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

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

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

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...

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

In our shared journey within the United Church of Christ, we are called to foster spaces of radical hospitality, inclusion, and...

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

We live in deeply polarized times. If you're reading this, chances are you've felt bewildered, frustrated, or even angered by the...

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

Ministry often calls us to walk alongside others, offering support not just in spirit, but through tangible acts of service. Recently, I...

Pathways Theological Education Making Sense of Theology, January 2025 Mid-Term Reflection Paper - Grade = A Those of us who identify as...

Black America just had its Bishop Budde moment. White people need to listen and respect it.

The United Church of Christ (UCC) has long been a champion of justice and inclusion, affirming the dignity and worth of all people. A key...

Bridging difficult differences can only be done by understanding the different moral foundations that drive each of us.

This article was original published by the UCC's Open and Affirming Coalition here . Attending the Open & Affirming Coalition’s national...

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

Whole Lives Matter because people are complex, intersectional, and fearfully and wonderfully made in an infinite diversity and beauty.