Why Give to the Annual Fund?
The Region's on-going mission is to strengthen congregational life for their mission. We strive to assist our congregations as they and their leaders strive to become transforming, growing and faithful...
Your gift to the Annual Fund supports all aspects of Regional Ministry.
The Arizona Region is Relationships--- As members of Regional Staff get to know congregations in the Region over time, as they listen to the hopes and dreams, the frustrations and fears of those churches, they are able to offer resources to address particular needs. They get a "bird's eye view" of Arizona Disciple Congregations through their travels and they can help congregations network with each other around common ministries. As they identify shared issues, they can provide the needed training and support for congregational leaders.
As lay leaders and pastors get acquainted with those from other congregations around the Region, as they join together for education and worship at Regional events, they build community with one another offering support, encouragement and commitment to do together those ministries that they cannot do alone.
The Arizona Regional Church is Support---The Regional Minister is a pastor to pastors and congregatons, providing coaching and a listening ear. In times of death, conflict, and congregational crisis, the Regional staff is present. Support groups for pastors, retreats, and educational events provided by the Regional Church sustain leaders for the work of ministry.
The Regional Church also provides for congregations through ministries of oversight and accountability, interviewing students seeking ordination or licensing, and offering search committees guidance and counsel and finally names of qualified ministers when they are seeking a new pastor.
The Arizona Regional Church is Celebration---Regional communications share the good news of ministries within the Regional Church that are making a difference in peoples' lives. New congregations are supported and encouraged. Congregations in transition are given hope.
Regional Assemblies provide opportunities for festive worship and great music. Anniversaries, ordinations, and installations also provide opportunities to celebrate the work of the church and to renew commitment to mission.
The Arizona Regional Church is Challenge--- In these changing times, congregations often find themselves struggling to find new ways to speak and to minister in relevant ways in their communities. During such transitions, the Regional Church can offer wisdom through mentoring, modeling, preaching, teaching, conflict management, and consultation.
Through partnerships with ecumenical groups the Regional Church acts for justice. Through mission projects, the Regional Church makes a real difference in the lives of those in need. Through anti-racism initiatives, the Regional Church calls itself to make necessary changes in its own life and work.