I’ll never forget the cold shock that hit me when the results of the Harvard Implicit Association Test flashed across the screen. I had gone in with such a smug sense of confidence, honestly expecting to be in the tiny percentage of people who registered as neutral or even, dare I hope, pro-people of color. I mean, my entire professional life is steeped in anti-racism work; I chair a program dedicated to Decentering Whiteness in the church, and the people I love and trust mos

This service, "Living Legacies," from October 19, 2025, at First Church UCC in downtown Phoenix, explores remembering ancestors and fanning the flame of God's gift within us. Led by Christopher Schouten, Member in Discernment, the service includes sacred stories, songs of praise and worship, and a prayer of transformation. Dr. Johnathan Robinson shares an ancestor story, and Christopher Schouten delivers a message on "Living Legacies," emphasizing forgiveness, nurturing heali

I love what I'm learning at Pathways Theological Education. It forces me to be thoughtful about my intentions and discernment process in...

Worship Leadership & Sermon @ Scottsdale Congregational UCC, 8/24/25 Introduction: Naming the Moment Friends in Christ, I know you may...

For clergy or lay members engaged in the demanding and holy work of pastoral care, sustainability is key. The following safeguards are...

Marcus Borg’s vision of Christian formation, nourishment, and living in The Heart of Christianity resonates deeply with my own journey...

When my Committee on Ministry asked me to “learn to speak a language of faith that is inviting, not off-putting,” I’ll admit my first...

When I first encountered James W. Fowler’s model, the “Stages of Faith,” I was struck by how elegantly it maps spiritual and existential...

TH10608: Ethics and a Life of Meaning - Reflection Paper Christopher Schouten July 7, 2025   Introduction The recent Supreme Court...

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in ministry is that caring for myself is not a luxury - it’s a calling. If I want to...

Reflection Paper - TH10610: Living the Heart of Progressive Christian Theology Christopher Schouten August 2, 2025 In his examination of...

In an era where technology increasingly intersects with every facet of our lives, it's perhaps no surprise that even the sacred halls of...

by Christopher Schouten, MID Preached June 29th, 2025, Pride Sunday First Church Phoenix UCC, Phoenix, AZ Beloved community, Happy Pride...

As I stand on the threshold of a life in ministry, my heart is full of hope, a deep love for Christ's teachings of compassion, and, I...

(Delivered Sunday, May 16, 2021, at Black Mountain United Church of Christ) Prayer: Heavenly God, Creator of all people, architect of...

A children's messaged delivered to First Church Phoenix UCC on 5/18/2025 based on the Book of Nehemiah. Good morning, wonderful kids!...

Rev. Sam Kinsman, a New York chaplain and Facebook friend, recently shared a news story that, frankly, wasn't surprising but remains...

Progressive Christianity is a vibrant and evolving spiritual path that resonates with many people, including myself, who seek a faith...

A Research Paper by Shristopher Schouten Abstract: Contemporary American society is grappling with pervasive xenophobia, tribalism,...

Funny what happens when you upload a bunch of documents - both "official" UCC discernment documents and personal documents about my...