UCC-SWC: Purpose

Conference ministry serves to strengthen

local churches

by providing consultation and resources

of program and leadership.

A conference exists also to provide ministries basic to local church needs which congregations cannot do for themselves. Some of these needs include: placement counsel for churches seeking new ministerial leadership; ecclesiastical authorization of new churches and people for ministerial leadership; and pastoral care of pastors.

A conference becomes a particular faith community as members from local churches across the whole conference gather in regional ministries, mission projects and events that provide experiences of the diversity and unity of the wider UCC and the Church Universal. A conference is also a connecting link with the wider UCC and the ecumenical community.

In addition, a conference provides ministry to serve members of the church across the whole conference, including youth and camping ministries and mission particular to the region.

We're geographically a large conference

The Southwest Conference, specifically, is made up of 44 local congregations of the UCC in Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas. Every local church is a member of one of five Associations.

Each spring, delegates from local churches gather at the annual meeting for a time of fellowship, worship, learning, discussion and decision-making on issue of common concern and our mission. The Southwest Conference participates in the life of the UCC through laity, clergy, and staff who serve on denominational boards and committees. Seven delegates attend the biennial General Synod Meeting.

Conference staff provides support to local churches

The Conference Minister, Conference staff, and consultants provide support to local congregations and clergy. They also lead and direct ministries related to the current mission emphases of the Southwest Conference:

	Church development and growth
	Youth, young adult programs, camping and outdoor activities
	Connection and communication
	Advocacy for the United Church of Christ as UCC areas of concern
	Programs to strengthen local churches

Tasks of the Southwest Conference

Ministries to clergy and churches:

Assist congregations to find a new pastor or interim leadership

Offer crisis response and conflict management to pastors and churches

Support clergy renewal through continuing education and pastoral care

Celebrate ordinations, anniversaries, installations, and building dedications

Offer consultations and workshops on stewardship, Christian education, evangelism, and long-range planning

Start new churches, nurture them and renew existing congregations with support ministries and leadership subsidies

Empowerment for ministry and mission:

Work through the Board of Directors and the nine committees to set policies and develop ministries in mission emphases voted by church delegates to the annual meeting

Support campus ministries at six different institutions in the three-state area

Participate in the Arizona Ecumenical Council and the New Mexico Conference of Churches

Encourage local congregations doing hands-on mission

Provide for future leadership of the church through support for Pacific School of Religion, our covenant partner in theological education, and our In-Care Students in seminary

Enable national and world ministries through support for Our Church's Wider Mission

Respond to regional concerns through the creation of the Border Ministries Task Force

Youth, young adult and camping ministries:

Sponsor summer youth camping program and "Sow the Seed" scholarships

Train camp directors and staff

Provide leadership and youth advisor training events

Organize yearly retreats for junior and senior high youth

Offer youth and young adult ministry networking and resourcing for local churches

Send youth and young adults to national and regional youth events

Encourage youth leadership through Conference Youth Council