Regional Ministry | Programs | Clergy Concerns | Consulting | Mission | Partnerships

Regional Ministry

The Connecticut Conference's five Regional Ministers provide pastoral support to the clergy and churches in their region. They help build relationships among congregations for mutual ministry and fellowship, and have particular expertise which is available to churches throughout the state.

Southwest Region: the Rev. Dr. Michael Ciba Michael Ciba is Southwest Regional Minister of the Connecticut Conference. He works with churches in the Fairfield East, Fairfield West, and Litchfield South Associations to provide resources, interpret the work of the United Church of Christ, and assist churches with planning and search and call. He offers program leadership in the areas of Congregational Vitality, Church Marketing, and Discipleship. He serves as team leader for the Threshold Initiative and as Coordinator of the Regional Ministers. Office Phone: 860.274.6727 Email: michaelc@ctucc.org
South Central Region: the Rev. Dr. Michael S. Penn-Strah Mike Penn-Strah's primary work is with congregations in transition and crisis and providing leadership resources. He works with clergy of the Region in offering counsel, support and advice as well as pastoral care. He offers training for local church leaders, including moderators, deacons, and pastoral relations committees. He also leads workshops in church growth, hospitality, and conflict resolution. Office Phone: 203.389.1193 Email: mikeps@ctucc.org
Eastern Region: the Rev. Dr. Thomas Clough The Eastern Regional Minister works with churches in transition, providing support, resources and leadership training. He assists in connecting the churches to the mission and ministry of the UCC beyond their local programs and concerns. His work with clergy of the region includes offering counsel, support and pastoral care. Office Phone: 860.941.0929 Email: tomc@ctucc.org
Northwest Central Region: the Rev. Ineke K. Mitchell Ineke K. Mitchell serves churches in the northern part of the state ranging from the New York state line to the Connecticut River. She offers program leadership in the areas of Church Governance, Leadership Development, and discovering the strengths of local congregations through Asset Mapping and Appreciative Inquiry. Office Phone: 860.693.4473 Email: inekem@ctucc.org