On September 9, 2025, the Southwest Conference Committee on Ministry-A met and formally welcomed Davin “Dax” Michael Franklin-Hicks into the Member in Discernment (MID) process of the United Church of Christ.

The MID process is an important step in exploring and affirming a call to ordained ministry. According to the Manual on Ministry, becoming a Member in Discernment is an ecclesial status within the UCC that recognizes a person’s sense of call and places them in a covenantal relationship of support, preparation, and accountability with their local church (Rincon UCC), the Conference acting as an Association, and the wider church.

As part of the Southwest Conference, Dax will walk this path of discernment with the support of conference leaders, local church partners, and mentors. The process includes spiritual formation, theological education, ministry training, and regular reviews, all oriented toward the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers and Manual on Ministry.

The Committee on Ministry-A expressed gratitude for Dax’s commitment to discern God’s call in community with the SWC and the wider UCC. Now as a covenantal community, we invite you to hold Dax in prayer, asking God to guide, strengthen, and encourage him in this season of discernment.

Blessings,

Committee on Ministry-A