Churches of the CCSW
Find your place.
Search the region, navigate pastoral transitions, report annually, or explore starting a new congregation.
Transition
Seeking a pastor?
Search & Call guidance, profile forms, interim ministry documents, and best practices.
Start here →
Church growth
Planting something new? Transforming yoour Ministry?
New Church status, funding, covenants, leadership academy, and the Prepare the Soil → Bloom process.
New & transforming church pathway →
Annual reporting
Yearbook & ALEX
Annual congregational reporting information and denominational yearbook resources.
Reporting resources →
Congregation directory
Find a church near you!
Search & Call
Seeking a pastor.
A pastoral transition can be holy work.
1
Notify CCSW
2
Celebrate the Completed Ministry
3
Call a Transitional Pastor
4
Appoint a Search Committee
5
Begin Search & Call
6
Select a Candidate
7
Make a Call
8
Prepare for the New Minister
Search & Call Resources
Resources are organized by where they are most useful in your congregation’s transition. Select a document to open it.
Closing & Transition
Letting Go and Transition
CCSW resource for navigating the transition from one ministry to the next.
Open PDF →Interim Ministry Guidelines
Guidance for congregations entering an interim or transitional ministry period.
Open PDF →Search & Call
Best Practices for Search & Call
Best practices, hints, and etiquette for Search Committees and congregations.
Open PDF →Congregational Profile
Congregational profile resources used as part of the Search & Call process.
Open Resources →How to Read a Clergy Background Check
Reference for understanding clergy background-check information.
Open PDF →Making the Call
Beginning & Sustaining Ministry
Beginning a Pastoral Ministry
Guidance for establishing a healthy beginning to the new pastoral relationship.
Open Resources →Pastoral Relations Committee
Guidance for supporting communication and the ongoing relationship between pastor and congregation.
Open Resources →Ethics & Conduct
Ethical Guidelines for Congregational Conduct
Guidance for healthy and ethical congregational relationships.
Open Resources →Ministerial Code of Ethics
Ministerial ethics resources of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Open Resources →The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest hopes that when you complete your work at least three things will have been accomplished:
You are excited about the person the committee has recommended to the board and congregation, and you believe God was a part of the call,
You have gotten to know and appreciate your colleagues better, and
You have found that this has been a positive spiritual experience.
FUNDING FOR MINISTRY
Big ideas need room to grow.
CCSW grants help congregations turn vision into action—supporting creative ministry, community impact, reconciliation, and meaningful change. Explore current funding opportunities and find the grant that fits your ministry.
JUSTICE
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Reconciliation Grant
Justice. Healing. Action.
Funding for Disciples congregations and ministry
partners developing projects that confront racism,
foster healing, build relationships, and create
meaningful change in their communities.
EXPLORE THE GRANT
Learn More
→
IMPACT
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Impact Church Ministry Grant
Imagine. Engage. Transform.
Funding for CCSW congregations and ministries developing
creative, innovative projects that reach beyond the walls
of the church, strengthen ministry, transform communities,
and create lasting impact.
EXPLORE THE GRANT
Learn More
→