Are you someone who has done significant anti-racism work? Do you ever wonder – “How could I get better at recognizing racism when I see it?” “How could I get better at knowing what to do about it?” Then this Community of Practice may be for you. As a group of both lay and clergy UCC members we meet monthly on Zoom from September through May on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 5:30 PM Arizona time.
Each September we welcome new members who would like to be part of the work. You can apply to join this community of practice here.
Click through to see what some members of the group say about the experience.
Read MoreThe 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 in this article.
Read MoreAre you someone who has done significant anti-racism work? Do you ever wonder – “How could I get better at recognizing racism when I see it?” “How could I get better at knowing what to do about it?” Then this Community of Practice may be for you. As a group of both lay and clergy UCC members we meet monthly on Zoom from September through May on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 5:30 PM Arizona time.
Each September we welcome new members who would like to be part of the work. You can apply to join this community of practice here.
Click through to see what some members of the group say about the experience.
Read MoreThe Southwest Conference is currently seeking facilitators to lead new Communities of Practice (COPs) for the 2025–2026 program year. The number of facilitator openings will depend on clergy registration.
COP facilitators play a vital role in nurturing both support and learning within their groups. Ideal candidates are skilled in hosting, administration, worship leadership, facilitation, and covenant keeping. Using case studies and shared experiences, facilitators help clergy deepen their skills, confidence, and connection with one another.
Each COP meets monthly for two hours, from September through August. In addition to leading sessions, facilitators are responsible for maintaining attendance records and submitting quarterly reports to conference staff.
Compensation and Training
Compensation: Up to $1,000 for a one-year commitment, based on group size.
Training: Provided by UCC national staff prior to the start of the program.
If you feel called to this important ministry of accompaniment and leadership, please contact:
Rev. Dr. Gloria Smith
Associate Conference Minister, SCT
📧 gsmith@uccswc.org
Read MoreAre you someone who has done significant anti-racism work? Do you ever wonder – “How could I get better at recognizing racism when I see it?” “How could I get better at knowing what to do about it?” Then this Community of Practice may be for you. As a group of both lay and clergy UCC members we meet monthly on Zoom from September through May on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 5:30 PM Arizona time.
Each September we welcome new members who would like to be part of the work. You can apply to join this community of practice here.
Click through to see what some members of the group say about the experience.
Read MoreA Community of Practice (COP) is a great way for clergy to connect and offer support to one another. It is dedicated to strengthening and sustaining excellent pastoral leaders for a lifetime of creative, effective service and has proven to be very effective in doing so. Being a minister in any setting is often a lonely job and the COPs encourage lifetime friendships, support and nurture as well as spiritual growth among the other 4 or 5 participants in each group.
We currently have three COPs in the SWC, accepting new members.
Read MoreAs we return to the Community of Practice work in September, we welcome anyone in the conference who has already done some anti-racism training but longs to go deeper and become more competent. The group meets each month on the second Thursday 5:30-7:30 PM Arizona Time by Zoom.
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