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A Still-Speaking God, A Pluralistic Path: Our UCC Call in Divided Times
We are part of a tradition that proudly proclaims, "God is still speaking." In these times of deep societal division, I believe one of...
Christopher Schouten
May 9, 20254 min read


Building Bridges, Not Barriers: Skills for "Calling In" and "Calling Out" Toward Understanding and Justice
In our shared journey within the United Church of Christ, we are called to foster spaces of radical hospitality, inclusion, and...
Christopher Schouten
May 3, 20256 min read


Hearing Across the Chasm: Progressive Faith, 'Wokeness,' and Building Bridges in a Divided America
We live in fractured times. The political and cultural divides in America feel wider and deeper than many of us can remember. These...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 30, 20258 min read


The Double-Edged Sword of Shame: Finding Grace and Authenticity on the Path of Faith
As a future pastor in the United Church of Christ, a tradition rooted in extravagant welcome and the belief that "God is Still Speaking,"...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 25, 20256 min read


From Curious to Capable: A UCC Pastor's Guide to Unlocking AI's Ministry Potential
Let's be honest. The phrase "Artificial Intelligence" might conjure images from sci-fi movies or sound like something far removed from...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 25, 20255 min read


Keeping the Soul While Embracing the Tools: AI and Ministry in the UCC
In every generation, the Church has wrestled with new technologies: the printing press, the radio, the internet, Zoom... Each time, we’ve...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 25, 20254 min read


An Homage to Pope Francis: A Legacy of Compassion, Courage, and Truth
The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, a pontiff whose papacy was profoundly marked by humility, a deep concern for the poor and...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 21, 20253 min read


Beyond the Ballot: A Christian Call to Understanding in Divided Times
We live in deeply polarized times. If you're reading this, chances are you've felt bewildered, frustrated, or even angered by the...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 19, 20257 min read


MP10606:The Art of Worship - Discussion Postings
Pathways Theological Education Learning Objectives To identify key elements of worship and its various expressions within the Christian...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 15, 202520 min read


Palm Sunday Mashup
When I read this year's Palm Sunday account from the Gospel of Luke, I was left wanting more. I ask myself what details were included in...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 15, 20255 min read


Unraveling the Mask: Finding Freedom and God's Love Through the Enneagram
There are moments in life, often quiet ones, where a light flicks on. Suddenly, patterns you’ve lived with for decades snap into focus....
Christopher Schouten
Apr 14, 20254 min read


Angels, Mystery, and the Messengers of God
I didn’t grow up thinking much about angels. At least not seriously. In the churches I knew as a child, angels were either characters in...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 13, 20254 min read


What I Believe About the Afterlife - And Why It Matters Now
As a progressive Christian, I’m often asked what I believe happens after we die. My answer is simple - but not simplistic. I don’t know...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 13, 20253 min read


Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian - Course Overview & Discussion Assignments
Here is a complete list of the resources used in this class and my responses to the weekly discussion questions. This shows my engagement...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 13, 202528 min read


My Theology of Worship
MP10606 : The Art of Worship – Final Outcome Project April 11, 2025 Table of Contents Introduction Initiation of Worship The Structure...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 11, 202510 min read


Annotated Deep Read of the Book of Ruth
from the Pathways Theological Education course: BF10602:Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian April 7, 2025 Introduction The...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 10, 202522 min read


Advocacy in Action: Partnering for Equity at UNM
Ministry often calls us to walk alongside others, offering support not just in spirit, but through tangible acts of service. Recently, I...
Christopher Schouten
Apr 7, 20255 min read


Joshua, Genocide & Alternative Interpretations of Scripture
BF10602: Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian Week 4 Reflection Paper Using what you have read in and about the Book of...
Christopher Schouten
Mar 1, 20253 min read


Making Sense of Theology – Course Overview & Discussion Assignments
This document represents the weekly discussion submissions for my class. Each week, students engaged in thoughtful reflections and...
Christopher Schouten
Feb 22, 202529 min read


Expanding the Boundaries of Theology: Integrating the Work of Healthy Self-Love in Christian Communities
Pathways Theological Education Making Sense of Theology, Febuary 2025 Final Reflection Paper - Grade = A This paper embraces the...
Christopher Schouten
Feb 19, 20259 min read
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