Group Ruling for Tax-Exempt Status may not be everyone’s favorite subject, but since we’ve just wrapped up a season of asking congregations to complete their ALEX Report, it seems like the perfect time to talk about why these reports matter.

Yes, I know—I’m putting the cart before the horse a bit. Still, a congregation’s federal tax-exempt status—its 501(c)(3) standing—is a big deal. Just to clarify, we’re talking about federal exempt status here, which is often the first step toward receiving state tax exemption as well.

If you’re not familiar, the ALEX Report is the annual report congregations submit to the denomination to confirm their ongoing participation and status. It’s our way of saying:

“We’re still here, and we’re still part of the family.”

What if your post-Easter season could be the beginning of a truly sustainable self-care practice—rooted in faith and community?

The Christian Church in the Southwest Region invites you to a seven-week reading group based on Chanequa Walker-Barnes’s transformative book, Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves.

All four gospels tell the story we remember on Palm Sunday (Mt. 21:1-9; Mk. 11:1-10; Lk. 19:29-38; Jn. 12:12-15). Palm Sunday begins Holy Week, which commemorates Jesus sharing the Passover and crafting the Lord’s Supper, his prayer in Gethsemane, the arrest, trials, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.

What Are We Really Holding On To?
As Holy Week draws near, we’re invited to reflect not only on the story of Christ’s passion but also on the patterns we’ve built around it. In this pastoral reflection, Regional Minister Andy Mangum explores the difference between honoring tradition and being held captive by traditionalism. How do we know when a sacred rhythm is giving life—or when it’s simply repeating itself without meaning? What, in faith, do we carry forward—and why?

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Impact Church Ministry Grants! This year, we received 28 applications totaling nearly $700,000 in requests. After careful consideration, we are honored to award $241,000 in funding to 13 outstanding ministries and congregations committed to transformative work in their communities.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest honors Black History Month by remembering Rev. Preston Taylor, a pivotal leader in Disciples history.

Born into slavery in Louisiana in 1849, Taylor later served in the Union Infantry during the Civil War before becoming a minister, evangelist, and entrepreneur. As pastor of Gay Street Christian Church and founder of Lea Avenue Christian Church in Nashville, he made lasting contributions to both the religious and business communities.

The Christian Church in the Southwest also recognizes Rev. Robert Hayes Peoples, a significant leader whose life and ministry exemplify perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to unity.

Born on January 25, 1903, in Hollywood, Mississippi, Rev. Peoples grew up in the Baptist church before discovering the Disciples of Christ movement at Southern Christian Institute (SCI) in Edwards, Mississippi. SCI, a boarding school providing secondary education for African American students, later merged with Tougaloo College in 1954.

The Christian Church in the Southwest honors Black History Month by recognizing Rev. Sarah Lue Bostick, a pioneering figure in Disciples history.

Rev. Bostick holds the distinction of being the first African-American woman ordained within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Her ordination on April 24, 1892, was a groundbreaking moment for both women and African-Americans in the denomination.