Disciples Home Missions

Mission • Advocacy • Programs

Lay Leadership

Conversation Café – Thriving Faith Communities During Uncertain Times

May 22, 2026
This edition of Conversation Café will feature our guest presenter, Rev. Dr. Erin Cash, Project Director for the Thriving Congregations Project at Lexington Theological Seminary and Co-author of Thriving Church: What We Can Learn from Faithful Congregations. This webinar experience will explore key insights from the book Thriving Church. Drawing from a five-year study of […]

Conversation Café – Thriving Faith Communities During Uncertain Times

by Derrick Perkins

This edition of Conversation Café will feature our guest presenter, Rev. Dr. Erin Cash, Project Director for the Thriving Congregations Project at Lexington Theological Seminary and Co-author of Thriving Church: What We Can Learn from Faithful Congregations. This webinar experience will explore key insights from the book Thriving Church. Drawing from a five-year study of thriving congregations, participants will reflect upon practices, mindsets, and spiritual commitments that help churches move beyond survival toward faithful, sustainable vitality. Through discussion, reflection, and practical application, this workshop will help leaders identify ways their congregations can strengthen mission, deepen relationships, embrace innovation, and remain rooted in God’s calling within a changing and chaotic world.

Conversation Café – Community Partnerships: Expanding Congregational Capacity & Relevancy

Mar 9, 2026
Conversation Cafe is a bi-monthly online gathering for congregations, clergy, lay leaders, and staff. During this Conversation Café webinar, participants will explore a framework that congregations can use to build community partnerships in their local context. Throughout the session, participants will discuss the importance of understanding their congregation’s environment and identifying community needs; discern what […]

Conversation Café – Community Partnerships: Expanding Congregational Capacity & Relevancy

by Derrick Perkins

Conversation Cafe is a bi-monthly online gathering for congregations, clergy, lay leaders, and staff. During this Conversation Café webinar, participants will explore a framework that congregations can use to build community partnerships in their local context. Throughout the session, participants will discuss the importance of understanding their congregation’s environment and identifying community needs; discern what God is calling the congregation to be today; and examine how partnerships can increase the congregation’s capacity and relevance among its neighbors. Finally, all participants will receive access to a resource that pastors, lay leaders, and small groups can use for ongoing self-reflection, Bible study, community engagement, and more. Join us for this meaningful learning experience. Register today!

Justice and Creation Fellows Applications Open Jan. 30-March 16, 2026

Feb 22, 2026
For Ministry Sites and Young Fellows growing creation care, climate justice and love of neighbor Seeking Ministry Sites within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Summer Fellows between ages 16-26 Grants for $3000 per ministry ($2500 for Fellow and 500 support) Deadline for Collaborative Application is March 16th, 2026 The Green Chalice Ministry and Disciples […]

Justice and Creation Fellows Applications Open Jan. 30-March 16, 2026

by Chris Liu-Beers

  • For Ministry Sites and Young Fellows growing creation care, climate justice and love of neighbor
  • Seeking Ministry Sites within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
  • Summer Fellows between ages 16-26
  • Grants for $3000 per ministry ($2500 for Fellow and 500 support)
  • Deadline for Collaborative Application is March 16th, 2026

The Green Chalice Ministry and Disciples Home Missions are hosting a cohort of Justice and Creation Fellows this summer.  We will be offering grants of $3000 to DOC churches, regions, and camps (with preference given to churches). These grants aim to support the development of youth and young adult leaders (ages 16-26)  engaged in the spiritual movement for creation care, climate justice, and/or social justice.  A central goal of this grant program is to foster a culture of curiosity, connection, compassion and justice in faith leadership that goes beyond a focus on individual behaviors to collectively address the institutions and systems responsible for the present crises. Grants will promote a creation justice movement that recognizes and engages the root causes of injustice, climate crisis and systemic change. Priority will be given to those seeking to advance justice, creation care, and climate solutions that effectively center the needs of those most impacted by environmental degradation and the  climate crisis. Ministries led by and/or serving communities that are Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color are highly encouraged to apply. First time applicants will have priority. We are seeking 12 ministry sites to join the 2026 cohort this summer. 

Download the 2026 Application

2024/25 Ministry Sites offered fellowships to 25 young adult fellows that offered creation care leadership in ??? regions. They advocated for justice, grew communities and pollinator friendly plants, harvested hope and veggies, preserved waterways and taught faithful ways of caring for the earth and neighbors. You can learn more and see presentations HERE.

Sites from 2025 included: 

  • Cascade Christian Church, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Cypress Creek Christian Church, Spring, TX
  • Downey Ave. Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN
  • First Christian Church, Fullerton, CA
  • Saguaro Christian Church, Tucson, AZ
  • Saint Andrew Christian Church, Olathe, KS
  • South Broadway Christian Church, Denver, CO
  • St. Paul’s Christian Church, Raleigh, NC
  • United Campus Ministry of Greater Houston, Houston, TX
  • In The Spirit Christian Church, Tulsa, OK
  • Peniel Christian Church, Gresham, OR (video format)
  • Fellowship Christian Church, Kansas City, KS

  • I experienced God’s presence in many ways.

    “Working alongside Montagnard families in the garden showed me God’s love through community and service. Caring for creation through composting and gardening reminded me of God’s renewal in the earth. I also saw God in cultural traditions like dance, language, and storytelling, which carry strength and resilience through generations.”-

    Natalie Siu, Fellow,
    St. Paul’s Christian Church, NC

  • “We started a brand new Farmers Market

    and expanded our garden significantly. We increased our CSA sales, pantry donations, and have two flourishing market access programs for low income, households experiencing food insecurity.”

    Kristy ~ Mentor
    Harmony Christian Church, Uniontown, OH

  • “I noticed God everywhere.

    I didn’t expect to feel so connected to my spirituality this summer, but I felt God in the gardens, in the compassion and commitment of the congregation, and in the work that I and others were doing.”

    Cecily ~ Fellow
    Ridglea Christian Church, Fort Worth, TX

  • “I am grateful to Green Chalice for the ways God is working through this ministry.“

    “Ridglea Christian Church really benefited from receiving this grant last summer. Actually, the relationship with the Young Adult Fellow is still ongoing. While still staying connected to the garden ministry, she is now teaching Worship and Wonder on Sunday mornings and is leading youth group on Sunday nights. As a mom of one of those youth, I am grateful to Green Chalice for the ways God is working through this ministry.”

    Rev. Christy Drechsel
    Regional Executive Minister CC in Southwest

Program Expectations 

As part of this grant program, Green Chalice will offer discernment resources and sample Fellow  application and recommendation templates to support the selection process for potential fellows.  

Program expectations include: 

Justice and Creation Summer Fellows 

● Collaboratively create a summer intention or plan that engages the gifts of the fellow and  aligns with the resources, people, context, and hopes of the ministry site. 

● Complete a free online Climate Ambassador Training. 

● Attend zoom orientation and training and summer closing reflection zoom gatherings – Fellows will regularly meet via Zoom to talk through summer intentions, goals and explore  environmental justice and creation care as expressions of faith.  

● Will be curious about their role in creation care and climate justice in your community and  congregation. 

● Contribute to the capacity, resilience and ministry of the local ministry being served 

● Support a healthy work-life balance with the ministry site. This is a learning/serving experience,  fellowships are not to be viewed as a form of cheap labor that falls below living wage  standards. 

● At the conclusion, collaborate on creating a report/narrative/presentation including photos/videos of your work including responses to the following- There will be a slide template to support your efforts: 

  • Ministry site population and size.
  • Number of people impacted by the ministry and how.
  • What measurable outcomes (events, lbs of food shared, policy maker visits)
  • How many people participated in the Climate Ambassador Training.  
  • How did the congregation celebrate/communicate this program and ministry? 

Justice and Creation Summer Ministry Site/Mentors 

● Collaboratively create a summer intention or plan that engages the gifts of the fellow and  aligns with the resources, people, context and hopes of the ministry site.  

● Support a healthy, creative, safe work and ministry experience for the fellow.

● Two Zoom meetings with fellowship mentors and supervisors for initial orientation and end-of summer reflection. 

● Provide ongoing support of summer intentions and plans in collaboration with fellow 

● Supervisors/Mentors are encouraged to complete a free online Climate Ambassador Training designed by Blessed Tomorrow and Green Chalice.  

● Support a healthy work-life balance with the fellow at your ministry site. This is a learning/ serving experience, fellowships are not to be viewed as a form of cheap labor that falls below  living wage standards.  

● At the conclusion, collaborate on creating a report/narrative/presentation including photos/videos of your work including responses to the questions above.

Find Application and Links Here

Required Documents for Application 

Ministry Site/Mentors – (to be submitted to Green Chalice) 

• A letter of endorsement from a regional minister for Ministry Site/Supervisor

-A prospective or current-year budget for your organization 

-501c3 or Fiscal Agent Information  

Additional Documents Required for Fellowship Programs Designed for Youth Ages 16-18 

• Copy of Abuse Prevention Policies (such as “Safe Church Policies”) 

• Statement describing the qualifications and experience of the mentor in working with youth 

For Justice and Creation Fellows (to be submitted to local ministry site)  

• Two letters of recommendation for Fellow by pastor, regional minister and an additional adult teacher or mentor A sample Reference Template can be found here.  

• A W-9 form to be submitted to shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org

• If you have questions or ideas please contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org  

NEXT STEPS 

1. Discern if this summer is a good time to engage in locally-grown spirit-led creation care, climate  justice, and/or social justice work. 

2. Ministry Site (mentors) and Creation Care Fellows make a connection with one another 

3. Collaborate on the Justice and Creation Fellowship Application and required forms  

4. Return application and forms to shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org by March 16, 2026

Justice and Creation Fellows Applications Open Jan. 30-March 16, 2026

Feb 1, 2026
For Ministry Sites and Young Fellows growing creation care, climate justice and love of neighbor Seeking Ministry Sites within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Summer Fellows between ages 16-26 Grants for $3000 per ministry ($2500 for Fellow and 500 support) Deadline for Collaborative Application is March 16th, 2026 The Green Chalice Ministry and Disciples […]

Justice and Creation Fellows Applications Open Jan. 30-March 16, 2026

by Chris Liu-Beers

  • For Ministry Sites and Young Fellows growing creation care, climate justice and love of neighbor
  • Seeking Ministry Sites within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
  • Summer Fellows between ages 16-26
  • Grants for $3000 per ministry ($2500 for Fellow and 500 support)
  • Deadline for Collaborative Application is March 16th, 2026

The Green Chalice Ministry and Disciples Home Missions are hosting a cohort of Justice and Creation Fellows this summer.  We will be offering grants of $3000 to DOC churches, regions, and camps (with preference given to churches). These grants aim to support the development of youth and young adult leaders (ages 16-26)  engaged in the spiritual movement for creation care, climate justice, and/or social justice.  A central goal of this grant program is to foster a culture of curiosity, connection, compassion and justice in faith leadership that goes beyond a focus on individual behaviors to collectively address the institutions and systems responsible for the present crises. Grants will promote a creation justice movement that recognizes and engages the root causes of injustice, climate crisis and systemic change. Priority will be given to those seeking to advance justice, creation care, and climate solutions that effectively center the needs of those most impacted by environmental degradation and the  climate crisis. Ministries led by and/or serving communities that are Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color are highly encouraged to apply. First time applicants will have priority. We are seeking 12 ministry sites to join the 2026 cohort this summer. 

Download the 2026 Application

2024/25 Ministry Sites offered fellowships to 25 young adult fellows that offered creation care leadership in ??? regions. They advocated for justice, grew communities and pollinator friendly plants, harvested hope and veggies, preserved waterways and taught faithful ways of caring for the earth and neighbors. You can learn more and see presentations HERE.

Sites from 2025 included: 

  • Cascade Christian Church, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Cypress Creek Christian Church, Spring, TX
  • Downey Ave. Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN
  • First Christian Church, Fullerton, CA
  • Saguaro Christian Church, Tucson, AZ
  • Saint Andrew Christian Church, Olathe, KS
  • South Broadway Christian Church, Denver, CO
  • St. Paul’s Christian Church, Raleigh, NC
  • United Campus Ministry of Greater Houston, Houston, TX
  • In The Spirit Christian Church, Tulsa, OK
  • Peniel Christian Church, Gresham, OR (video format)
  • Fellowship Christian Church, Kansas City, KS

  • I experienced God’s presence in many ways.

    “Working alongside Montagnard families in the garden showed me God’s love through community and service. Caring for creation through composting and gardening reminded me of God’s renewal in the earth. I also saw God in cultural traditions like dance, language, and storytelling, which carry strength and resilience through generations.”-

    Natalie Siu, Fellow,
    St. Paul’s Christian Church, NC

  • “We started a brand new Farmers Market

    and expanded our garden significantly. We increased our CSA sales, pantry donations, and have two flourishing market access programs for low income, households experiencing food insecurity.”

    Kristy ~ Mentor
    Harmony Christian Church, Uniontown, OH

  • “I noticed God everywhere.

    I didn’t expect to feel so connected to my spirituality this summer, but I felt God in the gardens, in the compassion and commitment of the congregation, and in the work that I and others were doing.”

    Cecily ~ Fellow
    Ridglea Christian Church, Fort Worth, TX

  • “I am grateful to Green Chalice for the ways God is working through this ministry.“

    “Ridglea Christian Church really benefited from receiving this grant last summer. Actually, the relationship with the Young Adult Fellow is still ongoing. While still staying connected to the garden ministry, she is now teaching Worship and Wonder on Sunday mornings and is leading youth group on Sunday nights. As a mom of one of those youth, I am grateful to Green Chalice for the ways God is working through this ministry.”

    Rev. Christy Drechsel
    Regional Executive Minister CC in Southwest

Program Expectations 

As part of this grant program, Green Chalice will offer discernment resources and sample Fellow  application and recommendation templates to support the selection process for potential fellows.  

Program expectations include: 

Justice and Creation Summer Fellows 

● Collaboratively create a summer intention or plan that engages the gifts of the fellow and  aligns with the resources, people, context, and hopes of the ministry site. 

● Complete a free online Climate Ambassador Training. 

● Attend zoom orientation and training and summer closing reflection zoom gatherings – Fellows will regularly meet via Zoom to talk through summer intentions, goals and explore  environmental justice and creation care as expressions of faith.  

● Will be curious about their role in creation care and climate justice in your community and  congregation. 

● Contribute to the capacity, resilience and ministry of the local ministry being served 

● Support a healthy work-life balance with the ministry site. This is a learning/serving experience,  fellowships are not to be viewed as a form of cheap labor that falls below living wage  standards. 

● At the conclusion, collaborate on creating a report/narrative/presentation including photos/videos of your work including responses to the following- There will be a slide template to support your efforts: 

  • Ministry site population and size.
  • Number of people impacted by the ministry and how.
  • What measurable outcomes (events, lbs of food shared, policy maker visits)
  • How many people participated in the Climate Ambassador Training.  
  • How did the congregation celebrate/communicate this program and ministry? 

Justice and Creation Summer Ministry Site/Mentors 

● Collaboratively create a summer intention or plan that engages the gifts of the fellow and  aligns with the resources, people, context and hopes of the ministry site.  

● Support a healthy, creative, safe work and ministry experience for the fellow.

● Two Zoom meetings with fellowship mentors and supervisors for initial orientation and end-of summer reflection. 

● Provide ongoing support of summer intentions and plans in collaboration with fellow 

● Supervisors/Mentors are encouraged to complete a free online Climate Ambassador Training designed by Blessed Tomorrow and Green Chalice.  

● Support a healthy work-life balance with the fellow at your ministry site. This is a learning/ serving experience, fellowships are not to be viewed as a form of cheap labor that falls below  living wage standards.  

● At the conclusion, collaborate on creating a report/narrative/presentation including photos/videos of your work including responses to the questions above.

Find Application and Links Here

Required Documents for Application 

Ministry Site/Mentors – (to be submitted to Green Chalice) 

• A letter of endorsement from a regional minister for Ministry Site/Supervisor

-A prospective or current-year budget for your organization 

-501c3 or Fiscal Agent Information  

Additional Documents Required for Fellowship Programs Designed for Youth Ages 16-18 

• Copy of Abuse Prevention Policies (such as “Safe Church Policies”) 

• Statement describing the qualifications and experience of the mentor in working with youth 

For Justice and Creation Fellows (to be submitted to local ministry site)  

• Two letters of recommendation for Fellow by pastor, regional minister and an additional adult teacher or mentor A sample Reference Template can be found here.  

• A W-9 form to be submitted to shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org

• If you have questions or ideas please contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org  

NEXT STEPS 

1. Discern if this summer is a good time to engage in locally-grown spirit-led creation care, climate  justice, and/or social justice work. 

2. Ministry Site (mentors) and Creation Care Fellows make a connection with one another 

3. Collaborate on the Justice and Creation Fellowship Application and required forms  

4. Return application and forms to shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org by March 16, 2026

Justice and Creation Fellows Applications Open Jan. 30-March 16, 2026

Feb 1, 2026
For Ministry Sites and Young Fellows growing creation care, climate justice and love of neighbor Seeking Ministry Sites within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Summer Fellows between ages 16-26 Grants for $3000 per ministry ($2500 for Fellow and 500 support) Deadline for Collaborative Application is March 16th, 2026 The Green Chalice Ministry and Disciples […]

Justice and Creation Fellows Applications Open Jan. 30-March 16, 2026

by Chris Liu-Beers

  • For Ministry Sites and Young Fellows growing creation care, climate justice and love of neighbor
  • Seeking Ministry Sites within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
  • Summer Fellows between ages 16-26
  • Grants for $3000 per ministry ($2500 for Fellow and 500 support)
  • Deadline for Collaborative Application is March 16th, 2026

The Green Chalice Ministry and Disciples Home Missions are hosting a cohort of Justice and Creation Fellows this summer.  We will be offering grants of $3000 to DOC churches, regions, and camps (with preference given to churches). These grants aim to support the development of youth and young adult leaders (ages 16-26)  engaged in the spiritual movement for creation care, climate justice, and/or social justice.  A central goal of this grant program is to foster a culture of curiosity, connection, compassion and justice in faith leadership that goes beyond a focus on individual behaviors to collectively address the institutions and systems responsible for the present crises. Grants will promote a creation justice movement that recognizes and engages the root causes of injustice, climate crisis and systemic change. Priority will be given to those seeking to advance justice, creation care, and climate solutions that effectively center the needs of those most impacted by environmental degradation and the  climate crisis. Ministries led by and/or serving communities that are Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color are highly encouraged to apply. First time applicants will have priority. We are seeking 12 ministry sites to join the 2026 cohort this summer. 

Download the 2026 Application

2024/25 Ministry Sites offered fellowships to 25 young adult fellows that offered creation care leadership in ??? regions. They advocated for justice, grew communities and pollinator friendly plants, harvested hope and veggies, preserved waterways and taught faithful ways of caring for the earth and neighbors. You can learn more and see presentations HERE.

Sites from 2025 included: 

  • Cascade Christian Church, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Cypress Creek Christian Church, Spring, TX
  • Downey Ave. Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN
  • First Christian Church, Fullerton, CA
  • Saguaro Christian Church, Tucson, AZ
  • Saint Andrew Christian Church, Olathe, KS
  • South Broadway Christian Church, Denver, CO
  • St. Paul’s Christian Church, Raleigh, NC
  • United Campus Ministry of Greater Houston, Houston, TX
  • In The Spirit Christian Church, Tulsa, OK
  • Peniel Christian Church, Gresham, OR (video format)
  • Fellowship Christian Church, Kansas City, KS

  • I experienced God’s presence in many ways.

    “Working alongside Montagnard families in the garden showed me God’s love through community and service. Caring for creation through composting and gardening reminded me of God’s renewal in the earth. I also saw God in cultural traditions like dance, language, and storytelling, which carry strength and resilience through generations.”-

    Natalie Siu, Fellow,
    St. Paul’s Christian Church, NC

  • “We started a brand new Farmers Market

    and expanded our garden significantly. We increased our CSA sales, pantry donations, and have two flourishing market access programs for low income, households experiencing food insecurity.”

    Kristy ~ Mentor
    Harmony Christian Church, Uniontown, OH

  • “I noticed God everywhere.

    I didn’t expect to feel so connected to my spirituality this summer, but I felt God in the gardens, in the compassion and commitment of the congregation, and in the work that I and others were doing.”

    Cecily ~ Fellow
    Ridglea Christian Church, Fort Worth, TX

  • “I am grateful to Green Chalice for the ways God is working through this ministry.“

    “Ridglea Christian Church really benefited from receiving this grant last summer. Actually, the relationship with the Young Adult Fellow is still ongoing. While still staying connected to the garden ministry, she is now teaching Worship and Wonder on Sunday mornings and is leading youth group on Sunday nights. As a mom of one of those youth, I am grateful to Green Chalice for the ways God is working through this ministry.”

    Rev. Christy Drechsel
    Regional Executive Minister CC in Southwest

Program Expectations 

As part of this grant program, Green Chalice will offer discernment resources and sample Fellow  application and recommendation templates to support the selection process for potential fellows.  

Program expectations include: 

Justice and Creation Summer Fellows 

● Collaboratively create a summer intention or plan that engages the gifts of the fellow and  aligns with the resources, people, context, and hopes of the ministry site. 

● Complete a free online Climate Ambassador Training. 

● Attend zoom orientation and training and summer closing reflection zoom gatherings – Fellows will regularly meet via Zoom to talk through summer intentions, goals and explore  environmental justice and creation care as expressions of faith.  

● Will be curious about their role in creation care and climate justice in your community and  congregation. 

● Contribute to the capacity, resilience and ministry of the local ministry being served 

● Support a healthy work-life balance with the ministry site. This is a learning/serving experience,  fellowships are not to be viewed as a form of cheap labor that falls below living wage  standards. 

● At the conclusion, collaborate on creating a report/narrative/presentation including photos/videos of your work including responses to the following- There will be a slide template to support your efforts: 

  • Ministry site population and size.
  • Number of people impacted by the ministry and how.
  • What measurable outcomes (events, lbs of food shared, policy maker visits)
  • How many people participated in the Climate Ambassador Training.  
  • How did the congregation celebrate/communicate this program and ministry? 

Justice and Creation Summer Ministry Site/Mentors 

● Collaboratively create a summer intention or plan that engages the gifts of the fellow and  aligns with the resources, people, context and hopes of the ministry site.  

● Support a healthy, creative, safe work and ministry experience for the fellow.

● Two Zoom meetings with fellowship mentors and supervisors for initial orientation and end-of summer reflection. 

● Provide ongoing support of summer intentions and plans in collaboration with fellow 

● Supervisors/Mentors are encouraged to complete a free online Climate Ambassador Training designed by Blessed Tomorrow and Green Chalice.  

● Support a healthy work-life balance with the fellow at your ministry site. This is a learning/ serving experience, fellowships are not to be viewed as a form of cheap labor that falls below  living wage standards.  

● At the conclusion, collaborate on creating a report/narrative/presentation including photos/videos of your work including responses to the questions above.

Find Application and Links Here

Required Documents for Application 

Ministry Site/Mentors – (to be submitted to Green Chalice) 

• A letter of endorsement from a regional minister for Ministry Site/Supervisor

-A prospective or current-year budget for your organization 

-501c3 or Fiscal Agent Information  

Additional Documents Required for Fellowship Programs Designed for Youth Ages 16-18 

• Copy of Abuse Prevention Policies (such as “Safe Church Policies”) 

• Statement describing the qualifications and experience of the mentor in working with youth 

For Justice and Creation Fellows (to be submitted to local ministry site)  

• Two letters of recommendation for Fellow by pastor, regional minister and an additional adult teacher or mentor A sample Reference Template can be found here.  

• A W-9 form to be submitted to shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org

• If you have questions or ideas please contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org  

NEXT STEPS 

1. Discern if this summer is a good time to engage in locally-grown spirit-led creation care, climate  justice, and/or social justice work. 

2. Ministry Site (mentors) and Creation Care Fellows make a connection with one another 

3. Collaborate on the Justice and Creation Fellowship Application and required forms  

4. Return application and forms to shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org by March 16, 2026

Justice and Creation Fellows Applications Open Jan. 30-March 16, 2026

Jan 30, 2026
The Green Chalice Ministry and Disciples Home Missions are hosting a cohort of Justice and Creation Fellows this summer.  We will be offering grants of $3000 to DOC churches, regions, and camps (with preference given to churches). These grants aim to support the development of youth and young adult leaders (ages 16-26)  engaged in the […]

Justice and Creation Fellows Applications Open Jan. 30-March 16, 2026

by Scott Hardin-Nieri

  • For Ministry Sites and Young Fellows growing creation care, climate justice and love of neighbor
  • Seeking Ministry Sites within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
  • Summer Fellows between ages 16-26
  • Grants for $3000 per ministry ($2500 for Fellow and 500 support)
  • Deadline for Collaborative Application is March 16th, 2026

The Green Chalice Ministry and Disciples Home Missions are hosting a cohort of Justice and Creation Fellows this summer.  We will be offering grants of $3000 to DOC churches, regions, and camps (with preference given to churches). These grants aim to support the development of youth and young adult leaders (ages 16-26)  engaged in the spiritual movement for creation care, climate justice, and/or social justice.  A central goal of this grant program is to foster a culture of curiosity, connection, compassion and justice in faith leadership that goes beyond a focus on individual behaviors to collectively address the institutions and systems responsible for the present crises. Grants will promote a creation justice movement that recognizes and engages the root causes of injustice, climate crisis and systemic change. Priority will be given to those seeking to advance justice, creation care, and climate solutions that effectively center the needs of those most impacted by environmental degradation and the  climate crisis. Ministries led by and/or serving communities that are Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color are highly encouraged to apply. First time applicants will have priority. We are seeking 12 ministry sites to join the 2026 cohort this summer. 

Download the 2026 Application

2024/25 Ministry Sites offered fellowships to 25 young adult fellows that offered creation care leadership in ??? regions. They advocated for justice, grew communities and pollinator friendly plants, harvested hope and veggies, preserved waterways and taught faithful ways of caring for the earth and neighbors. You can learn more and see presentations HERE.

Sites from 2025 included: 

  • Cascade Christian Church, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Cypress Creek Christian Church, Spring, TX
  • Downey Ave. Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN
  • First Christian Church, Fullerton, CA
  • Saguaro Christian Church, Tucson, AZ
  • Saint Andrew Christian Church, Olathe, KS
  • South Broadway Christian Church, Denver, CO
  • St. Paul’s Christian Church, Raleigh, NC
  • United Campus Ministry of Greater Houston, Houston, TX
  • In The Spirit Christian Church, Tulsa, OK
  • Peniel Christian Church, Gresham, OR (video format)
  • Fellowship Christian Church, Kansas City, KS

  • I experienced God’s presence in many ways.

    “Working alongside Montagnard families in the garden showed me God’s love through community and service. Caring for creation through composting and gardening reminded me of God’s renewal in the earth. I also saw God in cultural traditions like dance, language, and storytelling, which carry strength and resilience through generations.”-
    Natalie Siu, Fellow,
    St. Paul’s Christian Church, NC

  • “We started a brand new Farmers Market

    and expanded our garden significantly. We increased our CSA sales, pantry donations, and have two flourishing market access programs for low income, households experiencing food insecurity.”
    Kristy ~ Mentor
    Harmony Christian Church, Uniontown, OH

  • “I noticed God everywhere.

    I didn’t expect to feel so connected to my spirituality this summer, but I felt God in the gardens, in the compassion and commitment of the congregation, and in the work that I and others were doing.”
    Cecily ~ Fellow
    Ridglea Christian Church, Fort Worth, TX

  • “I am grateful to Green Chalice for the ways God is working through this ministry.“

    “Ridglea Christian Church really benefited from receiving this grant last summer. Actually, the relationship with the Young Adult Fellow is still ongoing. While still staying connected to the garden ministry, she is now teaching Worship and Wonder on Sunday mornings and is leading youth group on Sunday nights. As a mom of one of those youth, I am grateful to Green Chalice for the ways God is working through this ministry.”
    Rev. Christy Drechsel
    Regional Executive Minister CC in Southwest

Program Expectations 

As part of this grant program, Green Chalice will offer discernment resources and sample Fellow  application and recommendation templates to support the selection process for potential fellows.  

Program expectations include: 

Justice and Creation Summer Fellows 

● Collaboratively create a summer intention or plan that engages the gifts of the fellow and  aligns with the resources, people, context, and hopes of the ministry site. 

● Complete a free online Climate Ambassador Training. 

● Attend zoom orientation and training and summer closing reflection zoom gatherings – Fellows will regularly meet via Zoom to talk through summer intentions, goals and explore  environmental justice and creation care as expressions of faith.  

● Will be curious about their role in creation care and climate justice in your community and  congregation. 

● Contribute to the capacity, resilience and ministry of the local ministry being served 

● Support a healthy work-life balance with the ministry site. This is a learning/serving experience,  fellowships are not to be viewed as a form of cheap labor that falls below living wage  standards. 

● At the conclusion, collaborate on creating a report/narrative/presentation including photos/videos of your work including responses to the following- There will be a slide template to support your efforts: 

  • Ministry site population and size.
  • Number of people impacted by the ministry and how.
  • What measurable outcomes (events, lbs of food shared, policy maker visits)
  • How many people participated in the Climate Ambassador Training.  
  • How did the congregation celebrate/communicate this program and ministry? 

Justice and Creation Summer Ministry Site/Mentors 

● Collaboratively create a summer intention or plan that engages the gifts of the fellow and  aligns with the resources, people, context and hopes of the ministry site.  

● Support a healthy, creative, safe work and ministry experience for the fellow.

● Two Zoom meetings with fellowship mentors and supervisors for initial orientation and end-of summer reflection. 

● Provide ongoing support of summer intentions and plans in collaboration with fellow 

● Supervisors/Mentors are encouraged to complete a free online Climate Ambassador Training designed by Blessed Tomorrow and Green Chalice.  

● Support a healthy work-life balance with the fellow at your ministry site. This is a learning/ serving experience, fellowships are not to be viewed as a form of cheap labor that falls below  living wage standards.  

● At the conclusion, collaborate on creating a report/narrative/presentation including photos/videos of your work including responses to the questions above.

Find Application and Links Here

Required Documents for Application 

Ministry Site/Mentors – (to be submitted to Green Chalice) 

• A letter of endorsement from a regional minister for Ministry Site/Supervisor

-A prospective or current-year budget for your organization 

-501c3 or Fiscal Agent Information  

Additional Documents Required for Fellowship Programs Designed for Youth Ages 16-18 

• Copy of Abuse Prevention Policies (such as “Safe Church Policies”) 

• Statement describing the qualifications and experience of the mentor in working with youth 

For Justice and Creation Fellows (to be submitted to local ministry site)  

• Two letters of recommendation for Fellow by pastor, regional minister and an additional adult teacher or mentor A sample Reference Template can be found here.  

• A W-9 form to be submitted to shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org

• If you have questions or ideas please contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org  

NEXT STEPS 

1. Discern if this summer is a good time to engage in locally-grown spirit-led creation care, climate  justice, and/or social justice work. 

2. Ministry Site (mentors) and Creation Care Fellows make a connection with one another 

3. Collaborate on the Justice and Creation Fellowship Application and required forms  

4. Return application and forms to shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org by March 16, 2026

Justice and Creation Fellows Applications Open Jan. 30-March 16, 2026

Jan 30, 2026
For Ministry Sites and Young Fellows growing creation care, climate justice and love of neighbor Seeking Ministry Sites within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Summer Fellows between ages 16-26 Grants for $3000 per ministry ($2500 for Fellow and 500 support) Deadline for Collaborative Application is March 16th, 2026 The Green Chalice Ministry and Disciples […]

Justice and Creation Fellows Applications Open Jan. 30-March 16, 2026

by Chris Liu-Beers

  • For Ministry Sites and Young Fellows growing creation care, climate justice and love of neighbor
  • Seeking Ministry Sites within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
  • Summer Fellows between ages 16-26
  • Grants for $3000 per ministry ($2500 for Fellow and 500 support)
  • Deadline for Collaborative Application is March 16th, 2026

The Green Chalice Ministry and Disciples Home Missions are hosting a cohort of Justice and Creation Fellows this summer.  We will be offering grants of $3000 to DOC churches, regions, and camps (with preference given to churches). These grants aim to support the development of youth and young adult leaders (ages 16-26)  engaged in the spiritual movement for creation care, climate justice, and/or social justice.  A central goal of this grant program is to foster a culture of curiosity, connection, compassion and justice in faith leadership that goes beyond a focus on individual behaviors to collectively address the institutions and systems responsible for the present crises. Grants will promote a creation justice movement that recognizes and engages the root causes of injustice, climate crisis and systemic change. Priority will be given to those seeking to advance justice, creation care, and climate solutions that effectively center the needs of those most impacted by environmental degradation and the  climate crisis. Ministries led by and/or serving communities that are Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color are highly encouraged to apply. First time applicants will have priority. We are seeking 12 ministry sites to join the 2026 cohort this summer. 

Download the 2026 Application

2024/25 Ministry Sites offered fellowships to 25 young adult fellows that offered creation care leadership in ??? regions. They advocated for justice, grew communities and pollinator friendly plants, harvested hope and veggies, preserved waterways and taught faithful ways of caring for the earth and neighbors. You can learn more and see presentations HERE.

Sites from 2025 included: 

  • Cascade Christian Church, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Cypress Creek Christian Church, Spring, TX
  • Downey Ave. Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN
  • First Christian Church, Fullerton, CA
  • Saguaro Christian Church, Tucson, AZ
  • Saint Andrew Christian Church, Olathe, KS
  • South Broadway Christian Church, Denver, CO
  • St. Paul’s Christian Church, Raleigh, NC
  • United Campus Ministry of Greater Houston, Houston, TX
  • In The Spirit Christian Church, Tulsa, OK
  • Peniel Christian Church, Gresham, OR (video format)
  • Fellowship Christian Church, Kansas City, KS

  • I experienced God’s presence in many ways.

    “Working alongside Montagnard families in the garden showed me God’s love through community and service. Caring for creation through composting and gardening reminded me of God’s renewal in the earth. I also saw God in cultural traditions like dance, language, and storytelling, which carry strength and resilience through generations.”-

    Natalie Siu, Fellow,
    St. Paul’s Christian Church, NC

  • “We started a brand new Farmers Market

    and expanded our garden significantly. We increased our CSA sales, pantry donations, and have two flourishing market access programs for low income, households experiencing food insecurity.”

    Kristy ~ Mentor
    Harmony Christian Church, Uniontown, OH

  • “I noticed God everywhere.

    I didn’t expect to feel so connected to my spirituality this summer, but I felt God in the gardens, in the compassion and commitment of the congregation, and in the work that I and others were doing.”

    Cecily ~ Fellow
    Ridglea Christian Church, Fort Worth, TX

  • “I am grateful to Green Chalice for the ways God is working through this ministry.“

    “Ridglea Christian Church really benefited from receiving this grant last summer. Actually, the relationship with the Young Adult Fellow is still ongoing. While still staying connected to the garden ministry, she is now teaching Worship and Wonder on Sunday mornings and is leading youth group on Sunday nights. As a mom of one of those youth, I am grateful to Green Chalice for the ways God is working through this ministry.”

    Rev. Christy Drechsel
    Regional Executive Minister CC in Southwest

Program Expectations 

As part of this grant program, Green Chalice will offer discernment resources and sample Fellow  application and recommendation templates to support the selection process for potential fellows.  

Program expectations include: 

Justice and Creation Summer Fellows 

● Collaboratively create a summer intention or plan that engages the gifts of the fellow and  aligns with the resources, people, context, and hopes of the ministry site. 

● Complete a free online Climate Ambassador Training. 

● Attend zoom orientation and training and summer closing reflection zoom gatherings – Fellows will regularly meet via Zoom to talk through summer intentions, goals and explore  environmental justice and creation care as expressions of faith.  

● Will be curious about their role in creation care and climate justice in your community and  congregation. 

● Contribute to the capacity, resilience and ministry of the local ministry being served 

● Support a healthy work-life balance with the ministry site. This is a learning/serving experience,  fellowships are not to be viewed as a form of cheap labor that falls below living wage  standards. 

● At the conclusion, collaborate on creating a report/narrative/presentation including photos/videos of your work including responses to the following- There will be a slide template to support your efforts: 

  • Ministry site population and size.
  • Number of people impacted by the ministry and how.
  • What measurable outcomes (events, lbs of food shared, policy maker visits)
  • How many people participated in the Climate Ambassador Training.  
  • How did the congregation celebrate/communicate this program and ministry? 

Justice and Creation Summer Ministry Site/Mentors 

● Collaboratively create a summer intention or plan that engages the gifts of the fellow and  aligns with the resources, people, context and hopes of the ministry site.  

● Support a healthy, creative, safe work and ministry experience for the fellow.

● Two Zoom meetings with fellowship mentors and supervisors for initial orientation and end-of summer reflection. 

● Provide ongoing support of summer intentions and plans in collaboration with fellow 

● Supervisors/Mentors are encouraged to complete a free online Climate Ambassador Training designed by Blessed Tomorrow and Green Chalice.  

● Support a healthy work-life balance with the fellow at your ministry site. This is a learning/ serving experience, fellowships are not to be viewed as a form of cheap labor that falls below  living wage standards.  

● At the conclusion, collaborate on creating a report/narrative/presentation including photos/videos of your work including responses to the questions above.

Find Application and Links Here

Required Documents for Application 

Ministry Site/Mentors – (to be submitted to Green Chalice) 

• A letter of endorsement from a regional minister for Ministry Site/Supervisor

-A prospective or current-year budget for your organization 

-501c3 or Fiscal Agent Information  

Additional Documents Required for Fellowship Programs Designed for Youth Ages 16-18 

• Copy of Abuse Prevention Policies (such as “Safe Church Policies”) 

• Statement describing the qualifications and experience of the mentor in working with youth 

For Justice and Creation Fellows (to be submitted to local ministry site)  

• Two letters of recommendation for Fellow by pastor, regional minister and an additional adult teacher or mentor A sample Reference Template can be found here.  

• A W-9 form to be submitted to shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org

• If you have questions or ideas please contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org  

NEXT STEPS 

1. Discern if this summer is a good time to engage in locally-grown spirit-led creation care, climate  justice, and/or social justice work. 

2. Ministry Site (mentors) and Creation Care Fellows make a connection with one another 

3. Collaborate on the Justice and Creation Fellowship Application and required forms  

4. Return application and forms to shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org by March 16, 2026

Justice and Creation Fellows Applications Open Jan. 30-March 16, 2026

Jan 30, 2026
For Ministry Sites and Young Fellows growing creation care, climate justice and love of neighbor Seeking Ministry Sites within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Summer Fellows between ages 16-26 Grants for $3000 per ministry ($2500 for Fellow and 500 support) Deadline for Collaborative Application is March 16th, 2026 The Green Chalice Ministry and Disciples […]

Justice and Creation Fellows Applications Open Jan. 30-March 16, 2026

by Chris Liu-Beers

  • For Ministry Sites and Young Fellows growing creation care, climate justice and love of neighbor
  • Seeking Ministry Sites within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
  • Summer Fellows between ages 16-26
  • Grants for $3000 per ministry ($2500 for Fellow and 500 support)
  • Deadline for Collaborative Application is March 16th, 2026

The Green Chalice Ministry and Disciples Home Missions are hosting a cohort of Justice and Creation Fellows this summer.  We will be offering grants of $3000 to DOC churches, regions, and camps (with preference given to churches). These grants aim to support the development of youth and young adult leaders (ages 16-26)  engaged in the spiritual movement for creation care, climate justice, and/or social justice.  A central goal of this grant program is to foster a culture of curiosity, connection, compassion and justice in faith leadership that goes beyond a focus on individual behaviors to collectively address the institutions and systems responsible for the present crises. Grants will promote a creation justice movement that recognizes and engages the root causes of injustice, climate crisis and systemic change. Priority will be given to those seeking to advance justice, creation care, and climate solutions that effectively center the needs of those most impacted by environmental degradation and the  climate crisis. Ministries led by and/or serving communities that are Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color are highly encouraged to apply. First time applicants will have priority. We are seeking 12 ministry sites to join the 2026 cohort this summer. 

Download the 2026 Application

2024/25 Ministry Sites offered fellowships to 25 young adult fellows that offered creation care leadership in ??? regions. They advocated for justice, grew communities and pollinator friendly plants, harvested hope and veggies, preserved waterways and taught faithful ways of caring for the earth and neighbors. You can learn more and see presentations HERE.

Sites from 2025 included: 

  • Cascade Christian Church, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Cypress Creek Christian Church, Spring, TX
  • Downey Ave. Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN
  • First Christian Church, Fullerton, CA
  • Saguaro Christian Church, Tucson, AZ
  • Saint Andrew Christian Church, Olathe, KS
  • South Broadway Christian Church, Denver, CO
  • St. Paul’s Christian Church, Raleigh, NC
  • United Campus Ministry of Greater Houston, Houston, TX
  • In The Spirit Christian Church, Tulsa, OK
  • Peniel Christian Church, Gresham, OR (video format)
  • Fellowship Christian Church, Kansas City, KS

  • I experienced God’s presence in many ways.

    “Working alongside Montagnard families in the garden showed me God’s love through community and service. Caring for creation through composting and gardening reminded me of God’s renewal in the earth. I also saw God in cultural traditions like dance, language, and storytelling, which carry strength and resilience through generations.”-

    Natalie Siu, Fellow,
    St. Paul’s Christian Church, NC

  • “We started a brand new Farmers Market

    and expanded our garden significantly. We increased our CSA sales, pantry donations, and have two flourishing market access programs for low income, households experiencing food insecurity.”

    Kristy ~ Mentor
    Harmony Christian Church, Uniontown, OH

  • “I noticed God everywhere.

    I didn’t expect to feel so connected to my spirituality this summer, but I felt God in the gardens, in the compassion and commitment of the congregation, and in the work that I and others were doing.”

    Cecily ~ Fellow
    Ridglea Christian Church, Fort Worth, TX

  • “I am grateful to Green Chalice for the ways God is working through this ministry.“

    “Ridglea Christian Church really benefited from receiving this grant last summer. Actually, the relationship with the Young Adult Fellow is still ongoing. While still staying connected to the garden ministry, she is now teaching Worship and Wonder on Sunday mornings and is leading youth group on Sunday nights. As a mom of one of those youth, I am grateful to Green Chalice for the ways God is working through this ministry.”

    Rev. Christy Drechsel
    Regional Executive Minister CC in Southwest

Program Expectations 

As part of this grant program, Green Chalice will offer discernment resources and sample Fellow  application and recommendation templates to support the selection process for potential fellows.  

Program expectations include: 

Justice and Creation Summer Fellows 

● Collaboratively create a summer intention or plan that engages the gifts of the fellow and  aligns with the resources, people, context, and hopes of the ministry site. 

● Complete a free online Climate Ambassador Training. 

● Attend zoom orientation and training and summer closing reflection zoom gatherings – Fellows will regularly meet via Zoom to talk through summer intentions, goals and explore  environmental justice and creation care as expressions of faith.  

● Will be curious about their role in creation care and climate justice in your community and  congregation. 

● Contribute to the capacity, resilience and ministry of the local ministry being served 

● Support a healthy work-life balance with the ministry site. This is a learning/serving experience,  fellowships are not to be viewed as a form of cheap labor that falls below living wage  standards. 

● At the conclusion, collaborate on creating a report/narrative/presentation including photos/videos of your work including responses to the following- There will be a slide template to support your efforts: 

  • Ministry site population and size.
  • Number of people impacted by the ministry and how.
  • What measurable outcomes (events, lbs of food shared, policy maker visits)
  • How many people participated in the Climate Ambassador Training.  
  • How did the congregation celebrate/communicate this program and ministry? 

Justice and Creation Summer Ministry Site/Mentors 

● Collaboratively create a summer intention or plan that engages the gifts of the fellow and  aligns with the resources, people, context and hopes of the ministry site.  

● Support a healthy, creative, safe work and ministry experience for the fellow.

● Two Zoom meetings with fellowship mentors and supervisors for initial orientation and end-of summer reflection. 

● Provide ongoing support of summer intentions and plans in collaboration with fellow 

● Supervisors/Mentors are encouraged to complete a free online Climate Ambassador Training designed by Blessed Tomorrow and Green Chalice.  

● Support a healthy work-life balance with the fellow at your ministry site. This is a learning/ serving experience, fellowships are not to be viewed as a form of cheap labor that falls below  living wage standards.  

● At the conclusion, collaborate on creating a report/narrative/presentation including photos/videos of your work including responses to the questions above.

Find Application and Links Here

Required Documents for Application 

Ministry Site/Mentors – (to be submitted to Green Chalice) 

• A letter of endorsement from a regional minister for Ministry Site/Supervisor

-A prospective or current-year budget for your organization 

-501c3 or Fiscal Agent Information  

Additional Documents Required for Fellowship Programs Designed for Youth Ages 16-18 

• Copy of Abuse Prevention Policies (such as “Safe Church Policies”) 

• Statement describing the qualifications and experience of the mentor in working with youth 

For Justice and Creation Fellows (to be submitted to local ministry site)  

• Two letters of recommendation for Fellow by pastor, regional minister and an additional adult teacher or mentor A sample Reference Template can be found here.  

• A W-9 form to be submitted to shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org

• If you have questions or ideas please contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org  

NEXT STEPS 

1. Discern if this summer is a good time to engage in locally-grown spirit-led creation care, climate  justice, and/or social justice work. 

2. Ministry Site (mentors) and Creation Care Fellows make a connection with one another 

3. Collaborate on the Justice and Creation Fellowship Application and required forms  

4. Return application and forms to shardinnieri@dhm.disciples.org by March 16, 2026

Conversation Café – Research Strategies to Learn About Your Immediate Community

Jan 2, 2026
During this Conversation Café Webinar on Research Strategies to Learn About Your Immediate Community, participants will receive tips and methods for exploring and understanding a congregation’s local environment. In this session, attendees will examine research techniques such as ethnography, community demographic analysis, and asset-based research to identify ministry opportunities and increase the congregation’s relevance. Participants will also […]

Conversation Café – Research Strategies to Learn About Your Immediate Community

by Curtis Dixon

During this Conversation Café Webinar on Research Strategies to Learn About Your Immediate Community, participants will receive tips and methods for exploring and understanding a congregation’s local environment. In this session, attendees will examine research techniques such as ethnography, community demographic analysis, and asset-based research to identify ministry opportunities and increase the congregation’s relevance. Participants will also gain access to a resource that pastors, lay leaders, and members can use for ongoing self-reflection, bible study, community engagement, and more.

Community Engagement: Research Methods and Strategies for Local Congregations

Dec 19, 2025
This new resource offers congregations, pastors, and lay leaders tips and tools to understand the importance of engaging their local context. Recommended research methods, strategies, reflective questions, a bible study lesson, and more are provided to help congregations become more effective witnesses, neighbors, partners, and advocates for social change. In addition, this resource will help […]

Community Engagement: Research Methods and Strategies for Local Congregations

by Derrick Perkins

This new resource offers congregations, pastors, and lay leaders tips and tools to understand the importance of engaging their local context. Recommended research methods, strategies, reflective questions, a bible study lesson, and more are provided to help congregations become more effective witnesses, neighbors, partners, and advocates for social change. In addition, this resource will help congregations reflect on their identity, strengths, and capacity, assess their relevance to their community, and identify new ministry opportunities. Download the resource and gather a team to reflect on what God is calling your church to do today to engage your local context.  

Conversation Café – Mission, Vision & Values: Sharing Your Congregational Identity through Your Guiding Statements.

Oct 30, 2025
On Tuesday, October 21st, at 11:30 am CST, the Conversation Café discussion topic was Mission, Vision & Values: Sharing Your Congregational Identity through Your Guiding Statements. The webinar emphasized the importance of understanding a congregation’s context for impact and relevance, recognizing a congregation’s unique call for ministry, choosing, writing, and/or evaluating guiding statements, and more. […]

Conversation Café – Mission, Vision & Values: Sharing Your Congregational Identity through Your Guiding Statements.

by Derrick Perkins

On Tuesday, October 21st, at 11:30 am CST, the Conversation Café discussion topic was Mission, Vision & Values: Sharing Your Congregational Identity through Your Guiding Statements. The webinar emphasized the importance of understanding a congregation’s context for impact and relevance, recognizing a congregation’s unique call for ministry, choosing, writing, and/or evaluating guiding statements, and more. The guest presenter was Dr. Erin Cash, Project Director for the Thriving Congregations Project at Lexington Theological Seminary and Co-author of Thriving Church. 

Conversation Café For Congregations

Oct 29, 2025
This bi-monthly virtual experience is designed to bring Disciple pastors, lay leaders, and church staff from across the country together to discuss, reflect, and engage relevant resources for congregational life and innovation. This one-hour lunch-time session offers participants a chance to be Church together and share resources that help our congregations thrive in their local […]

Conversation Café For Congregations

by Derrick Perkins

This bi-monthly virtual experience is designed to bring Disciple pastors, lay leaders, and church staff from across the country together to discuss, reflect, and engage relevant resources for congregational life and innovation. This one-hour lunch-time session offers participants a chance to be Church together and share resources that help our congregations thrive in their local contexts. Grab a meal, settle at your computer, and join the conversation. We look forward to seeing you at the café.

During this Conversation Café Webinar on Research Strategies to Learn About Your Immediate Community, participants will receive tips and methods for exploring and understanding a congregation’s local environment. In this session, attendees will examine research techniques such as ethnography, community demographic analysis, and asset-based research to identify ministry opportunities and increase the congregation’s relevance. Participants will also gain access to a resource that pastors, lay leaders, and members can use for ongoing self-reflection, bible study, community engagement, and more. Join us for this engaging one-hour learning experience. Get registered today! 

Justice and Creation Summer Fellowships with Green Chalice 2025

Oct 22, 2025
We are excited to share presentations from ministry sites and fellows that served God by serving their communities this summer. Each slide show is below and a compiled video is at the bottom. Cascade Christian Church, Grand Rapids, MI  Cypress Creek Christian Church, Spring, Texas  Downey Ave. Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN  First Christian Church,  Fullerton, CA […]

Justice and Creation Summer Fellowships with Green Chalice 2025

by Scott Hardin-Nieri

We are excited to share presentations from ministry sites and fellows that served God by serving their communities this summer. Each slide show is below and a compiled video is at the bottom.

Cascade Christian Church, Grand Rapids, MI 

Cypress Creek Christian Church, Spring, Texas 

Downey Ave. Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN 

First Christian Church,  Fullerton, CA

Saguaro Christian Church, Tucson, AZ 

Saint Andrew Christian Church,  Olathe, KS 

South Broadway Christian Church,  Denver, CO 

St. Paul’s Christian Church,  Raleigh, NC 

United Campus Ministry of Greater Houston, Houston, Texas 

In The Spirit Christian Church,  Tulsa, Ok 

Peniel Christian Church,  Gresham, OR 

Fellowship Christian Church,  Kansas City, Kansas

Extreme Heat- Community Needs, Faithful Responses.

Sep 15, 2025
Education, Conversations and Community Resources As extreme heat events become increasingly frequent and dangerous, faith communities are called to respond with both compassion and action. Community leaders and local experts shared vital information and seeds for ministry during an online Green Chalice gathering on Sept. 3rd. The video can be viewed solo, as a congregation or […]

Extreme Heat- Community Needs, Faithful Responses.

by Scott Hardin-Nieri

Education, Conversations and Community Resources As extreme heat events become increasingly frequent and dangerous, faith communities are called to respond with both compassion and action. Community leaders and local experts shared vital information and seeds for ministry during an online Green Chalice gathering on Sept. 3rd. The video can be viewed solo, as a congregation or green team.  We heard from Rev. Katie Sexton, Director of the Arizona Faith Network, Dr. Eugene Livar,  Arizona’s first Chief Heat Officer, Arene Rushdan,  Community Resilience Program Manager at the Arizona Faith Network  Rev. Dr. Job Cobos, Pastor at Larkspur Christian Church. You can view the recording here. https://youtu.be/RbkiF0wFJfw

This resource is based on a gathering with Green Chalice collaborators in 2025. The resources below can be used independently or paired with the recording of this conversation here.

EDUCATION Template for Class or discussion

Extreme Heat: Community Needs and Faithful Responses

Education, Conversations and Community Resources

Overview

As extreme heat events become increasingly frequent and dangerous, faith communities are called to respond with both compassion and action. This 30-90 minute resource explores the sources, impacts, and responses to extreme heat for faith communities. It can be used in Sunday School classes, community groups, or Green Team meetings. This can be used with or without the webinar regarding linked below. Video Resource: View the recording here You can find a PDF version of this Class Here.

Featured Speakers from webinar

  • Rev. Katie Sexton – Director of the Arizona Faith Network
  • Dr. Eugene Livar – Arizona’s first Chief Heat Officer
  • Arene Rushdan – Community Resilience Program Manager at the Arizona Faith Network
  • Rev. Dr. Job Cobos – Pastor at Larkspur Christian Church

Facilitator Guidelines

  • Make space for everyone to be heard
  • Pay attention to those who share too often or those who are silent
  • Consider using Parker Palmer Circles of Trust practices for small group guidance
  • Adjust timing based on whether you watch the full webinar (60 minutes) or portions

Suggested Schedule

1. Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

2. Check-in (10-15 minutes)

Every person should have an opportunity to speak briefly without interruption. Use full group sharing or the 1-3-All method ( 1- write a response in solitude, 3-share responses with two other people then briefly share summaries with the whole group).

Option 1: Share what is bringing you life these days

Option 2: Grief and Gratitude Practice

  • Set up a central altar space with notecards and pencils at each chair
  • Ask participants to write their gratitude and grief
  • Share aloud in trios or with the whole group (depending on group size)
  • For small groups: Consider a ritual with candles where each trio lights a candle and brings it to the center altar

3. Bible Exploration (15-20 minutes)

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40 (Read together or invite different readers for each verse)

When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, an expert in the law, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Reflection: Before exploring the response from Jesus in verse 37 ponder the question. “Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Even though the religious elite were coming together to challenge Jesus in the previous texts, he did not shy away from helping those gathered to prioritize certain behaviors and practices. Among the vast ways to follow commandments, Jesus combined historic wisdom from the Hebrew texts of Deuteronomy and Leviticus to help people prioritize what is great and first among so many options. How can you and your congregation prioritize from among the many good options regarding following Jesus?  

 Look at verse 37 and 39 for hints.  Today with so many options for how we receive and share information, spend money, choose and gather with friends and how we act we can hear echoes from Jesus saying “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ and ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  

4. Watch Extreme Heat Webinar (Optional – 60 minutes)

5. Reflection Questions (20-30 minutes)Consider using the 1-3-All method again  

Personal and Congregational Discernment

  • How can you and your congregation prioritize among the many good options for following Jesus?
  • In our information-rich world with countless choices for spending time, money, and energy, how do we hear Jesus’s call to “love God with all your heart, soul, and mind” and “love your neighbor as yourself”?How do you prioritize what to do in your life (daily, weekly, yearly)?
  • How does your congregation discern the best next step or ministry idea?
  • With so many good ways to follow Jesus, how do you select priorities?

Faith and Community

  • What does loving God look like in your community?
  • What does loving your neighbor look like in your community?
  • How do you receive love from yourself?

Extreme Heat Responses

  • What should faith communities know about the health risks of heat—especially for vulnerable populations?
  • How could extreme heat impact your community?
  • How can faith communities best partner with local governments, nonprofits, or health agencies in responding to extreme heat?
  • What data or tools are available that congregations can use to guide ministries?
  • Where do you see gaps that faith communities are uniquely positioned to fill?

6. Benediction: Invite each person to share one word that represents what they are carrying forth with them from the gathering.

7. Closing Prayer

News Highlights and Resources from Arizona Faith Network Ministries  

News Video Glendale residents can cool down at respite centers,

News Video Glendale Respite Centers

News Video Cooling centers offer refuge and employment during extreme heat

AZ Faith Network 2023 – Program Spotlight – Heat Relief

Guidebooks

Arizona Faith Network- Heat Relief Guidebook

AZ Faith Network- Heat Relief Overview

Extreme Heat Resources-The resources below can be found on the One Home One Future Website Here.  

Videos

More Preparedness Resources

Conversation Café For Congregations

Sep 12, 2025
This bi-monthly virtual experience is designed to bring Disciple pastors, lay leaders, and church staff from across the country together to discuss, reflect, and engage relevant resources for congregational life and innovation. This one-hour lunch-time session offers participants a chance to be Church together and share resources that help our congregations thrive in their local […]

Conversation Café For Congregations

by Derrick Perkins

This bi-monthly virtual experience is designed to bring Disciple pastors, lay leaders, and church staff from across the country together to discuss, reflect, and engage relevant resources for congregational life and innovation. This one-hour lunch-time session offers participants a chance to be Church together and share resources that help our congregations thrive in their local contexts. Grab a meal, settle at your computer, and join the conversation. We look forward to seeing you at the café.

Christian/Ecumenical Climate Ambassador Training

Aug 29, 2025
We are excited to partner with Blessed Tomorrow and 8 other denominations to offer a live, virtual Christian Climate Training on September 27, 2025 from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm ET / 8:30 – 11:30 am PT. The training will equip you with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and resources to speak and take action on […]

Christian/Ecumenical Climate Ambassador Training

by Scott Hardin-Nieri

We are excited to partner with Blessed Tomorrow and 8 other denominations to offer a live, virtual Christian Climate Training on September 27, 2025 from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm ET / 8:30 – 11:30 am PT. The training will equip you with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and resources to speak and take action on climate change in your home, congregation, community, with policymakers and beyond.

Register Here

The majority of Americans are concerned about climate change. But, they think only half of those around them feel the same way. As a person of faith, you can help others see they’re not alone in their concern and invite them to take action. 

The training is practical, inspiring, and backed by science. Content includes:

  • Climate Basics
  • Climate Impacts & Our Faith
  • Climate Solutions & Benefits
  • Communicating on Climate
  • Engaging on Climate

When you complete the training, you will be invited to become part of the Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassador Community which provides ongoing support, resources, events, and connection to a vast community of Climate Ambassadors from across the US.

Register Here

Moral Mondays Memphis

Jul 9, 2025
DHM is helping convene Moral Monday Memphis during General Assembly. Join us at Civic Center Plaza (across from the Convention Center) at Noon CT for a Moral Witness Against Attacks on Immigrant Communities and Against the Immoral Budget Bill. As a direct action at the end of the event different groups will go to: Join […]

Moral Mondays Memphis

by Brian Frederick-Gray

DHM is helping convene Moral Monday Memphis during General Assembly. Join us at Civic Center Plaza (across from the Convention Center) at Noon CT for a Moral Witness Against Attacks on Immigrant Communities and Against the Immoral Budget Bill.

As a direct action at the end of the event different groups will go to:

  1. Deliver a letter to the Memphis office of US Senator Marsha Blackburn;
  2. Deliver a letter to the Memphis office of US Senator Bill Hagerty;
  3. Join a “Stand in the Gap” Prayer Vigil a few blocks in front of the Memphis Immigration Court.

Join us for this moral witness during General Assembly.

Justice and Advocacy Ministries at Disciples Home Missions, Obra Hispana, and Week of Compassion are joining together to host a prayer vigil in front of the Immigration Courthouse in Memphis (just a few blocks away from the Convention Center).

We’ll walk together from the Moral Mondays Memphis event at Civic Center Plaza to the Immigration Court where we will offer prayers, stories, and a moral witness against the attacks on immigrant communities that we are seeing through mass deportations and detentions.

Learn more about the Standing in the Gap Event here.

Green Chalice Online Gathering

Jan 30, 2025
Green Chalice Online Gathering- February 20, 7pm ET At this free gathering you will meet Green Chalice Ambassadors: Apostle Sharyn Cosby with National Convocation and Yoli Barragan with Obra Hispana. Rob Morris, E.D. of Christmount Christian Assembly will also share impacts and responses to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.   Clergy, Lay Leaders of established […]

Green Chalice Online Gathering

by Scott Hardin-Nieri

Green Chalice Online Gathering- February 20, 7pm ET At this free gathering you will meet Green Chalice Ambassadors: Apostle Sharyn Cosby with National Convocation and Yoli Barragan with Obra Hispana. Rob Morris, E.D. of Christmount Christian Assembly will also share impacts and responses to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.   Clergy, Lay Leaders of established or emerging Green Chalice churches and people interested in active hope are welcome to join in this informative and spirit led conversation. Together we will learn and offer support and prayer for one another as we care for creation and our neighbors in these times. You can register for the free event here.

Weightlifters

Jan 2, 2025
This season in our churches, homes, and schools feels heavy, but our collective capacity to strengthen one another and our communities is great. We are an extension of our magnificent Creator--one who emboldens, loves, and heals us toward a world that is unlike empire. The Realm of God moves by the Spirit in all living things, cultivating justice and harmony one precious load of anointing at a time. It is imperative we lift up and carry the power of the Holy Spirit in refreshing ways. Our legions of lay leaders fortify the church for every season, especially those seasons that dare us to follow Jesus. “Weightlifters” provides you with enough development materials for monthly laity training over the next year. Let us lean into intentional conditioning and be well!

Weightlifters

by Brian Frederick-Gray

2025 Laity Readiness Resource

This season in our churches, homes, and schools feels heavy, but our collective capacity to strengthen one another and our communities is great. We are an extension of our magnificent Creator–one who emboldens, loves, and heals us toward a world that is unlike empire. The Realm of God moves by the Spirit in all living things, cultivating justice and harmony one precious load of anointing at a time.

It is imperative we lift up and carry the power of the Holy Spirit in refreshing ways. Our legions of lay leaders fortify the church for every season, especially those seasons that dare us to follow Jesus. “Weightlifters” provides you with enough development materials for monthly laity training over the next year. Let us lean into intentional conditioning and be well!

Rev. Monique Crain Spells
Vice President for Mission, Advocacy, & Programs

WHAT’S INSIDE?

  • Laity Sunday Litany
  • (7 ) Trainings Videos
  • (3) Downloadable Workshops
  • (1) Youth Study
  • (1) Men’s Study

Week of the Laity 2024: Care in Plain Sight

Jan 14, 2024
Take some time to share the 2024 Week of Laity Resource “Care in Plain Sight” with your church, friends, and family. Rev. Dr. Milton Keys has given us beautiful reflections on how to be more intentional in our caring as Jesus cared, a call to action with partners is included, and an affirming litany is ready for your laity service!

Week of the Laity 2024: Care in Plain Sight

by Brian Frederick-Gray

Celebrate Week of the Laity

This year’s Week of Laity will be celebrated January 14 – 20, 2024. Laity Sunday is a special time when the church pauses to consider lay leaders’ varied gifts for ministry to church and community.

Take some time to share the 2024 Week of Laity Resource “Care in Plain Sight” with your church, friends, and family. Rev. Dr. Milton Keys has given us beautiful reflections on how to be more intentional in our caring as Jesus cared, a call to action with partners is included, and an affirming litany is ready for your laity service!

Week of Laity 2023: The Call to Serve

Jan 1, 2023
We will celebrate with you the love and strength of laity across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) January 15-21, 2023. Laity Sunday is a special time when the church pauses to consider lay leaders’ varied gifts for ministry to church and community.

Week of Laity 2023: The Call to Serve

by Brian Frederick-Gray

We will celebrate with you the love and strength of laity across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) January 15-21, 2023. Laity Sunday is a special time when the church pauses to consider lay leaders’ varied gifts for ministry to church and community.

As you start the new year, we hope you find this Week of Laity Resource inspiring and helpful. May you carry the gospel like Mary and rejoice in its holy manifestations, in this and all seasons!

The Jesus Way

Jan 1, 2022
The Jesus Way ministry is built on several core beliefs: 1) Each man is uniquely gifted by God; 2) God established relational principles and priorities foundational to the life God wills for each individual; 3) Each man is the center of his own “realm of influence.” Within this realm, he influences the lives of those around him. His influence can build up or tear down those within his realm; 4) As one who has confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, each man holds citizenship in the realm of God; 5) Jesus shows us the way to live into those relational principles and priorities that build up rather than tear down as citizens in the realm of God.

The Jesus Way

by Brian Frederick-Gray

A New Men’s Ministry for the men in your congregation

Welcome to The Jesus Way!

This ministry is built on several core beliefs.

  1. Each man is uniquely gifted by God.
  2. God established relational principles and priorities foundational to the life God wills for each individual.
  3. Each man is the center of his own “realm of influence.” Within this realm, he influences the lives of those around him. His influence can build up or tear down those within his realm.
  4. As one who has confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, each man holds citizenship in the realm of God.
  5. Jesus shows us the way to live into those relational principles and priorities that build up rather than tear down as citizens in the realm of God.

This journey will enrich each man’s life and the lives of those around him. Each man will (re)discover God’s unique purpose for his life and what active citizenship in the realm of God can mean for his life.