The Southwest Conference has opened registration for Community of Practice groups. These groups are a form of support embedded in the philosophy of the United Church of Christ as a support for insuring clergy mental health and sustaining a vital ministry.

Community of Practice groups covenant with one another to meet monthly in order to increase ministerial skills, new possibilities to problem solve and to provide ministerial support.

Community of Practice groups are guided by a trained facilitator that assist the group members in the three dimensions and elements listed below:

1. THE FOCUS IS MINISTRY: Clergy communities of practice are identified by their shared interest in and their commitment to the ongoing development of competence in ministry (in a variety of settings). There are topics, issues and concerns that form a common domain of interest that creates a bond among participants.

2. THE COMMUNITY IS ESSENTIAL: As clergy engage in discussions, shared activities, help each other, and share relevant information with one another, they build relationships with one another. Over time, trust develops in these relationships and members come to share their deepest questions, their expertise, as well as their uncertainties. Mutual accountability becomes a way of caring for one another.

3. KNOWLEDGE IS PRACTICE-BASED: Knowledge within a community of practice is developed and is tested through actual practice as it is refined into common wisdom. Skill develops within the group as it helps its members to craft practices that members can use to address specific issues or the growing edges of their ministry.”

(Clergy Group Facilitator’s Workbook and Resource Guide: Approaches and Practices for Clergy Communities of Practice and Clergy Small Groups Facilitator’s Workbook. April 2023. Developed by UCC COMPASS with gratitude to Christina Braudaway-Bauman and Lawrence Peer.)

New groups begin in September 2025. The fee for participating in a Community of Practice is $250.00 and MUST be paid prior to the first Community of Practice meeting.

Southwest Conference Community of Practice Groups for 2025-2026:

Clergy COP – Meets the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00 AM Arizona / 11:00 AM New Mexico and El Paso. Registration link

Clergy COP for Specialized Ministry – Meets the third Thursday of the month at 11 AM Arizona / Noon New Mexico and El Paso. Registration link

Clergy COP Addressing Anti-racism Issues- Meets the second Thursday of the month at 5:30 PM Arizona/6:30 PM New Mexico and El Paso. Registration link

Retired Clergy COP – Meets the third Thursday of the month at 1:00 PM Arizona / 2:00 PM New Mexico and El Paso (This COP is not formally led and no fee for participating.) Registration is not necessary.

If you have any questions, contact Rev. Dr. Gloria J. Smith, Associate Conference Minister -SCT at 602-468-3830 or gsmith@uccswc.org.