Celebrating the Ministry & Retirement of Rev. Kim Fields-Haley

The Rev. Kim Fields-Haley, Regional Connection Minister for New Mexico and Far West Texas, will retire from her service with the Christian Church in the Southwest on October 31, 2026. Fields-Haley began her service on April 23, 2018. During her more than eight years on the regional staff, she has strengthened connections among congregations, supported clergy and lay leaders, and fostered a deep commitment to spiritual formation and justice. Rev. Fields-Haley helped create the TRA Creative Response Team which supported the TRA’s place within the CCSW’s One Region Model. She led the organization and implementation of Area Assemblies, supported the clergy cluster system, strengthened opportunities for ministers to build relationships and support one another. She also led a successful Winter Talk and taught a well-received Christian Ethics course for CCSW Learn.

Her commitment to spiritual formation has shaped her ministry throughout New Mexico and Far West Texas. In addition to leading several significant clergy spiritual life retreats, Fields-Haley helped expand opportunities for in-person learning and spiritual practice. “Kim's attention to the importance of spiritual formation is a lasting gift to the CCSW. I am thankful for the ways she created space for clergy and lay leaders to gather and support one another,” said the Rev. Christy Drechsel, Executive Regional Minister.

The Rev. Jennifer Steele-Lantis, Community Regional Minister for Adult Ministries and Leadership Development, reflected on Fields-Haley’s collaborative leadership: “I appreciate Kim's care for the whole person and the ways that she weaves spiritual practice into her ministry. She was a natural partner in facilitating CCSW Learn Sacred Pause in a New Mexico location, and her leadership enabled us to expand our in-person offerings for this event. Her commitment to gathering clergy together in clusters is a model for how clergy can continue to show up for one another.”

Rev. Fields-Haley has consistently lifted up new leaders from New Mexico and Far West Texas and advocated for their participation in the life of the region. Her support for young people helped sustain opportunities for youth to gather and connect.

“Kim’s voice to highlight and motivate the NM youth gatherings was a main reason their gathering remained as long as they did. She loved that area and made sure they were represented. Blessings on the new journey she is embarking on,” said the Rev. Heather Reed, Community Regional Minister for Children, Youth, and Young Adults.

Rev. Fields-Haley’s ministry has also reflected a passion for racial reconciliation, justice for Native American persons, and environmental justice. She participated in the region’s anti-racism training leadership and helped colleagues recognize concerns within the communities she served.

“When I came on board 5 years ago, Kim immediately apprised me of an issue in New Mexico concerning Anti-Racism and Reconciliation. I would quickly learn to trust her observations as they related to the Region. She was also integrally involved as one of the Train-the-Trainers for ARPR in the Region. We'll certainly miss her presence and voice,” said the Rev. Al Walker, Community Regional Minister for Anti-Racism and Reconciliation.

Nathaniel Cook, Regional Communications Director, shared, “I have truly enjoyed getting to work with Kim! One of the things I have appreciated most about her is the genuine love and passion she has for the ministers and congregations of New Mexico and Far West Texas. Her care for the people she serves is evident in the way she approaches her ministry, and her commitment to the work of the church is something I have always admired. She has been a dedicated advocate for the congregations and clergy in her care, always wanting to ensure their voices are heard and their ministries supported. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside her and for the heart and dedication she has brought to our Regional staff.”

Through her gifts for liturgy and narration, Fields-Haley has contributed to the regional staff’s shared voice and worship life. The Christian Church in the Southwest expresses its gratitude for her faithful service and the lasting contributions she has made to congregations, leaders, and communities throughout New Mexico and Far West Texas.

Regional Minister, Rev. Dr. Andy Mangum concluded, “I give thanks for Kim’s presence in New Mexico and far West Texas as an ecumenical leader, pastor to pastor, and connection for congregations, she has served faithfully in her role and beyond.”