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 apply to renew their standing.  Before we apply, we make sure that we are current in our required continuing education.  We all participate in learning experiences described later in this document focusing on Healthy Boundaries and Anti-racism every three years.  Information for the 2026 Standing Renewal appears below.​

 

• Exemption - If you would like to apply for a permanent exemption to Standing Renewal, Click here

 

2026 Renewal

Standing Renewal for 2026 started Aug. 28, 2025.  Personalized emails have been sent to all ministers with information about each minister's individual renewal.  If you did not receive a letter, please fill out the "Contact Us" form at the bottom of this page.​​​​

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The 2026 Standing Renewal focuses on recommitting to the Ministerial Code of Ethics, assuring Boundaries and ARAP training has been completed since Jan. 1, 2023 and (for commissioned clergy) submitting letters from your congregation and mentor.

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In late September the Regional Office will send another personalized email requesting your review/updating of personal information such as address, phone, emergency contacts, etc.

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If you have questions 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:

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HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

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• Convergence Courses
   

• Any Region's online courses are open to clergy.  Click here for a list of Region websites.
   

• Safe Gatherings

  • To enroll you must enter Kansas for the state (even if your congregation is in Missouri), and for Organization enter Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Greater Kansas City.

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• Lewis Center for Church Leadership
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ANTI-RACISM/PRO-RECONCILIATION (ARPR)

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Pro-Reconciliation training ​​

 

• 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 Commission Chair Rev. Mark Harmon at m_e_harmon@hotmail.com or 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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• ARPR Zoom Training - Tennessee Disciples

  • October 18, on Zoom - When registering select "Disciples Church, out of area"​​​

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• Nov. 1st - Plan to Attend the Becoming Beloved Community's Racial Justice Summit Saturday, Nov. 1st [<-- link] and attend two of the workshops. 

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• Reconciliation Ministry for the Christian Church Disciples of Christ request for training here. 
   

AR/PR From our Tri-Regional partner - Nebraska: ​
 

• Online training in English

  • November 15, on Zoom ​

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    Books

         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

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• 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?

 

Once this paper is completed, please email it 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 completed recen