21st Century Vision Team

Join The Conversation About Disciples Identity

From July, 2007 to March, 2008 more than 1,450 people participated in an online survey to review and comment on a statement of Disciples identity and twelve principles of that identity. The identity statement and principles were developed by the 21st Century Vision Team – an advisory group to General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins – to undergird the work of transformation occurring in the church today. The survey was hugely successful; it helped the team and Dr. Watkins to reflect upon Disciples identity in new ways during this important time. And, neither the identity statement nor any of the principles received combined scores lower than 85% in the Agree or Strongly Agree categories. The survey is now closed, but the conversation continues.

What Is The 21st Century Vision Team?

The 21st Century Vision Team is tasked to lead the Church in a prayerful examination of the Church's mission and structure. General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins called the team into existence which was confirmed by the Administrative Committee in 2006. The team serves as an advisory group to the General Minister and President.

Members of the 21st Century Vision Team:

  • Diana Batzka
    Seminarian; Vanderbilt Divinity School; Nashville, Tenn.
  • Adonna Bowman
    Executive Director, Office of Disciples Women, Disciples Home Missions; Indianapolis, Ind.
  • David Brown
    Member, Lindenwood Christian Church; Memphis, Tenn.
  • Charlie Gaines
    Former Second Vice-Moderator; member, First Christian Church; Arlington, Texas
  • Brian Gerard
    Pastor, First Christian Church; Louisville, Ky.
  • Cynthia Hale
    Pastor, Ray of Hope Christian Church; Decatur, Ga.
  • Carolyn Ho
    Former First Vice Moderator; member, Queen Anne Christian Church; Seattle, Wash. (currently living in Russia)
  • Verity Jones
    Publisher and Editor, DisciplesWorld Magazine; Indianapolis, Ind.
  • Sara LaRoche
    Seminarian; Christian Theological Seminary; Indianapolis, Ind.
  • Bill Lee
    Pastor, Loudon Avenue Christian Church; Roanoke, Va.
  • Michael Kinnamon
    General Secretary, National Council of Churches; New York, N.Y.
  • Steve Mason
    Seminarian; Vanderbilt Divinity School; Nashville, Tenn.
  • Shauna McGhee
    Pastor, Vision Christian Church; Lexington, Ky.
  • Tamara Rodenberg
    Dean, Disciples Seminary Foundation; Claremont, Calif.
  • Juan Rodriquez
    Pastor, Iglesia Del Pueblo - Hope Center Christian Church, Hammond, Ind.
  • Sharon E. Watkins
    General Minister and President; Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Indianapolis, Ind.
  • Wanda Bryant Wills
    Executive Director/Communications; Office of General Minister and President; Indianapolis, Ind.
  • Johnny Wray
    Director, Week of Compassion; Indianapolis, Ind.
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)