with Jonathan Schrag of The Network and Sue Pechilio Polis of Lutheran Services in America for an important discussion on caring for communities, navigating complex systems, and advocating for equity. Register today: https://buff.ly/OGDwNyj

BLACK WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
INTERGENERATIONAL RETREATS
September 25-27, 2026 (Indianapolis, IN)
October 2-4, 2026 (Raleigh, NC)

NBA’s Black Women’s Leadership Experience (BWLE) will be hosting two intergenerational events this fall. These three-day, in-person events offer a unique space for exploring what it means to be an intergenerational community of Black women journeying through identity exploration, as well as vocational reflection and discernment through service, the arts, education, and public policy.

There is no cost to attend the retreat; NBA will cover your lodging, meals, and activities. Participants will be responsible for their own travel; although some travel assistance may be available, it is not secured. REGISTER HERE

The Black Women’s Leadership Experience (BWLE) supports Black women, ages 23-30, in their spiritual and vocational pursuits by creating a community of compassion and care that fosters: Self-Love, Authenticity, Creativity, and Healing. Learn more about the BWLE program here.

Climate + FAITH TRAINING
September 26. | 8:30 am PT

Register now for the LIVE Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassador Training with breakouts by faith tradition. This free, interactive training will equip you with trusted resources, effective communication strategies, and practical steps you can take in your congregation and community.

OLDER ADULTS LEADING IN CLIMATE ACTION
Wednesday, September 30 | 9:00 am PT | Online

Climate change can lead to significant health risks for older adults – and yet, it is older adults’ responsibility to look after and protect younger generations. Learn how to foster hope in a climate-changed world, while helping church and community grow in equity and resilience.

Hear about meaningful intergenerational climate ministries. Share your experiences and projects. Be inspired with program ideas, small group discussion, and resources!
Register today!

NATIONAL BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
SENT COHORT - 12 MONTH JOURNEY

Leadership development, healing spaces, and empowerment for Black men, women and girls of African American, Indigenous, and diasporic descent; access to sensory-centered STEM opportunities and products designed for hard of hearing youth; financial literacy to combat online predatory debt—these are just a few of the impactful services provided by the members of NBA’s 2026 SENT Cohort.

“Entrepreneurship is not meant to be done in isolation,” said Rev. Darnell Fennell, NBA’s Director of Social Entrepreneurship. “We need accompaniment—people who listen deeply, encourage faithfully, and challenge us lovingly. I’m excited about how this cohort community will enrich the lives of leaders and strengthen the work they are called to do.”

The SENT Cohort is a 12-month journey where new faith-rooted social entrepreneurs are brought together to be a part of a community of support and growth as they work through an active process of formation and conversation led by NBA’s Social Entrepreneurship program.

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 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.