Recent Announcements

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness.

Disciples and COVID-19

The general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are working together to support congregations through the upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stay connected for the most recent news and updates:

Disciples News Service (news and updates for the whole church)
Disciples Together (primarily for pastors)
Facebook,  Twitter,  Instagram

NBA XPLOR announces hiatus for 2020-21 program year

After considerable discernment, the National Benevolent Association (NBA) has made the difficult decision to place our young adult residential program, NBA XPLOR, on hiatus for the 2020-21 program year. Through analysis, consultation, and prayer, NBA understands there are many unpredictable variables in hosting a residential program in these uncertain times. Considering NBA’s vision of creating communities of compassion and care, we believe that our Residents, Host Teams, and the NBA staff are best served by placing the program on hiatus for the 2020-21 program year.

What’s Next? Thinking theologically with the Center for Faith and Giving (June 23, 2020)

Blog post of interest: The Coming Pastoral Crash (June 25, 2020)

Re-opening

April 30, 2020: Read the latest letters from the General Minister and President and the College of Regional Ministers regarding re-opening churches for in-person gatherings

Re-opening considerations and resources

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CARES Act

Are U.S. churches eligible for assistance through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act recently signed into law?

The financial ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have prepared summaries of key components of the first CARES ACT. You can access these documents here.

There are two loan programs included in the CARES Act for which churches may be eligible. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorizes mostly forgivable loans to assist with payroll expenses. The Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are available to organizations who have suffered economic loss as a result of COVID-19.

You can find FAQs about these loans for faith based organizations here.

Disciples Church Extension Fund is offering a service to assist congregations and other Disciples ministries in applying for a PPP loan. The service will help Disciples ministries to gather the required information and complete the application form, at no cost to the congregation. Learn more and request assistance here.

Congregations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) who are listed in the Yearbook are covered under the denomination’s 501(c)3 non-profit status. Requests for 501(c)3 documentation can be sent to yearbook@disciples.org.

Financial Support

Can the denomination provide any support for congregations who have been financially impacted by COVID-19?

There are a variety of ways congregations can access financial support:

To help Disciples congregations minimize the impact of the coronavirus on their ministries, Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) is offering a unique suite of loan products especially designed to meet borrowing needs during these uncertain times. Call us 1-800-274-1883 or contact your DCEF Building and Capital Services Advisor. Find out how we can help your church stay healthy despite the pandemic through emergency, short-term financing, including for operational purposes.

National Benevolent Association is providing grant funding to eligible Disciples-related health and social service ministries. Funds can be used for providing essential needs during the pandemic, new projects in response to COVID-19, or operational expenses to provide continuity of care. Read more and find out how to apply here.

Many regional ministries are providing some funding for churches in their regions to enhance their technical capabilities. Congregations should contact their regional office for more information.

Is there any financial support for pastors?

The Pension Fund of the Christian Church offers emergency aid for unforeseen medical expenses for pastors through ministerial relief, and offers a disaster relief grant (in partnership with Week of Compassion) for pastors who have been infected with COVID-19 and whose congregations can’t continue to pay them. For more information, contact Matt Rosine at mrosine@pensionfund.org or call 866-495-7322.

In addition, Pension Fund provides financial coaching through Your Money Line and Pension Fund dues can be deferred for up to 6 months without members becoming inactive and losing benefits.

What about the offering?

Not meeting in person doesn’t mean people can’t give. The Center for Faith and Giving offers these FAQs about electronic giving, particularly for churches just getting started, as well as these best practices for stewardship in a time of crisis.

What other ministry resources are available?

General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens is live on Facebook May 6 offering prayers for the church and the world. She will continue each Wednesday at noon EST May 13-27 at her new Facebook page. (May 4, 2020)

Links to a variety of mental health and trauma resources compiled by Week of Compassion, National Benevolent Association and Disciples Home Missions (April 27, 2020)

Ideas and resources for worshiping virtually can be found here, including tips for livestreaming, music licensing, prayers, and more.

Disciples Home Missions has provided a number of resources for ministry with children, youth, and families.

Insurance Board COVID-19 page with tips on reopening offices, and more  |  Insurance Board webinars on COVID-19 issues (April 28, 2020)

Care for Pastors and Chaplains

Care for pastors and chaplains

Financial support for pastors

Resources for Ministry

Resources for Ministry

Pastoral care

Consoling the grieving – at a distance – the story of how one congregation is responding to those grieving a loved one in this season

Worship

Program

As we continue to worship with care, there are many ways to bring the world to you congregation.

Global Ministries mission co-workers are available to join you virtually – either live or with pre-recorded presentations:

  • to preach in a Sunday  service
  • to share in gatherings during the week
  • to lead a Sunday school classes

Looking for engaging Sunday school ideas? Consider planning four Sundays of live presentations, pre-recorded presentations, or a mixture of both.  Have an exciting month of learning about God’s work in the world!

Mission co-workers who have served in places like Kenya, the Dominican Republic, East Timor, and Greece are available.

For questions or to invite someone to share their story, please contact Cathy Nichols. 

People-to-People programs are postponed until after Dec. 31, 2020. (June 12, 2020)

  • From Ministries Across Generations: Faithfully Walking with Our Graduates (April 30, 2020) Graduate Resources (Faith Parade, Zoom Gatherings Ideas, Liturgy, Prayers, Letter to Moms, Camp Ideas, Emotional Support and more!) are available to assist the regional and local churches in “walking with their graduates” through this time.
  • Graduate SoulCare, Lamentations and Celebrations of Graduates led by General Youth Council
  • “Love Letters to Camp”As many of you continue to have meetings and conversations around camp this summer, The Young Adult Commission invites those who are graduating, leaders, campers, and staff to take some time and write your “love letter to camp.” We want to be able to give each person a way to express, cry, smile, and celebrate all that has brought them closer to God through knowing great people and finding sacred and holy spaces. E-mail your responses to obupdegrove@dhm.disciples.org.
  • US Chamber of Commerce Foundation is producing a webinar series, “Path Forward: Navigating the Return to Work.” Of particular interest to churches with daycares, preschools, or other childcare ministries is the webinar: “Childcare: Overcoming Barrier for Return to Work” (April 27, 2020)
  • Stories of healing abound in the Bible, in both the Old Testament and New Testament, offering readers encouragement that God desires human wholeness – shalom for individuals and communities. This eight-session Bible study will explore Old Testament stories of God’s healing – whether in body, mind, or soul – and what that might mean for twenty-first century Christians. Disciples Women’s Just Women Bible Study: Hope, Healing, and Wholeness is available for order (April 15, 2020)
  • Odyssey Impact offers free lectionary-based video scripture resources (March 30, 2020)
  • Children and youth resources for kids out of school and missing worship

Virtual gatherings

Community action and service

Financial Considerations

Financial considerations

CARES Act information (U.S. Federal relief package)

Guidance provided by Christian Church Foundation, Disciples Church Extension Fund and the Pension Fund

Information on Canadian federal aid (April 2, 2020)

Other financial info

  • To access emergency and short-term financing through Disciples Church Extension Fund contact your DCEF Building and Capital Services Advisor. (April 14, 2020)
  • To request a 501(c)3 letter for your congregation, e-mail the name of the congregation, the address and your preferred e-mail to yearbook@disciples.org
  • To offer a rapid and impactful response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Benevolent Association Board of Trustees has authorized grant funding to support Disciples-related ministries that are working locally in response to this crisis. With this funding we seek to offer relief to ministries that have been detrimentally impacted and to support new projects created in service to those suffering because of the pandemic. Find out more

General Video Messages

General video messages

General News

General news

Reference Materials

Reference materials

The following references are provided for information purposes only. The CC(DOC) does not necessarily endorse the entirety of each organization listed.

CDC Emergency Partners Information Connection (EPIC) webinar, “Psychological First Aid: Addressing Mental Health Distress During Disasters:” (April 27, 2020)

FEMA Resources for Faith-Based and Community Leaders (April 27, 2020)

Faith-based and community leaders continue to be valuable sources of comfort and support for their members and communities during times of distress, including the growing presence of COVID-19 in different parts of the country.

Personal finances

Health Information

Crisis Planning

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Church Rituals and Public Safety

Prejudice and the Coronavirus

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