Standing is a term that is similar to authorization for clergy in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Literally, it means that the Church "stands with you" and confirms that clergy have met the qualifications to serve as commissioned or ordained ministers.   

 

• Theological Foundations and Policies and Criteria for the Ordering of Ministry (TFPCOM) - the document that governs processes and policies for clergy standing

  • English version  

  • Spanish version             
     

• Clergy Helps Manual - contains an overview of all the material below in one place. Click here. 
   

• Standing Renewal - Every year clergy serving in our Greater Kansas City Region renew their standing.  Renewal includes recommitting to the Ministerial Code of Ethics, and assuring training on Healthy Boundaries and Anti-racism has been refreshed every three years. 

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RCOM (Regional Commission on Ministry)

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Chair - Rev. James Vertreese

Standing Renewal Chair - Rev. Dr. George Gordon III

Ordained Minister Chair - Rev. Robin Colerick-Shinkle

Commissioned Minister Chair - Rev. Roger Beason

Clergy Scholarships Chair - Rev. Andy Beck

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Standing Renewal Committee members:  ​ Rev. Dr. George Gordon III - Chair, Rev. Julie Callahan, Rev. Robin Colerick-Shinkle, Rev. James Vertreese - RCOM Chair, Rev. Dr. Lara Blackwood Pickrel - Regional Minister.  

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Courses that Qualify for Standing Renewal:

 

On-line Training for both Healthy Boundaries and AR/PR

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• Convergence Courses

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• Lewis Center for Church Leadership
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• Tennessee Disciples - Clergy Training​​
   

• All DOC Regions' online courses are open to clergy.  Click here for a list of Region websites.
   

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HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

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Healthy Boundaries offered by other Regions or Ecumenical On-Line training

 

• Safe Gatherings  Clergy Ethics, Ecumenical, On-Line, On-Demand - English Version

  • Enter Kansas for the state (even if your church is in MO) and the Organization name = Christian Church (DOC) of Greater Kansas City.​

• Reuniones seguras Ética del clero, ecuménica, en línea, bajo demanda - Versión en español ​

  • Introduce Kansas para el estado (incluso si tu iglesia está en MO) y el nombre de la organización = Christian Church (DOC) del Gran Kansas City​

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• ​Wesley Pathways - Keeping Our Sacred Trust  Ecumenical, On-Line, On-Demand​​
  • Understanding Clergy Sexual Ethics
  • Maintaining Boundaries in a Digital Age
  • Assuring Financial Integrity​

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• Christian Church in the Southwest Region - Healthy Boundaries, multiple 2026 dates 2026 On-line training

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• Capital Area CC - Clergy Ethics and Healthy Boundaries, multiple 2026 dates 2026 On-line training

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• Enkei-Resolutions - Boundaries, On-Line 2-day Options in May, September and November Register

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ANTI-RACISM/PRO-RECONCILIATION (ARPR)

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AR/PR offered by Greater Kansas City Region

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• Ongoing, regular, meaningful participation in one of the area racial justice advocacy/activist groups may meet the criteria. 

  • If you are participating this way, please contact the Regional office at office@kcdisciples.org.

  • Provide the name/email for the organization's director.

  • The director will be contacted and asked to complete a brief survey confirming participation.​​

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• ON-LINE, When Everyone Leads: Equipping Leaders for Anti-Racist Movement Ministry, 10 am to 5 pm, Sept. 26, 2026

  • For those who have been thru years of Anti-racism training and want to explore ways to mobilize others to proactive work and reparation​

  • Registration

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• AR/PR Level 301 - In Person Saturday October 24th, 9 am to 4 pm, Spirit of Hope, Kansas City, MO​

  • Registration​

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• Racial Justice Summit - Nov. 7, 2026, Independence Blvd. Christian Church, Kansas City, MO

  • Attendance at this all-day event qualifies for AR/PR training​

  • Registration

 

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AR/PR offered by other regions​
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• Florida Region, ON-LINE AR/PR, Online AR/PR Training Sept. 21, 2026  Register

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• Christian Church in the Southwest Region - AR/PR, Class Levels 101 and 201, multiple 2026 dates Online Training

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• SPANISH LANGUAGE AR/PR Training - On-Line Sept. 19, 2026, 9 am to 4 pm via Zoom at Merriam CC

  • Register

  • Discount available for Spanish speaking clergy​, for information complete the "Contact Us" at the bottom of this page​

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AR/PR Book Review

         The Greater Kansas City Regional Commission on the Order of Ministry accepts book reports on the following books to fulfil           this requirement. 
 

• The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee 

• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

• Reconstructing the Gospel: Finding Freedom from Slaveholder Religion by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

• The World is About to Turn: Mending a Nation’s Broken Faith by Rick Rouse and Paul Ingram ​

• Beyond Racial Division by George Yancey

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Once you have read the book, please submit and write a brief reflection paper that addresses these questions: 

• What will I remember?

• Why is this important to me?

• What will I do with this information and its impact on me that will make a positive difference in correcting racism and oppression in my area of influence?

 

Please email your completed report to the Standing Committee at StandingRenewal@kcdisciples.org

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Our Regional Commission on the Order of ministry accepts courses, workshops and classes offered by government and other agencies or businesses that offer Healthy Boundaries continuing education.  Email  StandingRenewal@kcdisciples.org  to inquire about training that you have recently completed.

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Other Clergy Forms & Resources

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To receive a current copy of PULPIT SUPPLY, or to be added to PULPIT SUPPLY, please fill out the "Contact Us" form at the bottom of this page.​

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• SEARCH AND CALL INFORMATION

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• CHAPLAIN & SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES

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• THE ORDER OF MINISTRY APPLICATION FORM COMMISSIONED MINISTRY

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• APPLICATION FOR REINSTATEMENT OF STANDING

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