Christian education/faith formation merger position call is answered

from Disciples Home Missions

Rev. Monique Crain Spells has been called as the new Director of Christian Education/Faith Formation -Merger Staff for Disciples Home Missions and the National Convocation. Over the last eight years, her primary ministry has been theological education administration. She has served two Disciples Seminaries – Christian Theological Seminary and Brite Divinity School.

Rev. Sheila P. Spencer, Disciples Home Missions Interim President shares “We are grateful for the gifts, commitment and passion that she will bring to this role. These qualities were crystal clear to the Search Committee during our conversation with her. Disciples Home Missions and the National Convocation have partnered together in this important ministry call. She has demonstrated leadership in Local, Regional and General levels of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Her multiple gifts prepare her for this role. Her commitment to Christian Education spans more than twenty years. From designing curricula to conference planning, playwriting to grant writing and devotionals, designing resources for faith and community partners has been her life’s work.“

Rev. Yvonne Gilmore, Interim Administrative Secretary of the National Convocation reflects, “Rev. Crain Spells is the current president of the Fellowship of Black Disciples Clergy Women, and an experienced servant leader of the National Convocation. She has served with creativity and excellence as a church planter, playwright, and leader in theological education. During this moment of spirit led innovation and greater connectivity, the National Convocation is gratefully excited and looking forward to partnering with her to strengthen and develop new models to support the wholeness and flourishing of Black Disciples congregations and the Christian education ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.

As Disciples Home Missions and the National Convocation continue to live into the historic merger of 1969, a structural commitment to collaboration and transformation that established three merger positions in education, evangelism and women’s ministries, we are confident that Rev. Crain Spells is uniquely prepared to equip our national, regional, and local ministries to grow and adapt to meet current and future education ministry needs.”

Rev. Monique shares, “My commitment to Christian Education has been lifelong. Rightly, I am overjoyed and ready to accept this call. The season requires transplanted innovation—an innovation that draws from our unique communal assets to empower prophetic ministry across the church. It is my aim to shine liberating light on the gospel in creative ways that it might be experienced equitably as good news. Serving as Director of Christian Education and Faith Formation, I have the opportunity to share tools that magnify our nonconforming Jesus through intentional learning designs. As they did with Mary and her son, let angels attend to my path.”

She will officially begin on November 1, 2021.