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.   

 

• TFPCOM - the document that governs processes and policies for clergy standing

  • English version  

  • Spanish version                
     

• Clergy Helps Manual 2024 Edition - 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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• Exemption - If you would like to apply for a permanent exemption to Standing Renewal, Click here

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2026 Renewal

      Standing Renewal for 2026 is completed.  

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      If you have questions regarding the 2026 Standing Renewal, please fill out the "Contact Us" form at the bottom of this page.

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Other Clergy Forms & Resources

 

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
   

• CHAPLAIN & SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES

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• THE ORDER OF MINISTRY APPLICATION FORM COMMISSIONED MINISTRY
   

• APPLICATION FOR REINSTATEMENT OF STANDING

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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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• The Christian Church of Greater Kansas City is Developing Healthy Boundaries training to be offered later in 2026

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

 

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

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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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• In Person - offered by The Christian Church (DOC) of Mid-America - Saturday, April 11, 2026 

  • 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, First CC of Sedalia, 200 South Limit Ave, Sedalia, MO  65301​

  • $45 and Registration is due by April 3

  • Learn More & Register

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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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• Ongoing, regular, meaningful participation in one of the area racial justice advocacy/activist groups also meets the criteria.  If you are participating this way, please contact the Regional office at office@kcdisciples.org and 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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• In-Person AR/PR 101 training is being offered from 10 am to 4 pm Thursday, March 26th at the Merriam Christian Church located at 9401 Johnson Dr, Merriam, KS.  Register HERE

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AR/PR offered by other regions​
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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  Register

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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 Standing Commission Chair Rev. Mark Harmon at m_e_harmon@hotmail.com and the Regional Office at office@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.  Contact our Regional Ministry staff to confer about training that you have recently completed.