Celebrating the Ministry of Rev. Dr. Darren Phelps

On August 9, 2022, the Regional Council of the Christian Church in the Southwest extended the call to Rev. Dr. Darren Phelps to serve as the Community Regional Minister for Church Growth and to provide localized service to Greater Houston. He began his tenure on the CCSW staff on October 3, 2022. Dr. Phelps will conclude his ministry with the Region on September 30, 2026. He will immediately begin his service as the Senior Minister of the First Christian Church of Conroe, TX.

In his role, he helped define the shape of CCSW's New Church ministry. Through his leadership, the Region reframed its thinking about new church, going from thinking about new congregations as primarily the initiative of a sole pastor—church planter model—to understanding the incredible importance of collaboration from the beginning. Additionally, he has consulted with and encouraged numerous congregations in the Region to revitalize. He has emphasized the importance of congregations moving beyond their circumference and connecting with their community.

Through Dr. Phelps' visionary stewardship, the Region developed the Impact Grant program that has inspired congregations to discern the ways they might best impact their community and provided significant resources to help them move toward that impact.

Within his service field, Dr. Phelps convened Greater Houston congregations in four well-attended annual Area Assemblies. Rather than make the Assemblies typical sit-in-seat-and-listen affairs, Phelps-led Area Assemblies were interactive experiences of listening and sharing: listening to guides who prompted questions and stirred imaginations, listening to one another, and, most importantly, listening to God.

Dr. Phelps connected with the congregations in his service field. He understood them from the inside out and provided encouragement, problem-solving, and love—sometimes tough love, but always true and deep love. He helped congregations navigate moves, closures, revitalizations, and explorations. He walked with clergy through the Search and Call process.

Anna Facundo, Regional Assistant Registrar and Bi-lingual Administrator, said, "I really enjoyed working with him. He was professional, easy to reach, and always responded promptly to questions. He also made a point of providing Impact Grant information in Spanish, which showed his commitment to making sure everyone had access to important information."

Rev. Christy Drechsel, Regional Executive Minister, said, "I give thanks for the ways Darren has been able to make connections across a diversity of folks. His leadership at CYLS, CCSW Learn, Impact Grants, and other regional ministries has strengthened the life of the CCSW and left an example to follow."

Bonnie Schuler, Regional Registrar, said, "Darren has been connected to what's happening in the Greater Houston area. Sometimes when I would pass along information I had just received about a minister or congregation in his service field, I found out that he was already aware of those matters and had additional information about the situation. And, of course, his attention to provide information prior to due dates is legendary!"

Rev. Jennifer Steele-Lantis, Community Regional Minister for Adult Ministries and Leadership Development, said, "Darren has been a popular facilitator for CCSW Learns. He leads with energy and warmth and invites participants to engage the topic fully. I have appreciated working with him for several events. His creation of the Regional Impact Grants sparked innovative ministry and dreaming about new possibilities for congregations, camps, and non-profits."

Rev. Kim Fields-Haley, Regional Connection Minister — New Mexico, El Paso & West Texas, said, "Darren gave encouragement. People acted on his recommendations. He was good at lighting fires underneath people so that they put their faith into action."

Nathaniel Cook, Director of Communications, said, "I have loved getting to work with Darren! I have especially appreciated his passion for the church, his advocacy for those on the margins, and his no-nonsense approach to life and ministry. Darren knew how to keep things fun and lighthearted when we needed it, but he also knew when it was time to get serious and get things done. More than anything, I will miss having him as a friend and colleague—and I will definitely miss his sense of humor, his laughter, and the joy he brought to our work together."

Rev. Al Walker, Community Regional Minister — Reconciliation & Anti-Racism, said, "It was a pleasant experience having Darren join the Regional Team. His bringing with him lessons gleaned from pastoring, church planting, and relationships in and around the general church was always a plus for me. His style of sermonic delivery is always authentically 'Darren.' The parishioners at Bethany Christian Church Austin always smile whenever I mention the name of Dr. Darren Phelps. Blessings on you and your ministry!"

Rev. Dr. Andy Mangum, Regional Minister and President, said, "Rev. Dr. Darren Phelps provides the gift of knowing when to encourage people to speak up and speak out and when to be silent and engage in greater discernment. He combined deep affection with gentle accountability. He has a passion to see churches step out of their shells and make an impact in their community. He will be truly missed on the regional staff but genuinely welcomed as a minister of a vital congregation in the Region!"

We will miss Dr. Phelps, who has often been the voice of humor and vibrance in staff meetings. He has nurtured meaningful relationships with each staff person. He has been someone we have leaned on and consider a friend. We wish him blessings as he steps into this next chapter of his ministry.