Every faith story takes unexpected turns, and mine has plenty. I grew up Baptist, learned the rhythms of church life, and then stepped away in my twenties. I called myself agnostic and searched for meaning that made sense in a complicated world.
Stop me if you’ve heard this! Wait, you can’t, so you’ll have to keep reading. One day, a simple UCC commercial grabbed my attention. It didn’t flash or shout—it carried the “God is Still Speaking” message. It told me faith could welcome questions, embrace differences, and trust that God’s love had no boundaries. Something shifted in me. I walked through the doors of a UCC congregation, and for the first time in a long while, I felt like I could breathe.
Later, I enrolled in a Methodist seminary expecting to study UCC theology and polity. Who knew there were so many United Theological Seminaries out there? I thought I had chosen a UCC seminary, only to find myself surrounded by Methodists! Thankfully, God has a sense of humor, and that setting gave me precisely what I needed. I dove into UCC history, learned the stories of those who came before us, and discovered the covenantal ties that shape our denomination. I didn’t just study theology—I found family. I found home.
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Read MoreDuring our weekly staff meeting on Tuesday, our Executive Assistant, Shandrika, shared a thoughtful devotional she had written called “Divine Check-In.” It was a way for us to pause early in the week and reflect on how we’re tending to our spiritual health and sense of purpose from the beginning of the year until now! So Beloveds, as we enter July, we’ve already completed six months of 2025. It is a good moment to pause and ask ourselves: What is our divine check-in?
I don’t have to tell you that this year has been among the most challenging for our communities and the people we serve. Some realities in our community and this nation were once hidden from some but always visible to others. They have been brought into the open, and our souls weep and wrestle with consternation. We are faced with changes, uncertainty, and moments that have tested our resilience and faith; all the more reason to take time for an honest check-in with God and ourselves.
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Read Moreby Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott
Recently, Rev. Dr. Gloria and I attended our boundary training with other Associate Conference Ministers throughout the United Church of Christ (UCC), and the topic of the UCC Ministerial Code and the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministry came up. It sparked some honest conversation—not just about rules and expectations but about what it really means to be faithful in ministry today. It reminded me that we don’t talk about these tools often enough, even though they shape how we live and lead.
Every profession has some code. Teachers follow standards for education. Doctors take an oath. Even hairstylists know there are rules—keep your tools clean, respect your clients, and show up on time. Ministry is no different. In the UCC, those of us who are called to serve are expected to do so with integrity, accountability, and care—not just for what we do but for how we live.
The UCC Ministerial Code isn’t just a list of dos and don’ts. It’s a covenant.
Read MoreThe Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers, central to the revised manual, have become an invaluable compass for those called to lead in the UCC. They provide a rich and dynamic framework for evaluating, shaping, and inspiring ministry. Whether you’re exploring a call to ministry, serving as a minister, or simply curious about what makes ministry impactful, the Marks offer a powerful vision for faithful leadership in our ever-changing world.
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