As Disciples of Christ, we proclaim ourselves a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.
As Disciples of Christ, we proclaim ourselves a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.We gather at an open table, center our life in relationship, and commit ourselves to the work of justice, healing, and grace.
Choices for Abundant Living grows out of this identity. Rather than relying on secular models or one-size-fits-all frameworks, this curriculum is rooted in the theology and traditions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Choices for Abundant Living is a clergy ethics and boundaries training designed by Disciples, for Disciples; it speaks the language of our movement by honoring the centrality of relationships, the table of welcome, and the moral call to mending that which is broken.
Choices for Abundant Living reframes boundaries not as limitations, but as tools for flourishing—grounded in our call to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. It invites clergy into a deeper exploration of pastoral identity, power, relationships, and integrity through the lens of our shared values, covenantal leadership, and the priesthood of all believers. Designed by Disciples for Disciples, this clergy ethics and boundaries training invites us to reflect on the sacred trust of ministry—not only to prevent harm, but to nurture flourishing in ourselves and those we serve.
Rather than offering generic professional standards, tired secular models, or one-size-fits-all frameworks, Choices for Abundant Living speaks the language of covenant, community, and call. It honors our Disciples traditions of shared leadership, the priesthood of all believers, and the Spirit’s ongoing work in our relationships. With theological depth and practical wisdom, this training provides a path for clergy to embody ethical ministry grounded in love, justice, and the abundant life Christ promises.
Whether you’re a newly commissioned minister or a seasoned pastor, this curriculum helps you reflect, recalibrate, and recommit to ethical ministry grounded in Disciples identity and practice. If you’re looking for boundaries training that is both spiritually rich and practically relevant, this is it.
About the Authors
Rev. Katherine Ball is a board-certified chaplain serving Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital where she specializes in cardiac health and Clinical Medical Ethics and works closely with the CPE program. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eureka College, earned her Master of Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary, and completed a CPE residency at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center. She was ordained by her home congregation, Lindenwood Christian Church in Memphis, TN, in 2006.
Katherine has served as chaplain in hospitals and hospice settings including Methodist Hospital, Peoria and CNS hospice in Northwestern Suburban Chicago where she led grief support groups as a part of the bereavement support program. She has also been an interim pastor and led congregations in Kentucky and Illinois. Over the years Katherine has served on the Committee on Ministerial Ethics and Response Teams and as a Regional Elder for CCIW.
Katherine lives in Carol Stream, IL with her spouse of more than 25 years, Carson. She can regularly be found at the local movie theater and enjoys visits to museums near and far.
Rev. Dr. Beth Rupe serves as CCIW Disciples Women Ministries Coordinator and Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Henry, IL. Prior to attending seminary, Beth was an Outpatient Therapist at a community mental health center. She received a BS with honors in Psychology from Western Illinois University (1988) and a MS in Clinical/ Community Mental Health Psychology from Western Illinois University (1990). Beth received her MDiv from Lexington Theological Seminary (2002). She was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois & Wisconsin. She received her DMin from Lexington Theological Seminary (2014).
Beth has served as the editor of Just Women since 2023 and has contributed four Bible study lessons focusing on themes of lament, self-care, love of neighbor as self, and the Holy Spirit as disrupter. Beth has served on a variety of CCIW committees including serving as an investigator on the Committee on Ministerial Ethics and Response Teams, being on the Pro-Reconciliation Anti-Racism Team, and serving as a Regional Elder. She has led workshops and retreats focusing on introduction to the spiritual disciplines, lament as prayer practice, journaling, women in the Bible, self-care, stress management, and meditation. She was the keynote speaker at the 2022 Kansas Region Disciples Women Retreat and the 2023 Michigan Region Disciples Women Retreat.
Beth and her husband Mark of close to 50 years live in Bloomington, IL. They have two children, two granddaughters, and a six-year-old labradoodle. Her hobbies include reading, quilting and listening to music. She also enjoys cooking, especially for her family and friends. She finds strength in contemplative prayer and feels called by God to work for justice. Anywhere Disney is one of her happy places.