The Southwest Association (SWA) is an Open and Affirming Assocation of the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ. Our purpose is to nurture and support the churches and authorized ministers of the Association. We do this through the work of two primary committees. The Association Council is responsible for the regular business of the Association between full meetings of the Association. While in the past we have had our own Church & Ministry Committee for authorization and many support tasks, beginning on January 1, 2027, we will instead be participating in a Unified Committee on Ministry, a joint committee of all the associations in the Michigan Conference. The Association is supported by many volunteers as well as the Michigan Conference staff.