Who We Are

The Great River Region is a ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) which seeks to build up the Body of Christ and strengthen the ministries of Disciples of Christ congregations in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Focused on discernment of God’s call in each of our lives, congregations and shared ministries, we work through regional staff, congregational leaders, and denominational ministries to bring God’s love and redeeming grace to the point of greatest need. (Eph. 4:11-16, Micah 6:8, Acts 1:6-8)

Vision Statement

“We are the Great River Region, a movement that empowers Disciples congregations to transform the world through the gospel of Jesus Christ”.

Mission Statement

“We REACH, TEACH, AND TRANSFORM lives through Christ’s Love”

Our Future Story

Our Future Story develops transformational clergy leaders who foster good collegial relationships and teach each other and resource congregational program life. Read our Future Story here.

Our Values

Authentic Spirituality

I Peter 2:4-6;9
We must be honest and authentic in our relationship with God and each other. We experience growth when we practice spiritual disciplines, and fellowship with other Disciples communities and individuals.

Love

Luke 10:27
God calls us to love. "And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." We are all part of the family of God.

Faith

Heb 11:1
Jesus Christ is central to all that we do and how we live; "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Faith keeps us grounded in our relationships with God and one another.

Relationships

Phil. 2:5
God seeks to be in relationship with us. As we are in relationship together, we value one another and see Jesus Christ in the other.

Inclusivity/Intentional Diversity

Gal 3:26-28
We are stronger when we include the diverse strengths, gifts, and perspectives of all members and congregations. All churches should be inclusive. Jesus Christ welcomes all to the table. All are one in Jesus Christ.

Unity

Psalm 133
All of our members need the opportunity to find fellowship and relationship within our regional church. We as Disciples are called to respect each other, even when we disagree.

Justice/Outreach

Micah 6:8
Act justly, love mercy & walk humbly with your God. Faith without works is dead. All human beings have sacred worth and are created in God's image. Whatever you do for the least of these, you do it unto me.

Communication

Psalm 80:9
Every person in every conversation has a right to full knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the Region. The more we relate to one another, we can be more successful with our Mission. The more informed members are, the more likely they are to be accepting.

Excellence

2 Cor. 4:7
We operate at the highest levels of excellence in our operations, deliberations, regional and congregational program life, and witness.

Freedom

2 Tim. 1:7
Every Christian can understand scripture and relate to God in his/her own way. Every person's beliefs has merit and deserves respect. We do not need to understand scripture to value others.

The Great Commission

Matt. 28:19-22
We are called to spread and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. We plant seeds of transformation in individuals and communities that will bring others into a relationship with Jesus Christ.