ministry

November 19, 2019
Inclusion Jesus justice lgbtq ministry Open and Affirming social justice social transformation Theology Voice

“Being faithful sometimes requires us to break the rules:” A Response to the Issue of LGBTQ Inclusion in the UMC.

“I’d rather be excluded for who I include than included for who I exclude.” This sentence, often appearing on a church sign, shows up fairly regularly on my social media feed, a moving reminder of what the communities of faith are called to be. The Rev. Eston Williams, a United Methodist pastor, said these words in 2016 to a reporter for a story on his rural Texas church’s decision to begin offering same sex weddings. The congregation voted overwhelming to offer the services, even though they are banned by the United Methodist Book of Discipline. (more…)

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June 14, 2019
Beliefs Chaplaincy Deconstruction Formation leadership ministry Voice

“How Deconstructing My Beliefs Has Made Me a Better Faith Leader:” An Interview with Sarah Berge

Sarah Berge '19 is a recent graduate of United hoping to work in chaplaincy. Her background is in systems and family counseling, with a focus on incarcerated populations and restorative justice. Sarah is also a passionate theologian, and integrates her chaplaincy work into theology and arts projects. Deconstructing beliefs is key to her ministry. (more…)

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May 16, 2019
Discernment ministry New Students Progressive Christianity social justice social transformation Vocation Voice

Why Now is the Time for the Religious Left to Pursue Faith Leadership Positions

Who gets to claim religious values? In recent debates about Democrat presidential candidate Pete Buttigeig, Franklin Graham ridiculed the religious left: “Using new terms like ‘Progressive Christianity’ & ‘Christian Left’ may sound appealing, but God’s laws don’t change.” Buttigeig is openly gay, a veteran, and self-identifies as progressive. He is also a Christian in the Episcopal denomination. To some, Buttigeig is a contradiction. Evangelical Erick Erickson even implied that the Episcopal Church is not really Christian. As a progressive seminary, United denies that a far right, ultra-conservative Christianity is the only way for people to live out their faiths. Members of the religious left must pursue leadership positions and reclaim what it means to be a person of faith in today’s world. (more…)

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March 8, 2019
lgbtq Methodist Studies ministry social justice social transformation Theology Voice

How I Want to Shape My Ministry: Student Riva Tabelisma on the UMC General Conference

It has been more than a week since the Special Session of the General Conference of the UMC adjourned. The result of that gathering came as a shock to many people, especially to me as I witnessed it in person. I went to the Special Session of the General Conference because the Filipino American Caucus (National Association of Filipino American United Methodists) was launching the Global Filipino United Methodist Movement -- a missional ministry for Filipinos in diaspora worldwide. I also went to provide support for the delegates of the Philippines Central Conference. (more…)

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September 27, 2018
lgbtq ministry social justice social transformation students theological education Theology

Queer, Christian, and Ready to Serve: Putting the Pieces Together

Nikole Mitchell is a first year student at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, where she is pursuing an M.Div. with a concentration in Social Transformation: "My whole life I’ve had to choose between social justice and my faith," she explains. "I never had a place where those two came together. So, when a friend of a friend suggested I check out United, I went on the school's website and saw they had a  Social Transformation program. Plus, was interfaith and affirming. It was everything I’d been looking for!" (more…)

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