Disciples
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The Christian Church in Arizona is one of 31 geographic areas of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Most often we are known as the “Arizona Region.”
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.
But what does that mean?
As a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) region we share a covenant relationship with:
- Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations – particularly in Arizona
- Other Regional Churches, and
- Our denomination – The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.
We practice unity and inclusion at the Lord’s Table
More about communion | More about The Chalice
We practice believer’s baptism
We study scripture for ourselves
Our Vision, Mission and Confession | Our Priorities
We are a movement for Christian Unity
More about Christian Unity | Our Ecumenical Partners
We are a church dedicated to God’s vision of Peace and Justice
Reconciliation Ministry | Disciples Peace Fellowship | Refugee & Immigration Ministries | Disciples Center for Public Witness
We are church made up of all God’s Children
Obra Hispana | National Convocation | North American Pacific/Asian Disciples | Center for Indigenous Ministries | Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance | Disciples Women’s Ministry (DWM) | Disciples Men | Ministries Across Generations
We are a church that cares for all creation
Global Ministries | Week of Compassion | Green Chalice
We are church that lives in covenant our partners
The Christian Church in Arizona | Our Structure | Christian Church Foundation | Disciples Church Extension Fund | Pension Fund of the Christian Church | National Benevolent Association | Higher Education and Leadership Ministries | Chalice Press
Learn more about our history and identity Disciples at disciples.org.
Arizona Disciples
The Christian Church in Arizona is one of 31 geographic areas of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Most often we are known as the “Arizona Region.”
Our congregations call on Regions to fulfill the mission of the Church by taking the lead in developing new forms of ministry in mission, witness and service. Regions also are nurturing agents that provide support, guidance and pastoral care to ministers and congregations.
Additionally, Regions provide for standing and credentialing of ministers, support for relocation of pastors, and filling vacant ministerial positions. Regions help find interim minsters for churches that are without permanently called pastors, and settled pastors for churches finishing an interim time.
Our Mission
“To create an environment and relationships in which congregations and leaders are called, supported and equipped for congregational mission and ministries which are transforming, growing and faithful.”
The Arizona Region strives to live out its calling and mission by:
Supporting Congregations
- Facilitating planning and visioning
- Offering pastoral care, support and coaching
Empowering Leaders
- Providing events and workshops to train congregational leaders
- Resourcing congregations
- Helping congregations network with one another
Strengthening Ministry
- Walking with congregations through the process of calling a new minister
- Licensing, Ordaining, and maintaining the standing of ministers
- Encouraging and/or providing financial support for pastors to attend suport groups, retreats and educational events
Growing Faithful Disciples
- Offering camps and conference for young Disciples
- Supporting youth ministries
- Supporting ministries for women
- Supporting the Convención de Arizona
Reaching Out to Others
- Establishing new churches
- Working to eradicate racism
- Sharing in the Mission through projects and work trips
Regional Staff
Rev. Dr. Jay Hartley
As Regional Minister and President, Rev. Dr. Jay Hartley supports Arizona clergy and local congregations and coordinates the Region’s ministries and staff. He is the corporate and administrative President of the Region and serves on several boards and ministry teams of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and affiliated ministries.
Rev. Hartley earned his Doctor of Ministry at Lexington Theological Seminary, his Master of Divinity at Vanderbilt Divinity School, and his bachelor’s degree in Religion and Music from Williams College in Massachusetts. Rev. Hartley loves to hike the beautiful mountains of Arizona.
Linda Sexton
Linda joined Regional staff in 2015 as Coordinator of Arizona Disciples Women’s Ministry (DWM). Linda works with the DWM Leadership Team to plan an annual retreat in September, an annual spring event, and to support Women’s Ministry in local congregations. Linda has served and participated in many ministries and programs throughout Arizona for more than 30 years. She is a member of Foothills Christian Church.
Matthew Clark
Joining regional staff in 2015 as the Media Communications Coordinator, Matthew now serves as the Regional Ministry Administrator. Matthew works closely with our Regional Minister and Regional Commissions/Teams providing organization, administration, and oversight for regional programs and events. He manages all office and ministries administration.
Our Board
The Christian Church in Arizona has an organizational structure that recognizes the importance and interdependence of both administration and ministry. Our Administrative Council (AC) is responsible for administrative oversight and legal and fiduciary accountability, while our Mission Focus Team is responsible for vision and direction for engaging in the mission and ministry of the Region. Both teams consist of five elected members and are joined by our Officers, Regional Minister and President, a representative from the Convención de Arizona, and appropriate Regional Staff. The Mission Focus team is also joined by the chair of each Regional Ministry.
Two groups assist the AC in their work:
- Commission on Finance (COF)
- Staff Relations Team (also assists the Mission Focus Team)
Seven groups assist Mission Focus Team:
- Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation (ARPR) Team
- Disciples Women’s Ministry (DWM) Leadership Team
- Global Ministries Team
- New Church Ministry (NCM) Team
- Regional Commission on Ministry (RCOM)
- Staff Relations Team (also assists the AC)
- Youth and Children’s Ministry Team (YCMT)
Regional leadership strives to be inclusive and seek a balance (male, female, clergy, lay, ethnic, geographical, congregation, gifts and skills) when nominating and filling positions on teams and commissions.
Contact Us
Mailing Address
Our mailing address is P.O. Box 6193, Scottsdale, AZ 85261
Regular office hours are:
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (except for holidays and lunch meetings)
We can be reached by phone at 602-468-3815 or by email at region@azdisciples.org.
If you would like to contact one of our ministries, teams, commissions please include the name of the ministry, team, or commission in the subject of your email.