Regional Transformation

The Regional Transformation Team is a group of clergy and laypersons from around the Region focused on providing information, resources, and support for congregations and congregational leaders interested in renewal and transformation.

Current members:

Rev. Colin McRaney:  colin@kentdisciples.org
Rev. Dr. Sacia Vik:  saciavik@gmail.com
Seeking new members – contact the Regional Office: office@northernlightsdisciples.org

Please take time to look through the resources gathered here and follow up with a member of the team if you have questions.

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Regional Transformation grants for congregations are available

Regional Transformation Grants are available for congregational projects, processes, and programs.  Read the Northern Lights Region’s Grants Policy here.

Skip to the application here.

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Transformation programs and partners

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Educational resources

Books of interest:

Take heart – transformation is possible!

All of these books are easy to read and understand and are useful for the necessary work of transformation within congregations and individuals. They are best utilized when a group within a congregation reads and discusses it together. For the most part, those of us in the church are not skilled in the work of Transformation that is needed for congregations to be relevant in our current context. These resources provide excellent ways to understand our current world and how the church needs to respond to it.

Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory

By Todd Bolsinger – Intervarsity Press

A study guide is included.

How this book is helpful: Pastor Bolsinger uses the example of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to show that when they reached the mountains, leaders realized that the canoes and oars which had served them faithfully on the journey so far were now useless burdens. It was time to utilize new ways. But when you face uncharted territory how do you decided what you need? Throughout the book he offers clear ways of Reorientation. For example: "In the Christendom world, vision was about seeing possibilities ahead and communicating excitement. In uncharted territory – where no one knows what's ahead—vision is about accurately seeing ourselves and defining reality."

This is an excellent, easy to understand book for a congregation to read together and discuss. A study guide is included.

The Dance of the Dissident Daughter: A Woman's Journey from Christian Tradition to the Sacred Feminine

By Sue Monk Kidd – Harper One

How this book is helpful: Sue Monk Kidd, the author of a several successful novels (The Secret Life of Bees, The Invention of Wings, The Mermaid Chair) shares her intimate journey from a "conventionally religious, church going woman, a traditional wife and mother" until she began to question her role as a woman in her culture, her family, and her church. Through her eyes she helps people of all genders see the often-hidden negative impacts of patriarchy on the culture and the church, as well as how reclaiming the Sacred Feminine allows people of all genders to discover its blessings.

This book is excellent for helping people to better define the way patriarchy has shaped us and why it needs to change.

Outlandish: An Unlikely Messiah, A Messy Ministry, and the Call To Mobilize

By Disciples minister Rev. Derek Penwell – Chalice Press

How this book is helpful: This quote, found early in the book, shows us exactly what Pastor Penwell has to offer: "People aren't necessarily scared off by suffering and sacrifice, but by suffering and sacrifice without meaning. Jesus offers a way of being in the world that costs his followers; but, that cost is worth it when set within a narrative, the goal of which is the remaking of the world as God envisions it. That's the story we must tell."

With wit and humor Penwell lays out the purpose of a Christians life and the role of the church in the world in easy-to-understand language. It doesn't look at being Christian as a way to live, as much as he illustrates that following Christ's teachings are what give us direction and purpose for existence and frames our life within the context of the world.

Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other

By Amy Butler – Dial Press

How is this book helpful: Jonathan Merrit (a contributing writer to The Atlantic) sums this book up best when he states, "When I survey the state of institutional religion today, I find so many reasons to despair. But as Amy Butler reminds us, the church is not God. Informed by her deeply personal experiences, Beautiful and Terrible Things casts a vision for a wide-armed faith that is capable of making sense of these fractious and chaotic times. She fearlessly navigates white-hot cultural debates—from abortion to LGBTQ inclusion—with grace and humility, eschewing extremes and forging common ground. If you feel spiritually unmoored or religiously disillusioned, you'll find more than a mustard seed of hope in the pages of this book. Amen and amen."

Pastor Amy Butler, the first woman at the helm of New York's historic Riverside Church, knows firsthand that to navigate such a world, one must be courageous, honest, and compassionate. In Beautiful and Terrible Things, Pastor Amy draws on the most meaningful, challenging, and soul-shaking moments of her own life to offer larger lessons on theology and relationships.

Sacred Decisions: Consensus in Faith Communities

By Marcia Patton and Moral J. Percival – Judson Press

*As a bonus to those of us in the PNW the Rev. Dr. Patton lives in Kent and is available to show you exactly how to use consensus employing a decision you are currently facing.*

How is this book helpful: The authors show that decision making in congregations usually consists of following Robert's Rules of Order, which often results in winners and losers and can cause division, distrust, and strife for the "losers". They offer a more collaborative approach which is key for congregations seeking the will of God. The book explores, and offers a "how-to" process of a consensus approach to decision-making that will help you:

  • Build community that balances important needs and wants
  • Work toward win-win solutions
  • Increase members' commitment and involvement
  • Consider and value all voices and opinions

Please do not make the mistake of thinking consensus can't possibly work in the church until you read this.

Breakthrough: Trusting God for Big Change in Your Church

By Disciples pastor Rev. Dawn Darwin Weeks – Chalice Press

(See recordings of a 2023 Northern Lights Regional study below.)

A small group study guide included in the book.

The last 30 years of American church life have played a familiar refrain: “The church is old, out of touch, dying, and it’s too late.” Why bother? What if the church is not old enough, not out of touch enough, and not dying enough? When survival-rooted panic is supplanted with calm, spirited creativity, that may be exactly the moment your church was made for, that your community was hoping for— and that God is waiting for. First Christian Church of Odessa, Texas made a radical choice and was reborn as Connection Christian Church, with a new view on ministry and new energy. Breakthrough: Trusting God for Big Change in Your Church tells the story of what happened when this church dared to place their desperate, dying selves into the hands of a God whose middle name is “Surprise!” — and hints how readers might find that audacity in their own congregations.

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Other Educational resources

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NL Region Transformation education videos

Subscribe to the Northern Lights YouTube Channel

  • In 2021 a variety of presenters shared their experience and knowledge through the Region’s Second Saturdays to Shine series, sponsored by Transformation funds.
  • In 2023 a five-week Region-and-beyond book discussion on Breakthrough: Trusting God for Big Changes in Your Church was held and included participants from 15 congregations.

Now a number of those recorded sessions are available on the NLR YouTube Channel through the links below.

Start the full playlist here.

Watch Adaptive Change Here

The Church has been in a prolonged season of change for many years, facing the changing religious landscape of our region with moderate success, and expending internal energy on transformation processes that haven't worked well. The Covid-19 pandemic intensified the rate of change in our congregations and the sense of urgency within the congregation for useful, possibly significant, change.

In this workshop, you'll learn the basics of Adaptive Change – what it is, how it works, basic definitions and trends, and how to recognize it in your congregation. You'll also receive a list of additional resources for continued exploration of this topic. This workshop will not give you a formula to go and try in your congregation, because, as you'll learn, adaptive change is highly contextual.

Rev. Dr. Kara Markell is pastor of Lake Washington Christian Church and a member of the Northern Lights Transformation Team. She is also a retreat leader and has worked with pastors and lay leaders seeking to engage in the process of transformation and adaptive action in their congregation. She received her MDiv from Brite Divinity School and her DMin from Seattle University. Her doctoral work focused on the link between Ecclesiology/Congregational identity and a congregation's ability to engage in adaptive change.

Watch Part 1 of Winter Talk: A Conversation on the Doctrine of Discovery Here

Watch Part 2 of Winter Talk: A Conversation on the Doctrine of Discovery Here

Winter Talk is a conversation on the Christian Doctrine of Discovery (DOD).  Together we will spend time considering the DOD's impact on Northern Light Disciples and our structure and theology. Winter Talk is a space of accountability to the Native American voice and how that voice is heard when exploring the past, understanding the present, and visioning the future.

Jon Ghahate (Laguna & Zuni Pueblo), the Museum Cultural Educator at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will lead us through an Indigenous understanding of the DOD.  Born and raised on both the Laguna & Zuni Pueblos Jon is a parent, educator, and Vietnam Era Veteran.  Jon's work is to "give a voice of resilience and authenticity for those who have come before us and our future generations of Pueblo peoples."

Alongside Jon is Nathan Hill who is pastor of University Christian Church of Hyattsville, Maryland.  Nathan is originally from southwest Oklahoma, the son of a public educator and a nurse.  Nathan is also a Core Anti-Racism trainer for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Currently working on a Doctor of Ministry from Phillips Theological Seminary, Nathan will help us understand the DOD's impact on our lives and the church.

Watch Part 1 of Walking Our Way into Prayer: A Labyrinth Workshop Here

Watch Part 2 of Walking Our Way into Prayer: A Labyrinth Workshop Here

This online retreat is shaped for those who haven't ever used a labyrinth before, as well as those who currently use labyrinths in their spiritual practice.  Bring a finger labyrinth and some color tools (pens, pencils, crayons, other).

The Rev. Warren Lynn is a Disciples Pastor who has served congregations in Texas, Illinois, Washington, and Montana. For 19 years he has been on staff at Disciples Home Missions, a General Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Warren has used labyrinths in personal spiritual practice for 30 years, and since 2000 has taught others how to incorporate labyrinths into their own spiritual lives. A Certified Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator through Veriditas, and previously served on The Veriditas Council to provide training and leadership to other labyrinth facilitators [veriditas.org/page-1863725]. He consults with congregations and organizations establishing labyrinth ministries. Warren is a ritual and liturgy creator for labyrinth experiences, and builder of labyrinths across North America [wellfedspirit.org/welcome/spiritual-practices/labyrinths/index.html]. Warren was a founding leader for Global Healing Response, an organized plan since 2004, using the labyrinth and labyrinth community for unified healing, and to promote mindful engagement around times and experiences of emergency, crisis, or disaster.

Watch Part 1 of Shining a Light on the Table: Exploring a Wide(r) Welcome Here

Watch Part 2 of Shining a Light on the Table: Exploring a Wide(r) Welcome Here

As Disciples we share a radically wide table. As we celebrate our tradition of gathering at the table, join with others to hear and share stories of welcome; and to explore a wide(r) welcome.
What is inclusion? What is an expansive welcome? Why Open & Affirming? Church communities who are living into what it means to be Open & Affirming will share experiences of joy and struggle. Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance leaders will provide relevant definitions and explanations as well as an overview of resources. With embodied practices, small group interaction and Q&A, join us as we shine a light on the table. Bring a candle and communion elements.

BUT WAIT!!!  Your church isn’t ready to become Open & Affirming? This conversation is for you. What better time to build community and increase your gifts of hospitality! Your church already welcomes LGBTQ people and doesn’t need to do more? There’s always more welcome to offer! This conversation is for you. Everybody in your congregation knows that LGBTQ people are welcome? Now it’s time to expand the welcome with and into your community. This conversation is for you.

Rev. Melissa Guthrie Loy is the Executive Director + Minister with the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance. She is the Founding Director of the nonprofit Salvage Garden, an expansive ministry with individuals with disabilities. Setting a place at the table for all has always been a part of Melissa’s call. Melissa is trained in Faith-Based Nonprofit Management by Wake Forest University School of Business and School of Divinity. She’s been a guest lecturer for the Institute on Theology and Disability and an adjunct professor at Wake Forest University School of Divinity.

Watch Adaptive Change for Congregational Leaders Here

Adaptive Leadership is an approach to making progress on the most important challenges we face as Church.  Adaptive leaders are able to move beyond quick-fix problem solving, to diagnosis of adaptive challenges, and the nurture of adaptive capacity in your organization.  For so long we viewed the Church through the built-to-last mindset.  Adaptive leaders can shift their congregation to a built-to-change mindset.

We will review the characteristics of adaptive change and deepen our understanding of the characteristics and skills of an adaptive leader.  We'll explore how to nurture adaptive capacity through faith formation and worship.  And we'll learn how to study scripture through an adaptive change lens.

This workshop is intentionally designed for pastors and congregational leaders who have a basic knowledge of adaptive change principles and want to go deeper in learning how to lead a congregation into and through adaptive change.  A significant portion of the sessions will be spent in small working groups.

Rev. Dr. Kara Markell is pastor of Lake Washington Christian Church and a member of the Northern Lights Transformation Team. She is also a retreat leader and has worked with pastors and lay leaders seeking to engage in the process of transformation and adaptive action in their congregation. She received her MDiv from Brite Divinity School and her DMin from Seattle University. Her doctoral work focused on the link between Ecclesiology/Congregational identity and a congregation's ability to engage in adaptive change.