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

The landscape of religious freedom and child safety shifted significantly with the recent Supreme Court decision affirming conversion therapy. While many advocates for LGBTQ+ youth hoped for a definitive end to these practices, the legal conversation has taken a troubling turn. When courts suggest that banning conversion therapy—a practice rejected by every major medical and mental health organization—might violate "free speech," they inadvertently (or not) create a loophole

In the progressive church, we proudly affirm diverse identities and seek to include those historically excluded or harmed by religious institutions. Yet, as I embark on my journey in ministry, I often encounter feedback suggesting that being open about my relationships structure—ethical non-monogamy—is somehow "inappropriate." This criticism reflects an underlying adherence to normative values, where anything perceived as outside the bounds of societal norms is often viewed a

I recently received a message from a woman on Facebook who is navigating a journey she never anticipated—discovering her queerness after years of marriage and family life. She shared her story with me, describing the profound support she has received from her husband, who embraced her truth as she began exploring relationships with women. Now, years later, she is both still married to the same wonderful man and in a relationship with a girlfriend, yet she struggles with guilt

Date: March 8, 2026 (Fourth Sunday in Lent) Location: First Church Phoenix UCC Scripture: Matthew 19:13 - 15; Proverbs 31:8 Sermon starts at 42:45 I. The Coffee Shop Covenant: An Instinctive Love As we gather on this Fourth Sunday in Lent, we find ourselves at a crossroads of the heart. Our Lenten journey can often feel like an internal, somber trek toward the crucifixion. But this Fourth Sunday is traditionally called Laetare Sunday - coming from the Latin word for "rejoi

Stepping into my first verbatim presentation for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) felt a bit like walking onto a stage without a script. For those unfamiliar, a verbatim is a detailed, written account of a pastoral encounter - word for word, pause for pause - presented to a supervisor and a small cohort of peers for intense reflection. It is an exercise in vulnerability, and I am deeply grateful that my professor and my cohort met that vulnerability with incredible support a

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...