Thoughts from your Regional Ministry Team —
By Tom Stanley, Regional Minister and President.
For the past months, I have said these words to every congregation I have visited, every meeting I have attended, and every face-to-face conversation I have had: The Kansas Region exists to serve, support, and connect Kansas Disciples with each other and the larger church, this is our purpose.
That statement encompasses many things, including church camps and retreats. We support pastors and congregations in moments of crisis and celebration, as well as pastors who are looking for a new call, and congregations that seek their next pastoral leadership. This is vital work for the health of the Kansas Region.
This past year, we placed eleven interim and settled pastors in congregations. We currently have two congregations in active search and five more with interims recently beginning their work. This work is ever-evolving and dynamic. David, Travis, and I are endeavoring to implement the best practices to help congregations find their next pastoral leadership quickly and effectively.
But the current state of the church means this is still a challenge; there are less than half the number of seminary students that there were just 25 years ago. Nearly half of those currently in seminary have no plans to enter congregational ministry. These numbers were provided to the College of Regional Ministers by Dr. Charisse Gillett, President of Lexington Theological Seminary.
One of the most important questions I can ask a congregation today is, “When was the last time you identified someone with the gifts and graces to serve the church”? This is one of the things that the Region relies on churches to do: raise leaders in the faith.
We had many congregations and church members endure storm damage this past year. One of our congregations had an insurance claim for well over $500,000. Did you know that through the work of the Region, those members and congregations were helped?
Week of Compassion offers solidary grants to congregations and members. The Week of Compassion has been, and will continue to be present in Kansas, supporting Kansas Disciples just as the Region supports our congregations and members.
We have provided pastoral counseling, support, and care for pastors across this state. All you or your congregation must do is ask, and Travis, David, and I will be there for you.
Camp Tawakoni is booming! Almost every weekend in 2023 was booked and all weekends in 2024 are reserved as well. The camp has received a significant gift that will allow us to finish the remodel and remediation of the Training Lodge. We continue to work on updating the Dining Hall. It will have a new look this summer. We continue to work towards making Camp Tawakoni the center of regional life for the Christian Church in Kansas.
If you are asking yourself what I can do to support the vital work that helps our congregations thrive, there are several ways. We always need volunteers for summer camp, Regional committees, and the Regional board.
Financial gifts also help make the work of the Regional church possible. You have many options to donate. You can do any of the following:
- Make a designated gift through your congregation
- Give online (see options below)
- Mail your check made out to the Christian Church in Kansas to the Topeka Regional Office, 2914 SW MacVicar, Topeka, KS 66611-1787
If you have any questions or concerns, I am always available; please let us help! May God grant you peace, hope, and joy in this new year!
Tom