About
The Regional Commission On Ministry (RCOM) establishes guidelines and policies for ministry and preparation for ministry that correspond with the guidelines and standards of the General Commission On Ministry (GCOM). This includes approving and taking “under-care” (i.e., providing guidance and resources) those interested in entering into ministry, as well as supporting clergy with standing through networking, educational opportunities, response to individual concerns, and prayer. The RCOM also addresses any ministerial issues that arise within the Region.
As indicated by both “The Theological Foundations and Policies and Criteria for the Ordering of Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)” and the “The Policies and Criteria of the Ordering of Ministry for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona” the Arizona Regional Commission on Ministry (RCOM) is responsible, within the guidelines of those documents and the By-Laws of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona to discern and maintain its structure. Click each title below to read the most recent RCOM approved structures.
The Arizona Regional Commission on Ministry (RCOM) is responsible for establishing procedures to evaluate applicants for Ordination; facilitate continuing education, including training in healthy boundaries and anti-racism; establishing proper criteria for granting and certifying ongoing standing to persons seeking Disciples standing in the Arizona Region; as well as other appropriate issues that arise concerning minister and ministry in the Arizona Region.
From the By-Laws Of The Christian Church (Disciples Of Christ) In Arizona, INC., 2016; SECTION B. Commission on Ministry, Page 4 “The Commission on Ministry will be responsible to the Mission Focus Team.”
The Chair of the Regional Commission on Ministry (RCOM) is appointed by the Moderator in consultation with the Regional Minster and President and may serve a total of four years. They will also serve on the Mission Focus Team as voting member and representative to that team of the RCOM.
The chair, in consultation with the Regional Minister and the Moderator, shall appoint the members of the Commission. The RCOM shall consist of at least five members. There shall be intentional diversity in the membership of RCOM including (but not limited to): age; active and retired clergy/laity; experience; expertise; gender identity; geography; and representation from Arizona Convención congregations.
Terms for members will be staggered and will be two years with the possibility of a second term (or third in special circumstances).
The Regional Commission on Ministry (RCOM) will hold four scheduled meetings (two in-person) per calendar year with specific meetings set for interviews. Additional meetings will be called as necessary.
The chair, in consultation with the Regional Minister and the Moderator, shall appoint the members of the Commission. The RCOM shall consist of at least five members. There shall be intentional diversity in the membership of RCOM including (but not limited to): age; active and retired clergy/laity; experience; expertise; gender identity; geography; and representation from Arizona Convención congregations.
Terms for members will be staggered and will be two years with the possibility of a second term (or third in special circumstances).
Leadership
Rev. Paul Whitlock
Rev. Dr. Jay R. Hartley
Rev. Terry Steeden
Rev. Jessica Braxton
Jonathan Guzman
Linda Necker
Rev. Ailsa Guardiola Gonzalez
Rev. Brett Winters
Matthew Clark
Ministry in Arizona
Ministry in the Christian Church in Arizona Region takes several important forms, each with different roles, expectations, and levels of experience or education. The three primary categories are Lay Ministry, Commissioned Ministry, and Ordained Ministry. We invite you to review each of the three below to help guide your discernment.
Before accepting a candidate for Commissioning or Ordination, the Regional Commission on Ministry (RCOM) considers the following:
- the personal, inward call from God, which leads persons to seek such ministry
- the God-given gifts and graces
- the personal characteristics and aptitudes
- the preparation and promise (e.g. education, skills, etc.) that they have for effective ministry
Using these criteria the church discerns whom it will Commission and/or Ordain. The RCOM is eager to help candidates discern their calling to ministry, whether it be lived out as a lay member, or an ordained or commissioned minister.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) from our early beginnings has affirmed the “priesthood of all believers”. We celebrate the importance of lay leadership and ministry within congregations and consider that all Christian people, through their baptism, have been blessed by God to use their gifts to serve God and neighbor. For most Christians, lay leadership is the place of ministry to which they are called. Perhaps this is your place of calling in ministry.
Lay leaders and servants do not need to be credentialed or supervised by the Arizona Regional Commission on Ministry (RCOM). We thank you for your service.
Commissioned Ministry acknowledges the calling of the Holy Spirit and a commitment to professional education for ministry. Commissioned ministers may include pastors, evangelists, Christian educators, ministers of music, youth ministers, parish nurses, chaplains, and bi-vocational ministers.
There are currently two categories of Commissioned Ministry
- Those seeking Ordination, serving in a specific Congregation or Regional position, and who are under care of the Region in preparation for Ordination.
- Those not seeking Ordination, whose call is context specific and affirmed by the Region, in consultation with the calling congregation, Region or General church.
Basic Criteria for Commissioned Ministry (for a full and official list review the AZPCOM documents):
- Be a baptized member of a Disciples congregation in Arizona and serving in a Congregationally, Regionally, or Generally recognized call;
- Be recommended for Commissioning by a recognized congregation or congregations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona. This is understood to include congregations in formation and affiliating congregations, including the one in which their membership is held;
- Meet with the Regional Commission on Ministry regarding the process & requirements for becoming commissioned;
- Successfully complete a psychological and ministry assessment approved the the Regional Commission on Ministry (RCOM);
- Comply with other reasonable expectations established by the Region including continuing education, ministerial supervisor evaluations, and yearly standing requirements (knowledge, growth, and competency in the 16 general areas of ministerial practices and the specialty area of ministry for which the candidate is being commissioned is expected);
- Agree to adhere to the Ministerial Code of Ethics of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Additional Information
Commissioned Ministers are normally commissioned by the Region for a period of one year, renewable upon review.
The Commissioned Minister status is not automatically transferable to another Region. The Commissioned Minster at minimum must request a transfer, and request the Regional Minister send a recommendation letter to the Region in which the Commissioned Minister wishes to serve
All Commissioned Ministers are assigned an Ordained Minister as a Mentor, with whom they meet regularly.
Ordained ministers are set apart for “leadership in the life and witness of the church.” Ordination into Christian ministry is understood to be for life, and once a minister is ordained in one Region they are recognized by all Regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.
Requirements for Ordained Ministry are described in detail in the Policies and Criteria for the Ordering of Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona, or AZPCOM, found in Documents and Policies on this page. They include, but are not limited to:
- All Ordained Ministers and candidates for becoming an Ordained Minister must be a baptized member of a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation;
- Successful completion of a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent from an institution of higher education accredited by the Association of Theological Schools or the Association for Biblical Higher Learning;
- Theological study and competence in 16 general areas of ministerial practices as defined in the General Commission on Ministry (GCOM) document “Theological Foundations and Policies and Criteria for the Order of Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)“;
- Supervised field experience in the work of ministry, exhibiting competencies in the area of ministry in which the candidate desires to serve;
- Successful completion of a psychological and ministry assessment approved the the Regional Commission on Ministry (RCOM);
- Agree to adhere to the Ministerial Code of Ethics of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Additional Information
Ordained Ministers must meet requirements for standing within the Christian Church (Disciples or Christ). Standing as an Ordained Minister within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is credentialed by the Region and reviewed annually.
Any minister from another denomination seeking recognition and standing must meet the same qualifications and standards of preparation for Disciples of Christ ministry set forth in the Policies and Criteria for the Ordering of Ministry. Provisional or temporary standing may be granted upon fulfillment of certain requirements.
Policies and Criteria for the Ordering of Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona
These documents were accepted by the RCOM on 02/26/2019 as well as the Administrative Council and Mission Focus Team on 03/09/2019. The RCOM will continue to revise and amend the documents as necessary, from time to time.
From the Preface – “Theological Foundations and Policies and Criteria for the Ordering of Ministry, as it may be amended from time to time, (TFPCOM) became the policy document on the Ordering of Ministry for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada on August 1, 2011. The TFPCOM, therefore, is the foundational document for all expressions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), including the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona (the “Arizona Region”), with respect to the Ordering of Ministry… This document, Policies and Criteria for the Ordering of Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona… (as it may be amended from time to time) (AZPCOM), contains a brief summary of the rights and responsibilities of the Arizona Region for the Ordering of Ministry under the TFPCOM. It also contains additional policies and criteria established by the Arizona Region, primarily through the [Regional Commission on Ministry] (RCOM), to facilitate the exercise of those rights and the fulfillment of those responsibilities.”
The full AZPCOM document including attachments and appendices can be found in the Documents & Policies section of this page.
If you would like to also view the TFPCOM you can do so in English, Spanish, French, and Korean at the General Commission on the Order of Ministry at disciples.org.
Ministerial Standing
To maintain ministerial standing all Arizona Disciples ministers must complete each of the following each year:
- Complete and turn in the current Ministerial Standing Form before January 15 of the year in which they are renewing standing
- Ten (10) hours of Continuing Education – as of 2024, two (2) of those ten (10) hours must be in the area of anti-racism or cross-cultural education
- Commissioned ministers (ONLY) must have their ministry supervisor (or congregational board in cases where they are the senior or solo minister) send a letter of evaluation/recommendation on their behalf prior to submitting your standing form.
In addition:
- Every four years, complete an approved Clergy Health Boundaries Training
- As of 2024, must have attended the Level 1 Anti-Racism training (one-day) offered by a Disciples ministry or institution after 2018.
This is a summary of requirements. Please read details about each of these requirements on the Clergy Resources page, or in the supporting policy documents on this page.
Annual Ministerial Standing forms can be found on the Clergy Resources page in early January each year.
Documents & Policies
Documents
Commissioned Ministry
Ordained Ministry
Policies
Clergy Wellness
It is important to our congregations, our Region, and our entire denomination that our Clergy are enabled and supported in caring for their own wellbeing. Below you will find a trove of information all related to clergy wellness. As part of our commitment to our clergy we will keep this information updated and fresh.
To help navigate this information we have grouped it into four main categories:
- Understanding Clergy Compensation (includes information and resources focused on letters of call, benefits, and professional expenses)
- Additional Support for Pastors (includes information and resources focused on Pastor Relations Committees/PRC, Retreats, and ideas for extra ways to support your pastor)
- Available Grants (includes information and and resources for grants available to clergy)
- Wellness Resources (includes resources and information focused on promoting wellness for our clergy)
Understanding Clergy Compensation
Clergy compensation is complex and differs in various ways from typical employment compensation. The information and resources below are meant to help better understand clergy compensation and help you better support your pastor. The lists below reflects typical and essential components of a letter of call.
Basic Letter of Call
A Letter of Call is the agreement between a pastor and the congregation. It sets out the initial amounts for compensation, benefits, and some professional expenses. It is recommended that congregations review this with their minister(s) each year.
Salary
This is your minister’s financial compensation. It is what enables them to pay the bills and live a thriving life.
- Salary
- Housing Allowance
Benefits
Benefits are over and above salary, but in most cases are considered essential to most professional level careers. Comparable professional fields for ministers with at least a Master’s of Divinity degree would be teachers/principals, social workers, and attorneys. Amounts listed are typical recommendations.
- Pension (14% of Salary + Housing)
- SS offset (7.65% of Salary + Housing)
- Healthcare reimbursement
- Paid holidays (Arizona Region includes 12 – including birthday)
- Regular day(s) off each week (pastor chooses day) – publicize in newsletter
- Vacation Days: 4 weeks (includes 4 Sundays), 5 weeks (after 5 years)
- Educational Leave: 5-10 days a year for conferences & events – this does not include General/Regional Assembly or camps – which are part of regular work
- Sick Leave – 10 days
- Parental Leave – 12 weeks paid leave
- Sabbatical Plan – 3 months for every 5 years
Professional Expenses
Professional expenses are NOT a part of a pastor’s “package” or their compensation. These items don’t help pay their bills. Instead they reimburse pastors for typical expenses they incur during the course of their job. As these are not part of compensation, they should be in a different part of your budget.
- Mileage reimbursement (use current IRS guidelines found at at this link or this link)
- Meals – take visitors/new members/members to lunch?
- Books – allows for continuing education
- Education Fund – for conferences & events & workshops
- Assembly Fund – to attend in-person General Assembly (every 3 years)
Resources and Guides
- Understanding Ministry Compensation (Pension Fund)
- Chapter 2 (The Congregation as Employer) of the Disciples Treasurer’s Handbook: English | Español has additional detailed information about Pastoral compensation.
- Our denominational Letter of Call.
Additional Support for Pastors
In addition to the items included in the letter of call there are other ways to support your pastor. Some involve having intentional organizational support (PRC) or intentional time for rest (retreats). Others may involve small acts that show care and compassion for your pastor. We encourage you to talk with your Pastor and be inventive.
Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC)
A PRC is an small group of persons who provide support for the pastor and provide a regular channel of communication between the pastor and the congregation. A PRC is NOT a complaint committee.
Read and use the Disciples Guidelines for the Pastoral Relations Committee to establish or further develop your PRC. Reach out to Jay (jhartley@azdisciples.org) if you’d like help with this process.
Regional & Denominational Retreats
Encourage and help financially support your minister attending Regional and General Church Retreats. These retreats offer essential times of rest, renewal, and education for your minister.
Regional Retreats
Each year the Arizona Region provides a low cost retreat for clergy with standing. This retreat provides opportunity for clergy to intentionally rest, renew, and spend critical time with colleagues. The retreat is heavily subsidized by the Region. Clergy with available professional funds are asked to pay only $50 of a total cost of approximately $400/person.
Add these dates to your church calendar and encourage your clergy to set them aside and plan to attend:
- February 2-4, 2027 Arizona Clergy Retreat
- January 31 – February 2, 2028 Arizona Clergy Retreat
- February 5-7, 2029 Arizona Clergy Retreat
Upcoming dates and more detailed information for our Regional Clergy Retreats can always be found at on our Retreats & More page.
Denominational Retreats
Our denominational partners are equally committed to your minister’s wellbeing and offer retreats on various schedules, often heavily subsidized or with available scholarships. These often also provide hours for your minister’s required continuing education.
Oreon E. Scott Clergy Retreat What Roots Know: Story, Soil, and the Sacred Beneath
September 1-4, 2026, Christmount Conference Center in Black Mountain, NC
Sponsored by Green Chalice and Blessed Tomorrow this is an ecumenical retreat for clergy.
AllianceQ Queer and Called Retreat
October 8-11, 2026, Atlanta, GA
This retreat is for LGBTQIA+ individuals called to ministry, justice, care, and transformation in their communities.
Disciples Proclamation Project Preaching Retreat
November 9-11, 2026, Scottsdale, AZ
This retreat, happening right here in Arizona, offers time for ministers to rest, connect, and grow through keynotes and workshops focused on preaching.
The Gathering: A Retreat for Pastors
September 7-9, 2027, San Diego, CA
This retreat led by our Pension Fund has become one of the most attended and liked retreats for Disciples Ministers.
Extras
Here are some extra ways you can support your Pastor, some of which have little or no impact on the congregational budget.
- Publicize your Pastor’s sabbath day in your newsletter/bulletin so all know this is a day of rest.
- Sabbatical fund – put a set amount every year into a sabbatical fund. This amount allows your minister to have discretionary funds available during their sabbatical for rest, fun, and education. You might also set aside an amount each year to pay for pastoral or preaching coverage during your ministers sabbatical.
- Gym membership (suggested by several Arizona minsters!)
- Mental health stipend to be used for counseling/therapy/coaching
- Day of fun – pay for a day of fun planned by and for the minister
- Celebrate Week of Ministry each year in October (resources by Pension Fund of the Christian Church): most recent year | previous years
- Parsonage Equity Fund for ministers living in a parsonage
Available Grants
Grants are often available through the Region, or through other denominational ministries. We will list Regional grants here, and others as we find them.
- Relief and Assistance (by Pension Fund of the Christian Church): grants available for emergency aid, disaster relief, and funeral support
- Relief and Assistance (by Week of Compassion): solidarity grants available for congregations and households English | Español
- Continuing Education Grants (by Disciples Home Missions)
- Arizona Regional Leadership Training Grants (available to clergy and lay leaders): English | Español
- Arizona Regional 2026 Day of Fun Grants (available to clergy with standing): English
- The Region hopes to offer a matching grant in 2027 to congregations that add monies to a pastors compensation or benefits. More details will be available as we approach 2027.
Wellness Resources
- Week of Ministry Resources (by Pension Fund of the Christian Church): most recent year | previous years
- Personal Finance:
- Retirement Programs by Pension Fund of the Christian Church
- Your Money Line by Pension Fund of the Christian Church
- Mental health and wellness resources from the National Benevolent Association
Resources
Continuing Education Resources
Please visit our Clergy Resources page for Continuing Education Resources.
General Church Resources
- General Commission on the Order of Ministry
- Theological Foundations for Ministry Document: English | Spanish
- Ministerial Code of Ethics: English | Spanish
