We live in a world that runs entirely on receipts. From the moment we wake up to the moment we sleep, we are tracking balances, measuring returns, and calculating worth. If you work hard, you get a promotion. If you pay the premium, you get the insurance. Everything has a price tag, and every interaction is a contract. It is an exhausting way to live, but it is the only language our culture truly knows. So, it makes perfect sense that we try to bring that exact same ledger t

There is a distinct exhaustion that comes with trying to manage the universe. ​For many progressive Christians, the spiritual journey isn't a quest to manage the behavior of our neighbors, but an ongoing, intentional effort to build bigger tables. We find ourselves spending our time, energy, and resources figuring out how to include everyone - stretching our understanding of fellowship, tearing down historical barriers, and pursuing harmony in a deeply fractured world. ​Yet,

The feast of Pentecost is the Church’s primordial celebration of polyglossia - the divine shattering of a monolithic, "imperial" language in favor of a Spirit-led diversity that speaks directly to the "heart-languages" of the marginalized. On May 24, 2026, Cathedral in Dallas offered a profound contemporary enactment of this ancient narrative. Through three distinct worship movements, Cathedral demonstrated how a singular, progressive theology of radical inclusion can be tran

When I first encountered queer theology, it felt like a breath of fresh air in a room that had long been stuffy with exclusion and misunderstanding. It invited me to rethink faith, identity, and community in ways that felt deeply affirming and radically inclusive. For those of us involved in leadership within the United Church of Christ (UCC), embracing queer theology is not just an academic exercise—it’s a transformative journey that can reshape how we nurture spiritual comm

Worship leadership and sermon at First Church Phoenix UCC on April 26, 2026. Scripture Base: Jeremiah 31:31-34 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 Sermon starts at 35:45 Introduction: The Invisible Thread Friends, seekers, and members of this beautiful First Church family - today we are talking about the very thing that holds the walls of this sanctuary up. I don’t mean the literal stone, the desert-baked wood, or the mortar that Omah, Max and the team here so faithfully maintain. I a

The United Church of Christ's (UCC) Committees on Ministry (COMs) currently lack specific guidance on addressing individuals in ethically non-monogamous (ENM) relationships in authorization and adjudication. Grounded in the UCC's core principles of covenant, extravagant welcome, and justice, these guidelines assert that the ethical practice of relationships, rather than their structure, is paramount. By applying existing frameworks like the Manual on Ministry , the Marks of F

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

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...

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

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...

We are part of a tradition that proudly proclaims, "God is still speaking." In these times of deep societal division, I believe one of...

We live in fractured times. The political and cultural divides in America feel wider and deeper than many of us can remember. These...

Pathways Theological Education Learning Objectives To identify key elements of worship and its various expressions within the Christian...

MP10606 : The Art of Worship – Final Outcome Project April 11, 2025 Table of Contents Introduction Initiation of Worship The Structure...

In today’s rapidly changing world, theology is evolving, growing more inclusive and accessible for everyone. One of the most significant...

Understanding My Calling I believe that God has called me to serve the church in a special way that goes beyond the important work that...

Teaching children to appreciate spiritual community through relatable storytelling.