A collaborative partnership with Graceland University, Community of Christ, and others housed and hosted in Graceland University’s Community of Christ Seminary.
The Center for Innovation in Ministry & Mission (CIMM) is focused on creating non-credit opportunities for adult theological education, ministerial training, and leadership development in an effort to empower and inspire disciples and leaders to become radical practitioners of the mission of Jesus Christ.
CIMM offers non-credit bearing continuing education units (CEU’s) that focus on priesthood development, leadership development, and theological education. These CEU’s do not lead to a degree.
Ministry and Priesthood: Classes last between 6-8 weeks* in online learning only. All students progress together one week at a time. The class opens on Monday each week and all readings, discussions, and assignments are due on Sunday by 2 p.m. (CST). You can choose your own schedule to complete your work each week. A class facilitator will grade your work each Sunday. Certification is awarded for completion of three classes; Introduction to Priesthood Ministry, Introduction to Scripture, and one priesthood office-specific class.
Cost per class: $25.
*Exception: Children and Youth Worker Core Training: This class takes about 2 hours total to complete. Students can start anytime during the session, but you have 2 weeks from your start date to complete the class.
Christian Ministries Certificate: Classes are an 8-week blend of online learning with one live session each week. Students progress together one week at a time. One or two books are required before starting each class. Sessions open each Monday and end on Sunday afternoon. A live session lasting 1-1.5 hours is required each week. These classes are online versions of former MEADS classes.
Cost per class: $100 plus books.
Discernment Facilitation Certificate: This certificate includes six 8-week online courses with one scheduled live session per course during the first year. Live online sessions are offered every two months. During each course, there will be required readings, group discussions, and one praxis assignment. Year two includes peer-supported practicum groups that meet every two months for one year. Both the six courses and the practicum year are required for required for certification.
Cost per class: $100 (Community of Christ members receive a 50% discount)
(This cohort is currently underway – more enrollment information will appear here in the future)
Spiritual Formation and Companion Program Certificate: These courses will have limited enrollment through an application process (see link below). Classes are hybrid (in-person and online) three-year certificate program led by Community of Christ and hosted by the Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission. SFCP is designed as a formational experience for those who desire to learn more about spiritual formation and develop resources, gifts, and skills for spiritual companionship and leadership in their local contexts.
The 2024 cohort is already underway. For more information about future cohorts, please visit the Spiritual Formation and Companioning Program page on the Community of Christ website.
CIMM Sessions: We will be presenting live classes exploring theology, culture, and Community of Christ Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs in “bite-sized” sessions. These no-cost live sessions will take place most Wednesdays at 7 p.m. CST. You can learn more and register for a session here: CIMM Sessions
The Ministry and Priesthood certificate and courses are designed for pre-ordination training or those interested in better understanding priesthood ministry.
Students will receive a certificate for taking three classes (Introduction to Priesthood, Introduction to Scripture, and one priesthood office specific class) through this CIMM online program. Individual classes will receive Temple School credit and CEU non-degree credit through Graceland University.
Each online class is divided into “Weeks” with one or two chapters covered each week. Students can work on their class any time from Monday-Sunday, complete their readings and assignments, and finish at their own pace as long as it is completed by Sunday at 2 p.m. (CST). All students complete the week together and engage in discussions to foster a community experience.
It takes about 1-1.5 hours a week to complete readings and assignments. The programs are designed to be flexible so there is no specific time students need to be in class – though it is expected that students will devote time each week to complete their coursework.
Cost is $25 per course.
Core Curriculum:
Priesthood Office Curriculum:
An introduction to priesthood faithfulness and an exploration of the Community of Christ priesthood covenant which is at the heart of priesthood ministry. These covenant principles form the foundation for priesthood ministry and from which responsibilities of specific priesthood offices are built.
An exploration in the ministry of disciples expressed through the nature and love of God through Christlike character, love, concern, and generosity.
As ministers who model Jesus as Comforter, this course is an exploration of the role of Deacons and understanding how they connect ministries of hospitality, preparation, and addressing the physical needs of people, especially the poor.
As ministers who model Jesus as Peacemaker, this course explores the role of Teachers and how their ministry connects with individuals to encourage peace and healing of relationships.
As ministers who model Jesus as Friend, this course explores the role of Priests and how their ministry connects with households, families, congregations, and the community. Ordinands create a plan for ministry.
As ministers who model Jesus as Community Builders, this course explores the role of Elders and how they lead Christ-centered congregational community by witness, invitation, and mentoring others in Christs mission. Ordinands explore providing sacramental ministry and create a plan for ministry.
An exploration of the role of Seventy as ministry expressed through evangelism, witness, invitation, and discipleship. Students will engage in discussion and reflection activities and develop a plan for ministry.
An insight and exploration into the ministry of High Priests in congregations, mission centers, and communities. The course gives attention to collaborative leadership; expectations and role of World Church ministers; and building bridges between people, congregations, and communities.
As ministers who model Jesus as Blessing, this course explores the role of Evangelists expressed in spiritual practices and formation, as well as, providing spiritual guidance to people and congregations. Evangelist ministry of blessing is modelled through spiritual companionship, sanctuary, pastoral presence, apostolic witness, and being teaching learners.
Bishops represent Christ primarily as ministers of generosity, who express God’s grace, and mentor Aaronic priesthood. This class explores the essential role of the bishop, expressed through generosity, mentoring, economic justice, and grace.
And introduction and exploration of the nature of scripture in the life of Community of Christ; helps students understand genre, literary context, and historical and cultural context; guides in the responsible use of the Old Testament and dealing with difficult texts; provides a sample small-group Bible study; and explores the function of the lectionary in sacraments, preaching, and teaching.
This course is designed for anyone wishing to work with children and young people within Community of Christ and is the first step in becoming a registered children and youth worker. The class is designed to shield the youth, youth workers, and the church from potentially abusive situations.
An introduction to priesthood faithfulness and an exploration of the Community of Christ priesthood covenant which is at the heart of priesthood ministry. These covenant principles form the foundation for priesthood ministry and from which responsibilities of specific priesthood offices are built.
An exploration in the ministry of disciples expressed through the nature and love of God through Christlike character, love, concern, and generosity.
As ministers who model Jesus as Comforter, this course is an exploration of the role of Deacons and understanding how they connect ministries of hospitality, preparation, and addressing the physical needs of people, especially the poor.
As ministers who model Jesus as Peacemaker, this course explores the role of Teachers and how their ministry connects with individuals to encourage peace and healing of relationships.
As ministers who model Jesus as Friend, this course explores the role of Priests and how their ministry connects with households, families, congregations, and the community. Ordinands create a plan for ministry.
As ministers who model Jesus as Community Builders, this course explores the role of Elders and how they lead Christ-centered congregational community by witness, invitation, and mentoring others in Christs mission. Ordinands explore providing sacramental ministry and create a plan for ministry.
An exploration of the role of Seventy as ministry expressed through evangelism, witness, invitation, and discipleship. Students will engage in discussion and reflection activities and develop a plan for ministry.
An insight and exploration into the ministry of High Priests in congregations, mission centers, and communities. The course gives attention to collaborative leadership; expectations and role of World Church ministers; and building bridges between people, congregations, and communities.
As ministers who model Jesus as Blessing, this course explores the role of Evangelists expressed in spiritual practices and formation, as well as, providing spiritual guidance to people and congregations. Evangelist ministry of blessing is modelled through spiritual companionship, sanctuary, pastoral presence, apostolic witness, and being teaching learners.
Bishops represent Christ primarily as ministers of generosity, who express God’s grace, and mentor Aaronic priesthood. This class explores the essential role of the bishop, expressed through generosity, mentoring, economic justice, and grace.
And introduction and exploration of the nature of scripture in the life of Community of Christ; helps students understand genre, literary context, and historical and cultural context; guides in the responsible use of the Old Testament and dealing with difficult texts; provides a sample small-group Bible study; and explores the function of the lectionary in sacraments, preaching, and teaching.
This course is designed for anyone wishing to work with children and young people within Community of Christ and is the first step in becoming a registered children and youth worker. The class is designed to shield the youth, youth workers, and the church from potentially abusive situations.
The Christian Ministries Certificate is focused on development of innovative practitioners of theology in a ministry field/context.
Cert Requirements: Completion of all 10 courses. (Students can take individual courses without completing certificate requirements)
Cost is $100 per course.
An introductory exploration of the discipline and methods of theology. The foundational topics of Christian theology are covered including the nature and necessity of the theological task in the world.
An introductory review of the Old Testament and the Apocrypha, with emphasis on how the canon was developed, the different modes of interpreting the writings, and the exegetical skills needed for teaching and preaching out of the Hebrew Scriptures.
An introduction to the basics of New Testament literature. An exploration of learning how to read the New Testament writings in light of (a) their literary form, (b) their historical setting, and (c) their distinctive witness to Jesus Christ. Attention will be given to techniques of exegesis based on various methods of biblical criticism.
An exploration of the relevance the church and its value proposition to community. A study of the various elements of Christian life and models of Christian community and congregational life. Emphasis will be placed on practical ministries of the church – worship, sacrament, preaching, community development, etc.
An introductory study of the rich tradition of Christian spiritual formation and spiritual practices and discern its application for our own lives and contexts. Students will also explore various models of discernment and its application for ministry and leadership.
An exploration of Christian mission and its implications on ministers and leaders within the context of faith. Students will get an integrated approach and contextual models of leadership rooted in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
A basic introduction of the role of peace and justice in Christian theology and the Christian tradition. Focus will be given on resources and application of peace and justice through a theological lens.
A basic introduction to the field and study of contextual theology and its place in contemporary culture. Emphasis will be given on theological anthropology and the nature of theology.
An exploration of key themes, important developments, and significant issues in Community of Christ theology. Students will examine the prophetic nature of Community of Christ identity, message, mission, and beliefs.
An integrative approach to guide students in applying their theological, ministerial, and leadership learning into practical ministry application. This course will be a topics course that draws together the various themes, topics, and studies, of the Christian Ministries Certificate.
An introductory exploration of the discipline and methods of theology. The foundational topics of Christian theology are covered including the nature and necessity of the theological task in the world.
An introductory review of the Old Testament and the Apocrypha, with emphasis on how the canon was developed, the different modes of interpreting the writings, and the exegetical skills needed for teaching and preaching out of the Hebrew Scriptures.
An introduction to the basics of New Testament literature. An exploration of learning how to read the New Testament writings in light of (a) their literary form, (b) their historical setting, and (c) their distinctive witness to Jesus Christ. Attention will be given to techniques of exegesis based on various methods of biblical criticism.
An exploration of the relevance the church and its value proposition to community. A study of the various elements of Christian life and models of Christian community and congregational life. Emphasis will be placed on practical ministries of the church – worship, sacrament, preaching, community development, etc.
An introductory study of the rich tradition of Christian spiritual formation and spiritual practices and discern its application for our own lives and contexts. Students will also explore various models of discernment and its application for ministry and leadership.
An exploration of Christian mission and its implications on ministers and leaders within the context of faith. Students will get an integrated approach and contextual models of leadership rooted in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
A basic introduction of the role of peace and justice in Christian theology and the Christian tradition. Focus will be given on resources and application of peace and justice through a theological lens.
A basic introduction to the field and study of contextual theology and its place in contemporary culture. Emphasis will be given on theological anthropology and the nature of theology.
An exploration of key themes, important developments, and significant issues in Community of Christ theology. Students will examine the prophetic nature of Community of Christ identity, message, mission, and beliefs.
An integrative approach to guide students in applying their theological, ministerial, and leadership learning into practical ministry application. This course will be a topics course that draws together the various themes, topics, and studies, of the Christian Ministries Certificate.
This two-year training prepares and equips experienced ministers with models and processes for group discernment facilitation. Facilitators will be prepared to accompany congregations, leadership groups, and communities who are seeking direction, asking important questions about their future, and desiring to deepen in a habit of discernment as a leadership and ministry posture.
Program Structure: In Year 1, Participants attend a 4-hour zoom session every 2 months and complete online components in-between meetings including group discussion, assigned readings, and additional assignments. In Year 2, participants will be assigned a peer-supervised practicum group as they engage a community in discernment to apply what they have learned. Mentor support will be available as needed. This training is entirely online. Participants will receive 7 CEUs total for the whole program.
Live ZOOM class meeting dates for year 1:
Participants will develop a posture of deep listening in communities and systems as a core gift and skill of discernment facilitation. This session will explore foundations of discernment in the Christian tradition, theological and scriptural grounding in discernment, and will introduce qualities and competencies of discerning leadership.
This session will cover the initial steps of preparing a community for discernment, introduction of discernment in a community with varying levels of understanding, setting appropriate expectations and timelines, creating a community covenant, the prayer for spiritual freedom, and articulating an accurate question that represents the heart of the matter for the discerning community.
Moving deeper into the discernment process, session three will address issues and practices related to the middle sections of journeying with a community in discernment. These include the substantive, holistic invitations of “gathering data” to address the question at hand, listening carefully to movements of consolation and desolation in the group, and staying with what is unfolding when the temptation to rush ahead arises! Because this is often the place where communities feel the most stuck, we will address strategies for working through possible frustration or lack of clarity. Participants will receive a variety of practices and tools including guidance for how to structure sessions to be responsive to what is emerging in the group.
This session addresses the final movements in the discernment journey including identifying emerging direction, seeking group consensus, praying for confirmation, and taking action. Participants will explore faithful facilitation as possibilities begin to emerge and how to support the group in the movements from process to praxis including invitations for a habit of discernment to guide and inform the community as it moves into the future. Focus will be given to implementation and common questions and issues in bringing a process to closure.
Having explored the discernment process in detail, participants will explore the art and skill of spiritual facilitation as it applies to discernment leadership. Discernment leadership requires structure and planning blended with flexibility and adaptability. Session 5 will discuss the prayer of spiritual freedom for discernment facilitators, navigating the various spiritual and communal movements throughout an entire process, and practical tools for organizing and guiding a group in the fluidity of a dynamic process.
Experienced discernment facilitators draw from a deep reservoir of practices and tools as preparation for responsive leadership within the movements of the discerning community. This session will orient discernment facilitators to resources, practices, and possibilities for a variety of circumstances that might arise throughout a discernment process.
The best way to learn discernment facilitation is to engage leadership of the process with a discerning community. Year 2 will offer ongoing encouragement and support for participants through peer-supervised practicum groups that will meet bi-monthly for 1 year with short, supplemental readings as needed. Mentor support will be available as needed. During this time, each participant will find a community or group to engage in a process of discernment and will come to the practicum group prepared to share what they are learning and to receive peer support, reflection, and encouragement. Each discernment process may look different, so it is not expected that participants are leading discernment for the entire year. The groups will meet to provide mutual support as facilitators find themselves in different stages and situations along the communal discernment journey.
Participants will develop a posture of deep listening in communities and systems as a core gift and skill of discernment facilitation. This session will explore foundations of discernment in the Christian tradition, theological and scriptural grounding in discernment, and will introduce qualities and competencies of discerning leadership.
This session will cover the initial steps of preparing a community for discernment, introduction of discernment in a community with varying levels of understanding, setting appropriate expectations and timelines, creating a community covenant, the prayer for spiritual freedom, and articulating an accurate question that represents the heart of the matter for the discerning community.
Moving deeper into the discernment process, session three will address issues and practices related to the middle sections of journeying with a community in discernment. These include the substantive, holistic invitations of “gathering data” to address the question at hand, listening carefully to movements of consolation and desolation in the group, and staying with what is unfolding when the temptation to rush ahead arises! Because this is often the place where communities feel the most stuck, we will address strategies for working through possible frustration or lack of clarity. Participants will receive a variety of practices and tools including guidance for how to structure sessions to be responsive to what is emerging in the group.
This session addresses the final movements in the discernment journey including identifying emerging direction, seeking group consensus, praying for confirmation, and taking action. Participants will explore faithful facilitation as possibilities begin to emerge and how to support the group in the movements from process to praxis including invitations for a habit of discernment to guide and inform the community as it moves into the future. Focus will be given to implementation and common questions and issues in bringing a process to closure.
Having explored the discernment process in detail, participants will explore the art and skill of spiritual facilitation as it applies to discernment leadership. Discernment leadership requires structure and planning blended with flexibility and adaptability. Session 5 will discuss the prayer of spiritual freedom for discernment facilitators, navigating the various spiritual and communal movements throughout an entire process, and practical tools for organizing and guiding a group in the fluidity of a dynamic process.
Experienced discernment facilitators draw from a deep reservoir of practices and tools as preparation for responsive leadership within the movements of the discerning community. This session will orient discernment facilitators to resources, practices, and possibilities for a variety of circumstances that might arise throughout a discernment process.
The best way to learn discernment facilitation is to engage leadership of the process with a discerning community. Year 2 will offer ongoing encouragement and support for participants through peer-supervised practicum groups that will meet bi-monthly for 1 year with short, supplemental readings as needed. Mentor support will be available as needed. During this time, each participant will find a community or group to engage in a process of discernment and will come to the practicum group prepared to share what they are learning and to receive peer support, reflection, and encouragement. Each discernment process may look different, so it is not expected that participants are leading discernment for the entire year. The groups will meet to provide mutual support as facilitators find themselves in different stages and situations along the communal discernment journey.
The six courses offered through SFCP are intended to provide a cumulative curriculum that takes the participant from personal spiritual exploration to advanced topics of spiritual companionship and leadership. A formational pedagogy is critical to the participant experience and the development of each course. SFCP embraces an integrated approach of learning and forming with practice, relationship, prayer, body, mind, and spirit.
Applications for admission and enrollment will take place on this Community of Christ web page. CIMM will not oversee this enrollment process but will host the certificate.
SFCP describes the process of Christian spiritual formation as a “transformative journey in the pattern of Christ for the sake of God’s shalom.” This course is both an introduction and an invitation into the study, history, practice, and integration of spiritual formation as a foundational element of Christian discipleship, ministry, and leadership. Through personal, experiential engagement and critical study and reflection, participants are encouraged to tend their own spiraling inward/outward journeys while gaining tools and resources to support others in spiritual growth and transformation.
Deep Listening is at the heart of spiritual companionship. Though we “hear” every day, deep listening is a ministry gift and skill that tends to the presence of the Spirit in “all things”, people, and circumstances. Spiritual companions learn how to listen deeply to others, self, God, and the world around them. Deep Listening is also at the heart of discernment, a vital skill of spiritual leaders.
Throughout the centuries, the mystics and spiritual leaders of the Christian tradition have emphasized that the greatest test of spiritual authenticity and integrity is transformation and compassionate action in everyday life. This course introduces participants to significant mystics (including their contributions to the Christian spiritual tradition) and movements throughout history that have shaped Christianity through the primary lens of an integrated life that embodies a rhythm of contemplation and action.
Building on foundations from Deep Listening, learners will explore what discernment looks and feels like on a communal level as both participant and facilitator. Using a primarily Ignatian model of discernment, this course offers the experience of a discernment process, attention to group dynamics in discernment, and insights from systems theory that support communal and social change as disciples seek to follow God’s call in their lives and the world.
This course will engage the “self” of the spiritual companion/leader through integration of self, calling, and vocation within one’s context. Participants will explore models of spiritual diversity, ministerial myths and narratives, and theories of spiritual and human development as part of a journey of discovering and living from “the true self in God.” The framework of the Benedictine Rule of Life will serve as a guide for everyday praxis of an integrated life and leadership style.
The culminating course of SFCP focuses on application of skills, gifts, and callings into one’s own ministry context. Attention is given to spiritual facilitation, environment, ethics, and diversity of contexts. Participants explore a variety of ways they can live into the call to spiritual companionship and leadership through examples from previous cohorts, current opportunities in Community of Christ, and discernment of their own call to ministry.
SFCP describes the process of Christian spiritual formation as a “transformative journey in the pattern of Christ for the sake of God’s shalom.” This course is both an introduction and an invitation into the study, history, practice, and integration of spiritual formation as a foundational element of Christian discipleship, ministry, and leadership. Through personal, experiential engagement and critical study and reflection, participants are encouraged to tend their own spiraling inward/outward journeys while gaining tools and resources to support others in spiritual growth and transformation.
Deep Listening is at the heart of spiritual companionship. Though we “hear” every day, deep listening is a ministry gift and skill that tends to the presence of the Spirit in “all things”, people, and circumstances. Spiritual companions learn how to listen deeply to others, self, God, and the world around them. Deep Listening is also at the heart of discernment, a vital skill of spiritual leaders.
Throughout the centuries, the mystics and spiritual leaders of the Christian tradition have emphasized that the greatest test of spiritual authenticity and integrity is transformation and compassionate action in everyday life. This course introduces participants to significant mystics (including their contributions to the Christian spiritual tradition) and movements throughout history that have shaped Christianity through the primary lens of an integrated life that embodies a rhythm of contemplation and action.
Building on foundations from Deep Listening, learners will explore what discernment looks and feels like on a communal level as both participant and facilitator. Using a primarily Ignatian model of discernment, this course offers the experience of a discernment process, attention to group dynamics in discernment, and insights from systems theory that support communal and social change as disciples seek to follow God’s call in their lives and the world.
This course will engage the “self” of the spiritual companion/leader through integration of self, calling, and vocation within one’s context. Participants will explore models of spiritual diversity, ministerial myths and narratives, and theories of spiritual and human development as part of a journey of discovering and living from “the true self in God.” The framework of the Benedictine Rule of Life will serve as a guide for everyday praxis of an integrated life and leadership style.
The culminating course of SFCP focuses on application of skills, gifts, and callings into one’s own ministry context. Attention is given to spiritual facilitation, environment, ethics, and diversity of contexts. Participants explore a variety of ways they can live into the call to spiritual companionship and leadership through examples from previous cohorts, current opportunities in Community of Christ, and discernment of their own call to ministry.
President, High Priest Quorum, Community of Christ
DMin, Lipscomb University, Hazelip School of Theology
MA, Johns Hopkins University, Paul Nitze School of Advanced International Studies
BA, US Air Force Academy
Richard lives in Independence, Missouri and has worked for the church as a Field Support Minister in the Western USA Mission Field and Western Europe Mission Center. In the past he has also served as a Generosity Minister, Apostolic Assistant in the Asia Mission Field, and the World Service Corps Program Director. He holds a degree in Business & Finance and is currently working on his Masters in the Community of Christ Seminary.
BFormer Apostle – Community of Christ
Head of multi-faith Religious Education at a Leicester, UK high school
Lecturer/teacher trainer in multi-faith Religious Education at Westminster College, Oxford
Education Advisor for the Leicester Education Department (104 primary and secondary schools).
Adjunct Professor teaching World Religions at Graceland University for 10+ years.
Master of Divinity, Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL – Coursework included Community of Christ Theology, Community of Christ Scriptures (taken through Community of Christ Seminary)
Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Development & Management, Spring Arbor University
Congregation Administrator, Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing, Lansing, MI
Administrator/Co-Leader, Community of Christ, Lansing, MI
Community of Christ Seminary Chair of Religion
PhD, Marquette University
MDiv, Princeton Theological Seminary
BA, Central Michigan University
Community of Christ seminary chaplain
Former youth minister
Trained spiritual director, and serves on the Community of Christ’s Spiritual Formation Team and Theology Formation Team.
Community of Christ General Council
Community of Christ Legal Council
Child Protection coordinator, Community of Christ
JD, University of Missouri
MA in Religion, Graceland University
Presiding Evangelist, Community of Christ
Assists Formation Ministries Team, Community of Christ
MS, Northwest Missouri State University
BA in Music, Graceland University
Kat brings a wealth of theological education and experience in educating Community of Christ members and friends to interpret scripture responsibly. Trained through the Vancouver School of Theology (ThM – Hebrew Bible, MATS – New Testament), she has also served on the Community of Christ Theology Task Force for many years and have offered lectures and sermons for broadcast by Community of Christ
Apostle, Community of Christ
Director of Formation Ministries, Community of Christ
MA in Religion, Graceland University
MMEd in instrumental conducting, Florida State University
BS in Education, University of Missouri-Columbia
President of the High Priest Quorum and the Director of Communications at Community of Christ International Headquarters
MA in Religion, Community of Christ Seminary
BA in Communications, Graceland University
Counselor to the Presiding Bishop in Community of Christ
Served as Financial Officer in the Sierra Pacific Mission Center, Eurasia Mission Field, and Latter-Day Seeker Minister in Utah, and Latter-Day Seeker Minister in Utah. Carla has worked for the church since 2005, MA in Religion, Community of Christ Seminary
Diane is a retired educator with 38 years of experience. She served as a copy editor and Community of Christ International Headquarters. She also served as an instructional coach for over 6 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Education. She has served on the Central Mission Presidents team and today serves as a pastor at the Woods Chapel congregation in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
Larry McGuire has been a full-time appointee minister with Community of Christ since 1994 and currently a President of Seventy. Larry has received special training in church planting, congregational consulting, urban missionary training, and spirituality counseling in substance abuse programs. Larry is also a facilitator of Covey’s Seven Habits. He holds a Community of Christ Seminary Masters degree..
Community of Christ Spiritual Director and Spiritual Formation Specialist
Spiritual Director for Bread of Life, an interfaith spirituality center in Sacramento, CA
MA in Religion, Graceland University
Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Leadership from Pnuema Institute
BA, Graceland University
Kris is a seasoned Community of Christ minister, leader, listener and guide in spiritual formation and healing ministries. Her past professional career includes being a school psychologist. She served as President of Seventy/Field Missionary Coordinator in the church and later was the Community of Christ staff pastor. She is an Evangelist today, living with her husband Peter in Des Moines, Iowa. She is a certified Spiritual Director and member of the World Church Spiritual Formation team, as well as a certified Grief Educator. She also provides a unique ministry as a “pastoral private investigator” in Iowa.
Community of Christ Apostle for the North Central USA Mission Field
Serves on the World Church Theological Formation Team
MA in Christian Ministry, Graceland University Seminary
BA in Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado
Seventy Quorum 3 Educational Officer
Regional Children’s Minister
Former Full-time Congregational Pastor
MS in Curriculum and Instruction, UCMC
Director, Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission, Seminary
Former Mission Center President, Pastor, and IHQ Staff
MA in Religion, Graceland University
BS in Communications
Former Apostle, Community of Christ
MA in Religion, Park University
MA in Secondary School Administration, Central Missouri State University
BS in Education, Central Missouri State University
Apostle, Community of Christ
Served as Apostolic Assistant, Stake and Region Bishop, and Mission Center President
MA in Religion, Park University, Parkville MO
BS in engineering, Harvey Mudd College
Emerging Church Practitioner, Pacific Southwest International Mission Center, Community of Christ
Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, Dixie State University
PhD in History of Art, University of Cambridge
MA (HONS) in Art History, University of St. Andrews
MA in Justice and Reconciliation, Luther Seminary
Former Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Graceland University
Former member of First Presidency – Community of Christ
BA in Social Studies from Graceland University
MA in Religion
EdD
Apostle, Community of Christ
Served in leadership and leadership development roles in Canada, Latin America, and Tahiti
MA in Religion, Park University
BA in Philosophy and Religion, Graceland College
Doctor of Ministry, Ecumenical Theological Seminary
Master of Arts in Religion, Graceland University
High Priest, Community of Christ
Registered Environmental Health Specialist
Chaplin, Harmony
Joelle Wight is a President of Seventy in Community of Christ. She is a former educator and social worker with a passion for community building, social justice, and pursuing peace. She graduated from Graceland/Community of Christ Seminary with a Master of Art in Religion
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