Regions are the "front line" support for congregations and pastors. As noted church consultant Loren Mead has said, "The local church needs somebody who is right there all the time, who's prepared to come in when churches get in a bind, who knows them... who keeps in touch with them and helps them face difficulty and opportunity."
Or, as The Design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has it: "The purpose of regional ministry is twofold: (1) to extend the ministry of Christ in mission, witness and service among the people and social structures of the region; and (2) to establish, receive and nurture congregations in the region, providing help, counsel and pastoral care to members, ministers and congregations in their mutual relationships, and relating them to the worldwide mission and witness of the whole church."
What does that mean? Again, from the Design: Among other things, "Regions certify the standing of ministers and provide help, counsel and pastoral care to ministers and congregations in such matters as: ordination, licensing, ministerial relocation, establishment and dissolution of pastoral relationships and installations of ministers. Regions seek to supply a ministry for congregations without full-time pastoral services and offer counsel and assistance in cases of difficulties between ministers and congregations."
The shape and boundaries of regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) reflect their primary purpose of mission and nurture. Although often times following state boundaries, 
regions may vary in size and shape as determined by such criteria as the number and location of existing congregations, finance, transportation, facilities, communications media, employment and educational development, and the needs and resources of the regions.
Regions develop their particular structures for the most effective fulfillment of their ministry and mission. With due regard for the welfare of the other manifestations of the church as a whole, regions exercise rights and responsibilities as they share creatively in the total mission of witness and service. Regions own and manage their property, determine their budgets and administer regional finances within the limits of resources available. Through their assemblies, gatherings, and meetings, regions provide for worship, for the education of their
members, for fellowship, and for the transaction of business by voting representatives from the congregations.
Regions call regional ministers as their spiritual and administrative leaders and employ other regional staff as required to meet their responsibilities in mission and nurture.
While local congregations call ministers to serve, the search for ministers is generally handled at the regional level. Each region has its own procedures and practices to assist local congregations and ministers seeking a call.
In addition, regional ministers serve as pastor to the pastors, providing needed care, training, and other resources to assist ministers serving local congregations and others engaged in ministry within a particular region.
The training and ordination process for those training for ministry is also handled at the regional level.
For further information regarding regional ministries, the best place is to contact the regional office in your area. Click here for the regional staff page, where you can obtain contact information for each of the thirty-three regions. To reach the organization of regional ministers click here.