Clergy News

Clergy wishing to fulfill Healthy Boundaries training to meet 2017 Standing requirements have a choice of five fall seminar locations.

• Northwest Area – 9/10/16 (Saturday) FCC Stillwater
• Northwest Area – 9/24/16 (Saturday) FCC Yukon
• Central Area – 9/29/16 (NEW weekday session Thursday) Disciples Center, OKC
• Southwest Area – 10/8/16 (Saturday) FCC Lawton
• Northwest Area – 10/22/16 (Saturday) University Place CC, Enid

Cost: $50 (includes lunch and materials) • 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Class size is limited so register early to reserve your space.

For more information contact the Regional Office at (405) 528-3577.

Find Your Date and Register Online

The Disciples of Christ Historical Society has called John M. Imbler as Interim Executive Director, beginning June 13, 2016. Through its relocation from Nashville (TN) and settlement in Bethany (WV) and the restructuring of its organization, Imbler will provide transitional leadership in a deployed capacity.

A multi-generational Disciples of Christ and life member of the Historical Society since 1974, he retired from Phillips Theological Seminary (Tulsa, OK) in 2014 as Stephen J. England Associate Professor of the History of Christianity and Disciples Studies. The seminary board also named him executive vice president emeritus for his 20 plus years’ service in human resources, facilities management, and fiscal oversight. Prior to his ministry as PTS, he served 14 years as vice president for theological education with the Division of Higher Education (now HELM) concluding his final six months as interim president. Imbler has degrees from Butler University, Christian Theological Seminary, and Phillips Theological Seminary plus an honorary degree from Columbia College.

“The Historical Society is very fortunate to have a person of John’s ability and knowledge as its Interim Executive Director. We are looking forward to the new and exciting path the Disciples of Christ Historical Society has begun,” said Archie Jenkins Board Chair.

John Imbler stated “It is indeed an honor to be called to interim leadership of the Historical Society. Now through 75 years of its existence, the Society is well positioned to provide new opportunities for service to the Stone-Campbell people. I am excited to be part of its future.”

September 10 Dedication of New Building

The Historical Society is entering another phase of its own history settling in its new building near the Campbell Mansion. It is feels appropriate that the Society finds itself living on grounds where the Stone-Campbell movement, in part, originated. Dedication and celebration of its new home will be held on September 10, 2016.

The Oklahoma Region is pleased to announce the recent ordination of five pastors who are serving in ministries in Oklahoma and with the general church.

Rev. Joy Naylor – Pastor at First Christian Church Stigler

The Rev. Dr. Chuck Jackson – Co-director of Seminary Worship at Phillips Theological Seminary and Associate Pastor at South Grand Lake Christian Church, Langley

Rev. Drew Kirtley – Youth Pastor at First Christian Church Duncan

Rev. Amy Grogan – Pastor at Disciplesnet Church, the online ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Rev. Josh Toulouse – Associate Minister at First Christian Church Tulsa.

Rev. Thelma Chambers-Young, received the Human Rights Award on September 18, from the Garfield County Church Women United.  The Human Rights Award recognizes individuals who have been working in the field of human rights. Awardees are consistent in their high regard for the dignity of others the list is endless. The Human Rights Award is presented at the annual CWU Human Rights Celebration Day.  Rev. Chambers-Young serves as pastor for University Place Christian Church in Enid.