A Member in Discernment of the Southwest Conference is a member of the United Church of Christ who has been called by God and who, under the care of the Conference (acting as an Association), is preparing for the ordained Christian ministry. The purpose of the in care relationship is to provide support, counsel and assistance to the person discerning his or her call to ministry.

Some of ways that the Conference does this are:

• Naming a liaison from the Committee on Church and Ministry to guide the person through the in care process and maintain a relationship between the committee and the person. The Manual on Ministry has very specific steps for preparing for ministry on behalf of the United Church of Christ.
  
  
• Offering educational financial aid through the Southwest Conference Scholarship Fund. Currently a full time seminarian may apply for $1,000 per academic year. At every Southwest Conference ordination and installation there is an offering collected for this fund. Donations are welcome at any time.
  
  
• Encouraging participation by the Southwest Conference in mentoring these in care persons. Because the United Church of Christ is covenantal in nature, these in care persons are in relationship not only with their local church and the Committee on Church and Ministry, but also with every UCC member of the Southwest Conference. Your prayers and emails are welcomed and appreciated.
  
  Members In Discernment in Seminary:
  Lorraine Ceniceros, Claremont School of Theology, lceniceros@msn.com
  Andria Davis, Chicago Theological Seminary, amichdav3@gmail.com
  Brian Gruhn, Andover Newton Theological School, brian.gruhn@gmail.com
  Kelly Kahlstrom, Iliff School of Theology, KellyKahlstrom@cox.net
  James McCaffrey, taking a leave from seminary, jim728m50@yahoo.com
  
  Members In Discernment who have completed their education:
  Noel Andersen, noelsy79@gmail.com
  Michelle Mellott, michelemellott@cox.net
  Debby Stinton, nebtoaz@aol.com
  Beth Frigard, bfrigard@hotmail.com
  Tess Cowen Jones, jonestess@cox.net
  Judy Green-Davis, jgreen-davis@cox.net
  Josh Whistler, brojosh3000@yahoo.com
  
  Members In Discernment Approved for Ordination Pending a Call:
  Bonnee Henry, bonneehenry@gmail.com
  Teresa Blythe, teresa@teresablythe.net
  

SWC Seminarian Scholarship Fund
One way the conference supports these persons is through the SWC Seminarian Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is funded by offerings taken at ordinations and installations. Donations from churches and individuals are welcomed.