If asked to sum up all of the work I’ve done in my life with a single word, I’d choose “ministry.”
Background
From discerning a calling to ministry as a teen to earning an undergraduate degree in ministry, I started my journey with clarity. And, then, my horizons expanded and expanded some more. My ministry experience to date has spanned five denominations (and I earned theological degrees from schools affiliated with three additional denominations). To date, I’ve served nine congregations, taught religion to undergraduates for eight years, and helped three organizations provide quality healthcare to underserved populations. Currently, I serve as the Executive Director of the White Rock Center of Hope, Board Chair for the Texas Association of Charitable Clinics, and Small Groups Ministry Leader at Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ.
Becoming United
About a month ago, I wrote A Story of Stoles: Discerning What Next to share with the world that I had entered a season of ministry discernment. Rather than being a discernment about calling, this process is one focused on belonging. While I’ve enjoyed serving in many denominations and learned important lessons from each, I never fully committed to any one religious tradition.
My first experience in the United Church of Christ came in 2010 at Naples United Church of Christ. From that point forward, I’ve been a part of the denomination. Over the years, I’ve deepened my commitment to and involvement in the United Church of Christ. In November 2022, I started a discernment process to pursue ordination in the United Church of Christ.
The first steps in this process have included a number of conversations and meetings, writing a pilgrimage paper exploring my call to and experiences in ministry, gathering supportive documentation (letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, etc.), and meeting with the Cathedral of Hope Committee on Ministry.
Next, I’ll meet with the North Texas Association (of the South Central Conference) Committee on Ministry.
I welcome your prayers and support as I continue this journey.
For more about my experiences in the four United Church of Christ congregations I’ve experienced, check out God is Doing a New Thing – My Experiences in UCC Congregations.