The Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers
The UCC’s "Marks" are both a beautiful and comprehensive roadmap for the training, evaluation, and ongoing development of authorized ministers. While perhaps somewhat overwhelming in their comprehensiveness, I believe engaging with this tool with integrity and humility has helped guide my theological education, my theological reflection, and ultimately has reshaped my faith into a more well-rounded approach to ministry and to life. It has helped me document the qualities that positively influence my ministry as well as identifying some skills I need to develop more thoroughly. By working on the Marks with my Local Church Discernment Committee, pastor, mentor, spiritual director, advisor, and the Committee on Ministry, I believe I have become a more complete human being and a better disciple of Christ.
​
Here is my self-analysis of my relationship to the Marks as it stands after more than three years of discernment, which has continuously evolved based on my activities in the church, my own self-awareness, my theological education, and the feedback I receive all the key stakeholders in my discernment process.
​
I have also added relevant quotes from my Pathways Theological Education course instructors to illustrate my performance related to each mark.
Exhibiting A Spiritual Foundation and Ongoing Spiritual Practice
Personal Reflection:
Since I was very young, I have maintained a daily, ongoing dialogue with God characterized by gratitude, wonder, and supplication for the wellbeing of others. This habitual prayer life is the bedrock of my spiritual foundation. I often call upon Jesus to remind and inspire me to be the kinder and more compassionate human being I strive to be - especially when navigating difficult circumstances - and I consistently ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, wisdom, and discernment regarding the correct course for my life, my relationships, and my ministry. These daily conversations provide me with comfort, clarity, and direction, but more than anything else, God’s love and grace grant me an enduring sense of peace. Knowing that I am "fearfully and wonderfully made" by a Creator who loves me helps me quiet the noise of shame and inadequacy, allowing me to focus more fully on the work of loving myself and others as a true disciple.
My spiritual identity is deeply rooted in the United Church of Christ. Growing up in a devout UCC family, I received a strong foundation through faith formation and confirmation, which instilled in me the values of a continuing testament and extravagant welcome. As an adult, I have expanded this foundation through a varied set of spiritual traditions and practices. My more esoteric spiritual work has taught me a wide variety of disciplines - including meditation, sacred dance, dream work, sacred art, and energy work - that enrich and complement my primary identity as a follower of the Way of Jesus. These practices allow me to experience the power of the Holy Spirit in diverse ways, ensuring my spiritual development remains a lifelong commitment.
​
This commitment to ongoing practice extends to my leadership and care for others. I have learned to create safe, sacred spaces and "containers" where intimacy, authenticity, and trust can lead people toward emotional healing, self-awareness, and a deeper relationship with the God of their understanding. My spiritual life is further strengthened by my engagement in a regular Spiritual Direction process. This intentional self-reflection has been essential for my spiritual health, providing encouragement in times of difficulty and helping me maintain a healthy sense of self as shaped by God and community.
​​
Instructor Comments from Pathways Theological Education:
"He demonstrates his deep commitment to God and the call in his life to serve deeply and completely."
- Rev. Dr. Kathy Harvey Nelson (Understanding the Bible)
"Christopher's calling is to the church, the people. He focuses on the care of his community. This is not to say he does not excel in other areas, yet this is his greatest attribute."
- Rev. CJ Wood (Spiritual Care of Self and Others)
"It is evident that Christopher is a faithful and caring person with a sure sense of calling. He created a personal 6-word definition of faith formation: Learning love of God, self, neighbor."
- Rev. Valerie Coe Lowder (Faith Formation)
"His practices of meditation and prayer provide daily grounding, and the retreats or periods of silence he has participated in have been essential for deepening his connection with God."
- Rev. Joshua Lunde-Whitler (Living the Heart of Progressive Theology)
​
"It is evident that Christopher is a faithful and caring person with a sure sense of calling. He created a personal 6-word definition of faith formation: Learning love of God, self, neighbor."
- Rev. Valerie Coe Lowder (Faith Formation)
Nurturing UCC Identity
Personal Reflection:
The unconditional love and compassion exemplified by Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice he made for humankind, grant him unquestionable authority in my mind and heart as the sole Head of the Church. I believe these qualities must be the guiding principles for all people if we are to establish the kin-dom of heaven on Earth. I fully embrace Jesus’ leadership, and I strive to communicate my passion for his gospel of love to everyone I meet, both within and beyond the church walls. This commitment is rooted in the prayer of Jesus "that they may all be one" (John 17:21), a vision for the oneness of the Body of Christ that I carry into every setting of my ministry.
My life and ministry are inextricably linked to the United Church of Christ. Beyond being raised in the denomination, I have been an active leader in local congregations, serving at Black Mountain UCC in Scottsdale for four years - where I held roles as council secretary and moderator - and as a Member in Discernment at First Church Phoenix UCC since October 2023. My local service has included planning and leading worship services, fostering community engagement as a Facebook Group manager, and building a website for BMUCC to communicate our core values of continuing testament, extravagant welcome, and changing lives. These platforms have allowed me to share how the UCC is not just a place of heritage, but a living movement where lives are transformed by the Spirit.
On a regional level, I have committed myself to the vital work of the Southwest Conference and the South Central Conference. My participation has evolved from serving on the Nominating and Reconciling to Racial Justice Committees to my current role as chairperson of the Decentering Whiteness Task Force. Additionally, I serve on the Church Development & Revitalization Committee for the South Central Conference, where I assist in strategically creating the future of God's Church. My covenantal accountability to the wider church is also reflected in my service on the Southwest Conference Personnel Committee and my volunteer work in executing the 2024 and 2025 Annual Meetings.
I am further expanding my participation in the national and global settings of the UCC through engagement with bodies such as MESA, the ONA Coalition, Our Whole Lives (OWL), and the Movement for Palestinian Justice. I was honored to present a national webinar and speak at the ONA Coalition Gathering in July 2024, experiences that deepened my appreciation for our shared mission. Completing the UCC History, Polity, and Theology course has left me emboldened by the richness of our heritage. I am deeply committed to our identity as a people of the covenant, always listening for the Still-Speaking God and working to ensure our welcome is truly as extravagant as the grace we have received.
​​​
Instructor Comments from Pathways Theological Education:
​
"Christopher demonstrated throughout the class his solid foundation in his own faith and understanding of his local church and community, as well as the greater Conference of which he is a part, which allows him the comfort of exploring the beliefs of others."
- Rev. Dr. Kathy Harvey Nelson, Pluralism and Religion in North America
​
"Christopher describes his own embedded theology with its genesis in the UCC, characterized by the 'expansiveness of God’s love and grace.'"
- Rev. Jenny Veninga, Making Sense of Theology
​
"Christopher was kind, and thoughtful in his responses even if he may have disagreed with a person. He did a good job at maintaining Christian community throughout the course."
- Rev. Dr. John Carr, The Art of Worship
​
"He operates with the understanding that we are connected. Again, just the nature of his engagement with his classmates demonstrated his ability to build relationships carefully and thoughtfully."
- Jenny Veninga, Making Sense of Theology​
​
​"He is an asset to the UCC and the future of the Church."
- Rev. Dr. Kathy Harvey Nelson (Pluralism and Religion in North America)​
Building Transformational Leadership Skills
Personal Reflection:
My experience in strategic leadership and administration was tested and refined during my three - year tenure as Secretary and then Moderator at Black Mountain United Church of Christ (BMUCC). In these roles, I was responsible for performing necessary and appropriate administrative tasks while guiding the congregation through a period of significant transition and major internal conflict. This required close collaboration with a Situational Support Committee from COCAM - B and strategic management of the process to retire our previous pastor and successfully install a new one. By practicing effective project management and clear communication, I helped lead our community through these challenges in a way that empowered the church to remain faithful to God’s call and open to the surprises of the Holy Spirit.
​
I understand transformational leadership as a commitment to witnessing in the public square to God’s redeeming power. In the summer of 2023, I leveraged my technical and leadership skills to lead a fundraising effort that resulted in a $5,000 donation for heat relief for unhoused seniors in Phoenix. Additionally, I coordinated a cooperative effort between BMUCC and a local progressive committee to collect and donate over 200 pounds of food to the Foothills Food Bank. These initiatives were not just administrative successes; they were spiritual exercises that required teamwork and cooperation, ultimately strengthening our faith community and inspiring those who participated. Beyond these organized efforts, I view my daily life as a site for witness, often sharing my understanding of God’s love in secular workplaces and among friends, especially those navigating religious trauma.
​
Collaboration and intercultural awareness are central to my leadership identity. Having lived in four different countries, it is my nature to navigate cultural nuances with sensitivity and curiosity. I actively participate in events that foster cross - cultural and interfaith understanding, such as the "Sacred Words, Common Ground" event organized by Arizona Faith Power & Light. This global perspective informs my work on the Southwest Conference Decentering Whiteness Task Force, where I helped design the "9 Steps for Becoming a Racial Justice Ministry" and created a YouTube channel to model transformational discussions about race. I am committed to strategically creating a future for the Church that is inclusive, equitable, and deeply reflective of Christ’s mission.
​
Finally, I believe that transformational leaders must be lifelong learners who encourage the leadership development of themselves and others. My background as an educator - from teaching Spanish at the university level to conducting corporate trainings - has evolved into a ministry of faith formation. I have designed and taught courses on the Enneagram, dream work, and the development of the heart chakra, and I recently created a Pride Month program for First Church Phoenix UCC that moved from celebrating diversity to actively dismantling heteronormativity. By committing to lifelong educational development, I ensure that my leadership remains grounded in both our tradition and the contemporary needs of God’s people.
​
Instructor Comments from Pathways Theological Education:
"This is Christopher's greatest attribute. He was able to maintain interaction with other students. He highlighted and affirmed other's attributes. He also challenged peers through his own posts or directly through curiosity."
- CJ Wood, Spiritual Care of Self and Others
​
"Christopher was an essential part of our class community. While all of the participants were active in the discussions, Christopher in particular consistently engaged his classmates about their posts, appreciating and exploring the ideas they put forth."
- Jenny Veninga, Making Sense of Theology
​
"He was engaged in the conversations within the cohort, contributing greatly to the group learning experience."
- Rev. Dr. Kathy Harvey Nelson, Pluralism and Religion in North America
​
"He operates with the understanding that we are connected. Again, just the nature of his engagement with his classmates demonstrated his ability to build relationships carefully and thoughtfully."
- Jenny Veninga, Making Sense of Theology
​
"Christopher designed a curriculum by which a community can exegete its own life by using five historical Christian practices to transform a congregation into a 'unified, intergenerational community of persons of faith'."
- Rev. Valerie Coe Lowder (Faith Formation)
​
"His responses to his classmates' postings were not only encouraging but also helped to enhance the thoughts they expressed."
- Rev. Dr. Kathy Harvey Nelson (Understanding the Bible)
​
"He designed an outcome project that will be useable in his context, and could bring important learning to both his own congregation but also to wider groups within his Conference."
- Rev. Dr. Kathy Harvey Nelson (Pluralism and Religion in North America)
Engaging Sacred Stories and Traditions
​Personal Reflection:
My engagement with sacred texts is a lifelong endeavor that I continue to develop on an ongoing basis. I pursued formal biblical education at Pathways Theological Education, where I completed several foundational and advanced courses in Biblical literacy including:
-
Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian
-
Old Testament Hermeneutics
-
New Testament Hermeneutics
This academic foundation allows me to exhibit a maturing knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, moving beyond literalism to appreciate the historical, cultural, and theological complexities of the text. My interpretive toolkit now includes various forms of biblical criticism - including historical, literary, and social - scientific approaches - as well as specialized methodologies such as African American criticism and womanist theology. My instructors have noted that my biblical knowledge is on par with those seeking ordination, specifically citing my ability to apply these tools with both accuracy and creativity.
​
Proclamation and preaching are areas where my natural affinity for storytelling and my theological training converge. I view preaching as a sacred responsibility to bring life to ancient stories through rigorous exegesis. I have now completed two years worth of Project Proclaim (UCC SNEC), a preaching cohort where we present sermons and receive monthly feedback from our fellow preachers.
​
My work in hermeneutics has taught me to use "sanctified imagination" to center marginalized voices. A primary example of this is my use of womanist midrash to create a dialogue between Sarah and Hagar, foregrounding Hagar's agency and survival in the wilderness. By engaging the text through the lenses of Queer, mujerista, liberationist, and Black theology, I strive to "de-center" dominant narratives and uncover the "texts of terror" that have historically been used to oppress. Whether reimagining Jesus’ interactions - such as portraying him as a "Celebrity Life Coach" in the story of the Syrophoenician woman - or critiquing patriarchal structures, I aim to present the Gospel as a roadmap for justice and liberation.
​
Understanding the history of the Christian Church is essential for navigating our present identity. Through the UCC History and Polity course, I have enriched my perspective on how the Church has evolved from biblical times to the present. This historical lens informs my teaching and my understanding of how traditions can both bind and liberate. While I have extensive experience teaching adults in corporate, psychological, and spiritual settings, I recognize the importance of leading faith formation effectively across all generations. To that end, I have joined the Children’s Ministry team at First Church Phoenix UCC, where I am learning to adapt complex theological "Wondering Models" for younger ears, ensuring that the richness of our tradition is accessible to even the smallest members of our community.
​
Finally, I strive to hold the Holy with integrity, particularly as represented in the Sacraments and the creation of sacred space. My proficiency in this area is evident in my planning and execution of various worship services that honor tradition while embracing innovation. For a Maundy Thursday service at BMUCC, I designed a liturgy centered on breaking bread during a simple meal, weaving scripture reading with prepared questions that invited participants to reflect deeply on the immediate relevance of Christ’s experience. Whether planning a wedding that skillfully blends UCC and MCC traditions or facilitating a communal meal, my goal is to create "containers" of authenticity and trust where the presence of the Divine is palpable and the integrity of our sacred traditions is maintained.
​​​
Instructor Comments from Pathways Theological Education:
​
"Christopher's engagement with reading Bible in this class demonstrates a knowledge that is already on par with most who are seeking ordination and desire to continue increasing that knowledge over his professional career."
- Rev. Dr. Kathy Harvey Nelson, Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian
​​
"His input around these concepts was thoughtful and well-considered and there were several times when his ability to talk about texts in new ways helped to deepen the understanding of all of those who were sharing in the dialogue."
- Rev. Dr. Kathy Harvey Nelson, Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian
​
"Christopher Schouten demonstrates an EXEMPLARY use of multiple interpretive tools such as historical criticism and womanist theology. Christopher applies both historical-critical and womanist approaches directly to texts, demonstrating both accuracy and creativity."
- Dr. Isaac M. Alderman (Old Testament Hermeneutics)
​
"Christopher's work in this area of sanctified imagination... Jesus as Celebrity Life Coach in the story of the Syrophoenician Woman. Very creative!"
- Rev. Dr. Danny Spears (New Testament Hermeneutics)
​
"Christopher rose to the challenge and showed that he will be up to the task of leading and preparing such a service for funerals. He demonstrated an ability to provide pastoral care and extended comfort and hope to all involved."
- John Carr (Preaching for Special Occasions)
​
"Christopher’s plans integrated the course materials, biblical insights and theology into appropriate faith formation topics and formats. He also adapted a Wondering Model of questions for teens, adults and intergenerational worship."
- Rev. Valerie Coe Lowder (Faith Formation)
Caring for All Creation
​Personal Reflection:
Nurturing care and compassion for God’s creation is a core spiritual value that I express through both my personal lifestyle and my living environment. My lifelong passion for animals and nature is most intimately realized in my relationships with my cats and the tending of my indoor and outdoor gardens. Over time, I have learned that by recognizing and respecting the individuality and autonomy of these creatures, our bond deepens into one of profound unconditional love. I firmly believe that by practicing this focused care for animals, we develop the qualities of the heart necessary to be more compassionate Christians. This connection to the "Created order" was a primary driver in my husband's and my intentional decision to move from an urban setting to a more rural area, a transition that has enriched my sense of respect and awe for the natural world.
​
My commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in the practical, ethical choices I make to provide hope and healing to a hurting world. We have sought to minimize our carbon footprint by investing in solar energy and electric vehicles, and we have eliminated the use of single-use plastic and aluminum drink containers to reduce our contribution to environmental waste. Beyond these technological shifts, we practice recycling and regularly donate clothing to the unhoused, viewing the management of our personal waste and resources as a theological responsibility. By treating the Earth’s resources with reverence, I strive to align my daily habits with the UCC commitment to a "just world for all."
Maintaining a basic understanding of mental health and wellness is another pillar of my ministry. My lifelong study of human psychology has equipped me with a robust toolkit for empowering myself and others with greater self-awareness. Tools such as Voice Dialogue and the Enneagram have been central to my own growth, allowing me to find a greater sense of grace and compassion for myself and others. I am conscious of the need to balance outward productivity with inner soul nourishment, a practice that undergirds my belief that healthy self-love is foundational to fulfilling the entirety of the Great Commandment. By prioritizing my own wellness, I am better prepared to support the mental health and personal growth of those within my congregation and community.
Attending to my own spiritual and pastoral care is an ongoing priority facilitated through regular, engaged supervision in Spiritual Direction. This process, complemented by honest and compassionate feedback from a trusted circle of friends, allows me to navigate the complexities of ministry with integrity and self-reflection. Furthermore, I have demonstrated my commitment to stewarding the resources of the Church through my service as a moderator. During my tenure, I managed church finances transparently and responsibly, maintaining a balanced budget while ensuring that our practical resources were directed toward our spiritual mission. Whether through personal pledging or institutional oversight, I treat the stewardship of resources - both natural and financial - as a sacred trust.​
Instructor Comments from Pathways Theological Education:
"Christopher had the unique experience of intentionally moving from the city to a more rural area to be connected to creation. He was able to identify how this experience enriched his care of self and care for others."
- CJ Wood, Spiritual Care of Self and Others
​​
"He is deeply committed to living out his Christianity in ways that are open to others and to sharing the Created order in healthy and caring ways."
- Rev. Dr. Kathy Harvey Nelson, Pluralism and Religion in North America
Participating In
Theological Praxis
​Personal Reflection:​
Throughout my ministerial journey, I have earnestly engaged in theological reflection as an integral component of my ministerial identity. I believe that a healthy sense of self as a leader is shaped by a continuous dialogue between ancient scripture and the "still-speaking" voice of God in the contemporary world. This commitment to deep theological understanding is woven into my teaching, preaching, and leadership within the local church and the broader community. My theology and practice of ministry are consistently aligned with the principles outlined in the UCC Manual on Ministry, ensuring that my work is rooted in our denomination's established frameworks while remaining open to the evolving needs of the Body of Christ.
​
Most recently, my theological praxis has been expressed through an intensive study of the theology and ethics of human sexuality. By engaging with experts, reading scholarly papers, taking courses, and utilizing an array of UCC resources - including ordination papers and specialized trainings - I have developed a clear theological and practical perspective on sexual ethics. This academic and spiritual labor allows me to be of better service in ministering to the LGBTQIA+ community. This work culminated in my delivery of national webinars and workshops for the Open & Affirming (ONA) Coalition and other organizations on the intersection of Ethical Non-Monogamy, Polyamory, and Faith, demonstrating my ability to integrate complex theological reflection into teaching and community leadership on challenging social issues.
​
I am deeply committed to the ecumenical and interfaith partnerships that define the United Church of Christ's presence in the world. I recognize that our spiritual life is enriched through collaboration with diverse faith traditions. My active participation in the "Sacred Stories, Common Ground" initiative, organized by Arizona Faith Power & Light, is a primary example of how I engage in dialogue with people of all faiths and beliefs. I also work within a largely Muslim corporate environment, which has taught me a deep appreciation for engagement with our siblings of the Islamic faith. By fostering these relationships of mutual trust and interdependence, I aim to participate in the collective work of healing and justice that transcends denominational and religious boundaries.
​
In all aspects of my ministry, I strive to embody the UCC Ministerial Code, upholding its ethical principles as a guiding force in my life and work. I understand that ministry is fundamentally about covenant - with God, with myself, with my family, and with the settings I serve. I consciously and thoughtfully nurture these relationships of covenantal accountability, ensuring that I honor the integrity and needs of each party. This disciplined approach to theological reflection and ethical conduct provides a stable foundation upon which I can lead with authenticity and grace.
​
Instructor Comments from Pathways Theological Education:
"Christopher did an exemplary joy of describing the dynamics of embedded and deliberative theology, giving examples from his personal experiences... In his Week Four paper, drawing especially from Stone and Duke, Christopher describes in detail the lenses of both embedded and deliberative theology in his own life."
— Jenny Veninga, Making Sense of Theology
​
"As a person of faith Christopher has a good understanding of current trends. He is aware of the need for churches to be intentional about the ways in which they worship and that this means more than a Sunday service."
— John Carr, The Art of Worship
​
"Throughout his work, Christopher weaves together all of these categories carefully and thoughtfully. He brings in our short stories to demonstrate theological concepts in general (such as sin, grace, God, issues of injustice, etc.), and how they pertain to, and influence, his own progressive theology."
— Jenny Veninga, Making Sense of Theology
Working Together for Justice and Mercy
Personal Reflection:​
Drawing inspiration from the ministry of Jesus Christ, I am steadfast in confronting injustice and oppression across various facets of life. My activism and advocacy are centered on LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive justice, racial equity, and the care of the unhoused. This approach is deeply rooted in the radical hospitality of God - welcoming and embracing all individuals and their intersecting identities. I strive to see and honor both our common humanity and the unique, sacred story within each person I meet, ensuring that my ministry reflects the expansive love of the Creator.
​
My commitment to justice is also an internal labor. Having experienced religious discrimination based on my relationship orientation, I know the profound pain of bias within the church. Consequently, I have actively worked to identify and overcome both explicit and implicit biases within myself. Through my participation in "Sacred Conversations to End Racism" with the Rev. Dr. Velda Love, alongside extensive study of racial justice literature and podcasts, I am working to foster a more inclusive and equitable community. This commitment extends to my professional life, where I was an active member of my company’s DEI committee, bringing my theological values into the secular workplace.
​
Understanding the specific context of a community is vital for navigating change effectively. During my four-year tenure in a congregation that was significantly more conservative than my own theological leanings, I learned the importance of methodical and patient leadership. I worked to increase the congregation’s capacity for compassion and understanding by ensuring that transitions were reflective of their collective values and that change was introduced at a pace that was sustainable for the community. This experience taught me that navigating change with a community requires deep listening and a respect for the unique context of every local church. A wise pastor once told me to "Never get so far ahead of the people you lead that they can no longer follow you."
​
My dedication to mission and outreach is expressed through practical, life-saving initiatives that serve immediate societal needs. This has included coordinating cooling stations for the unhoused, gathering food assistance, and supporting our growing population of asylum seekers through welcome programs. Currently, I support a weekly breakfast program at Cathedral of Hope that services 250 guests per week, as well as assisting in making "blessing bags" for beloved neighbors we encounter on street corners. I view these acts of mission not as charity, but as the essential work of providing hope and healing to a hurting world. There is no Jesus without justice and mercy to the marginalized.
​
Finally, I believe that building relationships based on mutual trust and interdependence is the only way to achieve lasting justice and mercy. I have developed the self-awareness to recognize that my strong personality does not always interface easily with other strong personalities. As a result, I have learned to "soften," find common ground, and build a foundation of shared objectives. This disciplined approach to interpersonal dynamics allows me to work effectively with all people of good will, recognizing the strength and impact that collaborative efforts have in manifesting the kin-dom of God.
​
Instructor Comments from Pathways Theological Education:
"Perhaps the most powerful element of this work and a thread throughout Christopher's reflections in the course is the way in which progressive theology affirms the dignity of transgender people, unlike conservative Christian traditions."
- Jenny Veninga, Making Sense of Theology
​​
"This is an area of particular strength for Christopher. He understood the systemic analysis in the ethical approaches of the course materials immediately and appreciated how they applied to supporting efforts that promote dignity and the good life."
- Julie Mavity Maddalena, Christian Ethics and a Life of Meaning
​
"Christopher explores the Gospel of one of love and inclusion which operates with a theology that all are created in the Imago Dei."
- Jenny Veninga, Making Sense of Theology
​
"He presented a vision of authentic belonging and biblical philoxenia that allows people to change on their own terms as they and their children are listened to and actively involved."
- Rev. Valerie Coe Lowder (Faith Formation)
Strengthening Inter- and Intra- Personal Assets
​Personal Reflection:
Through a lifetime of spiritual and self - growth work, I have cultivated a healthy sense of self - shaped by rigorous study, the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit, the supportive community around me, and my rich life experiences living in four different countries. My psychological assessment identifies me as an ESFJ type, bringing a highly organized, realistic, and practical approach to helping others. As an Enneagram Type 3w2 ("The Effective Person" with a "Loving Person" wing), I find deep satisfaction in persistent, efficient steps toward communal goals. The influence of my 2 wing is critical; it mitigates the potentially transactional nature of the Type 3 by shifting my focus from pure productivity toward the genuine needs of others and collaborative leadership. I have learned the difficult emotional work of being accountable for my reactions, and I am always willing to listen, reevaluate, and change my views based on new insights. This self - awareness is integral to living in covenantal accountability with both God and the Church, ensuring that I remain open to correction while standing steadfast in my core values.
Exhibiting strong moral character and personal integrity is a priority I evaluate through the lens of Jesus’ Great Commandment. My clinical profile notes a high level of confidence and a tendency to be trusting, adaptable, and well - balanced, with no evidence of psychological or emotional distress. I have learned to confront the "shadow sides" of my personality - such as an aversion to failure - by embracing vulnerability. A significant example of this is my role as a group fitness instructor, where I turned personal struggles with body image into a ministry that inspires others to navigate their own shame. This ability to integrate theoretical self-awareness into practical, lived relationships allows me to lead with a "relationally covenantal" style that prioritizes mutuality and a duty of care for all involved.
Respecting the dignity of all God’s people is the driving force behind my call to ministry. My MBTI findings highlight that I am naturally responsive to others' pain, making me an easy person to get to know and trust. My commitment to radical inclusivity is especially focused on healing the church's relationship with the LGBTQIA+ community and other marginalized groups. Because I have lived and worked in diverse global contexts, I am equipped to minister to individuals across various stages of human development and cultural backgrounds. I recognize and honor the unique story within each person, seeking to build relationships of mutual trust that foster emotional healing and self - awareness.
Finally, I possess excellent communication skills that have been honed through years of teaching, marketing, and leadership. My psychological profile confirms my ability to write and speak with "clarity and influence," tools that I use to effectively convey messages of faith, hope, and compassion. In times of tension, my primary conflict style is Collaborative; I seek integrative solutions where the concerns of all parties are incorporated into a consensual decision. By utilizing my "Feeling" preference to lead with empathy and my "Thinking" side to explore precise questions, I am able to facilitate open, honest, and meaningful dialogues that lead to positive, transformational change within the church community.
​​
Instructor Comments from Pathways Theological Education:
​
"Christopher has an incredible sense of self awareness and awareness of those around him. This characterizes his personal style. Through his awareness he finds and owns his attributes and limitations."
- CJ Wood (Spiritual Care of Self and Others)
​
"Christopher exhibited strong moral character and integrity throughout the course... Christopher was kind, gracious, and thoughtful about my own well-being, which I appreciated."
- Jenny Veninga (Making Sense of Theology)
"Christopher’s posts and papers were all extremely well written. His final paper truly reads like an article to be published."
- Jenny Veninga (Making Sense of Theology)
"Christopher is always kind, encouraging and respectful to his course mates. I think he demonstrates an exemplary ability to maintain Christian community in his courses. Well done Christopher!"
- John Carr (Preaching for Special Occasions)
"Respecting the dignity of all God's people: This is absolutely true, as evidenced by Christopher's deep concern for people who are on the margins of society: queer people, people of color, and women, for example."
- Jenny Veninga (Making Sense of Theology)
​
"Christopher reflects a calm and grace-filled demeanor that belies the radicality of the topic he presented. This puts his audience at ease and encourages them to explore their questions."
- Rev. Beverly Dale (Workshop: Ethical Non-Monogamy and Faith)