Disciples Seminary Foundation

06/23/2026

National Benevolent Association (NBA) is accepting applications for Young Adult Leadership Development Grants, designed for Disciples-affiliated young adults 18-30 years old to support building leadership capacity. We are also accepting applications for Health & Social Services Leadership Development Grants for individuals leading Disciples-related health and social service organizations for educational opportunities enhancing knowledge and skillsets. Applications will be accepted through July 1. Learn more HERE: https://www.nbacares.org/programs/grant-programs/

06/22/2026

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, along with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana, have written a letter to Indiana’s Governor Mike Braun opposing the exclusionary rhetoric in the June 1, “Nuclear Family” proclamation. It states, “Our tradition teaches that God moves toward those who are excluded, not away from them. We also hold a vision of a world where every person can live fully into who they are — without shame, without fear, and without being diminished by the narrowness of others.” Read the letter in its entirety HERE: https://disciples.org/general-ministries/call-to-love-inclusion-and-unity-letter-to-governor-braun/

06/19/2026

Join scholar and author William Stell on June 25 for A New Look at the History of Antigay Christianity, an engaging conversation exploring his new book Born Again Q***r: A History of Evangelical Gay Activism and the Making of Antigay Christianity (Princeton University Press, 2026). Stell offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting efforts to create greater inclusion for gay and le***an people within evangelical churches before antigay movements became more dominant. This online event will take place via Zoom at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central/6 p.m. Mountain/5 p.m. Pacific. Learn more about the program and register to receive the Zoom link HERE: https://lgbtqreligiousarchives.org/events/born-again-queer

06/18/2026

DSF proudly congratulates its Board Member Rev. Dr. Jonathan Hall on being selected as one of the preachers for General Assembly. This well-deserved honor recognizes his leadership, wisdom, and commitment to the church and its future. General Assembly is a unique opportunity to gather with Disciples from across the country for worship, learning, fellowship, and inspiration. Be sure to register and attend GA 2026 to celebrate this exciting milestone and hear Rev. Dr. Hall share a message with the wider church community.

https://ga.disciples.org/preachers-2/

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

🌈 This week's DSF newsletter is full of stories of hope, leadership, learning, and community.

This Pride Month, DSF graduate Rev. Dr. Michael Kosik shares a powerful reflection on witnessing the evolution of Pride over the decades and the importance of churches being places of authentic welcome, affirmation, and love. His story is a reminder that creating inclusive communities is not a future goal — it's faithful work happening right now.

Plus, in this week's newsletter:

🎓 The DSF 2026 Graduate Newsletter is now available to download

🎤 Congratulations to DSF Board Member Rev. Dr. Jonathan Hall on being selected as a preacher for General Assembly 2026

📚 Register now for the DSF Collective course, “The Birth and Growth of the Disciples of Christ Movement – in the United States and Globally”

📖 Join scholar and author William Stell on June 25 for A New Look at the History of Antigay Christianity

❤️ Learn more about the DSF Certificate Program and how it's equipping leaders for ministry in a divided world

At DSF, we believe theological education, courageous leadership, and inclusive communities can help shape a more just and hopeful future.

Read this week's newsletter and stay connected with all that's happening across the DSF community!

https://mailchi.mp/dsf.edu/june-17-2026

06/16/2026

The DSF 2026 Graduate Newsletter has Arrived!

We’re excited to announce that the DSF 2026 Graduate Newsletter is now available to download! This special edition celebrates a remarkable class of graduates, honors the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Joe Driskill, highlights inspiring alumni updates, shares exciting news from the DSF Certificate Program, and much more!

Inside, you’ll meet bold, faithful leaders who are already making an impact in their communities and discover stories of resilience, justice, innovation, and hope. From seminary graduates to alumni shaping the future of the church, this issue is a celebration of the people and partnerships that make DSF such a vibrant community.

Download your copy today and join us in celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the ways DSF continues to form leaders for a changing world.

https://www.dsf.edu/newsletter-2026-graduates

06/15/2026

Registration is now open for the DSF Collective course, “The Birth and Growth of the Disciples of Christ Movement – in the United States and Globally”! This engaging course explores the history, theology, polity, and evolving witness of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), including the ministries of NAPAD, Obra Hispana, and National Convocation. Participants will reflect on how the church’s past continues to shape faithful leadership and ministry today.

This course is part of the DSF Certificate Program: Pastoral Leadership in a Divided World — a one-year, 10-course online program designed to equip lay leaders, emerging ministers, pastors, and lifelong learners with practical ministry skills, theological grounding, and culturally aware leadership formation.

Register now!

https://kwaray.org/dsf-collective/the-birth-and-growth-of-the-disciples-of-christ-movement-in-the-united-states-and-globally

Why pursue the DSF Certificate Program?

This course is part of the DSF Certificate Program: Pastoral Leadership in a Divided World — a one-year, 10-course online program built for lay leaders, emerging ministers, and pastors who want theological depth and practical tools for ministry in today's world. Here's what makes it a transformative investment:

Flexible, accessible learning — Study from anywhere with a three-week guided format plus a monthly Zoom conversation.

Comprehensive formation — 10 courses covering scripture, theology, church history, preaching, pastoral care, stewardship, ethics, and more.

Earn a certificate or CEUs — Complete all 10 courses for a Certificate in Pastoral Leadership, or take individual courses for Continuing Education Units.

Affordable — Individual courses are $300; the full Certificate Program is $3,000. Scholarships are available.

Whether you're discerning a call, deepening your ministry, or seeking renewal, the DSF Certificate Program meets you where you are. You can enter at any point in the year — and July is the perfect time to start.

Learn more about the Certificate Program | Questions? Email [email protected]

06/10/2026

This week in the DSF newsletter, DSF/Iliff student Lucia Napolez reflects on the intersection of Pride, faith, grief, and calling. From celebrating LGBTQ+ community and advocating for open and affirming churches to pursuing ministry and mentoring future generations, Lucia shares a powerful story of resilience, hope, and representation in the Church.

Plus, don't miss:
✨ Celebrate the 2025-2026 DSF Named Scholarship Recipients!
✨ A new webinar exploring ageism in ministry
✨ Resources for General Assembly Sunday and the 2026 General Assembly
✨ Registration information for DSF's upcoming course, The Birth and Growth of the Disciples of Christ Movement, and our Certificate Program in Pastoral Leadership

Read, learn, and be inspired by the stories and opportunities shaping faithful leadership today.

https://mailchi.mp/dsf.edu/june-10-2026

05/20/2026

This week’s DSF Newsletter is full of stories of growth, courage, community, and calling. ✨

We’re celebrating DSF/UCC graduate Bry Brannan on completing their journey at Iliff School of Theology and sharing a powerful reflection on transformation, accompaniment, and ministry rooted in “weaving people and resources together for intergenerational resilience.”

You’ll also find highlights from the Tri-Regional Women’s Retreat, where DSF alumni and leaders helped create a weekend of authentic connection, wisdom, and renewal, along with reflections from the Oregon and Southwest Idaho Regional Assembly and an invitation to register for June’s DSF Certificate Program course, God and the History of God’s People.

Read the latest newsletter and stay connected with the stories shaping the DSF community.
https://mailchi.mp/dsf.edu/may-20-2026