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Dear Friends in Christ,
The Regional Discernment Process Roundtable (Conference Ministers, Associations Ministers, and Associate Conference Ministers) of the Indiana-Kentucky and Heartland Conferences has been meeting regularly over the past several months to consider the early ideas of our Regional Design Working Group and glean learnings from other conference settings of the United Church of Christ. As we go forward, we want you to be aware of the shape and content of our learning and discernment with regular updates.
Here are some key learnings and affirmations that we are pondering for our shared consideration so far:
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We believe the Spirit yearns to form a new creation between us rather than just joining existing structures. Embracing the power of resurrection matters as an affirmation that God desires to use us in ways we had not before imagined for the good of the world. A key question is "What might God do if…?"
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Relationships matter deeply, and there will need to be explicit ways to both foster relationships through listening and also tend the grief that is an inevitable part of any change.
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Any change will involve stages that will require adaptive leadership and an openness to learning as the process unfolds. We are learning that regional partnerships may elevate and strengthen many areas of operations: governance, ecclesial, relational, staff, legal, financial, programmatic, and likely many other areas of wider church life.
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A financial feasibility study across all settings in the near future will be very important for assessing how any new model of ministry support makes financial sense and can be sustainable over time.
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Investment in shared systems and infrastructure, including legal entities and issues, while honoring valued traditions, will be vitally important.
Next Steps:
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July 15, 2026 - Regional Discernment Roundtable meets with subteam of the Regional Design Team
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August 9-10 - Regional Discernment Roundtable and Regional Discernment Design Team meet in Indianapolis to clarify a model for consideration by the Boards of each setting at an in-person meeting in September
We are glad for your questions and feedback! Please click on the button below to offer your input!
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