(Questions and Answers with the UCC’s nominee for General Minister and President)

Friday, June 26, 2009, 12:30 PM

What visions do you have for the UCC in the 21^st century?

·         We will be a smaller and flatter denomination.  We will be networked more closely and engaged in deeper relationship.

·         We will grow in generosity.

What role do you see for evangelicals as pastors in the UCC?

·         There are evangelicals in leadership in the UCC.

·         We are a denomination experiencing growth from those who come from other traditions, including some who are Pentecostal, Roman Catholic, etc.  Some of my clergy colleagues in Long Island say that almost all their growth comes from the Catholics.

·         If Evangelicals are those who are “overtly proclaiming the gospel with the goal of transforming lives,” that is the tradition in which I was raised in the Baptist church.  There is a future for a church as well as evangelicals as well as others since we are inclusive.  Being evangelical doesn’t exclude peace and justice.

If we persist, I believe we will prevail as the leading Protestant church in America.  Reorganization is necessary, but it’s also distracting.  Where do we go from here?

·         It is important that we move forward on governance in order to fulfill our mission.

·         I am optimistic that we will get there, and we will get there together.

Do you have a way to bring those of us who classify ourselves as evangelicals intentionally from the margins into the mainstream?

·         No, initially.  The people who have the passion about that need to begin to make it happen.

·         My agenda would be, as that surfaces, would be to urge that there is an openness and to be supportive of those who want to make that happen.  That’s an exciting possibility for us.  The people doing new church starts are finding creative ways to express an identity that connects with those of an evangelical bent.  If we work with 19^th century modalities, it won’t work. 

·         We need to think about how we work in the 20^th century, and what we’re doing has not been effective.

In Rekindling the Mainline, the author argues that mainline churches need to plant 1% new churches every year, requiring hard budget choices.  Will you provide leadership in those hard choices?

·         That is one of a number of theories on how to revitalize mainlines. 

·         We are stretched financially.  Those conversations will need to continue.

·         We’re kind of “quasi-committed.”

What will be your approach to ethics and conduct of clergy?

·         We are UCC, but we do have a little structure.  LCM and PLL cover that area.

·         We have always maintained a commitment to the nurture of clergy and sound ethics.

·         I will work to continue to strengthen that area as a priority?

In what concrete way can we respond to the extra-judicial killings in the Philippines and the Palestinian issue?

·         If elected as GMP and President, I will be working with my colleagues in JWM and WCM to address those issues. 

How can we envision moving into the inner city and urban cities because there are populations who need the UCC?

·         I agree with your concern.

·         We must identify and become known to those who are doing ministry in urban settings.

·         It is a challenge to all of us to be welcoming in that regard.

What are your thoughts about working with UCC chaplains and counselors?

·         As you make it important, it will be more important to the rest of us.

·         We need to always be on the proactive side of keeping in relationship with each other.

We heard at a recent conference that women of color can take up to 12 years to place women of color in ministry.  How do we move forward in funding and placing people of color in ministry?

·         You raise one of the more challenging issues in church and ministry.

·         It is embarrassing that women of color find it so difficult to find a church unless they serve a church they have created.

·         They may need to be open to calls in places and congregations very different from the ones they grew up in.

·         We do have some scholarships and finances available.

Your answers have been institutional, but we haven’t heard your own passions, clarity, sense of advocacy?

·         I expect to articulate the passion for justice, equality, and peace that is the United Church of Christ.  I chose to be part of the UCC.  I felt that this was the place God was calling me into ministry.  I felt this was a communion that connected spirituality and the struggle for justice and peace.

·         Speaking out on the issues is a given for me personally.  That’s also our responsibility to be engaged in naming the issues we want to articulate.

Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost.  What’s your favorite and why?

·         My daughter was born on Christmas Day.  For that and a number of other reasons, I can be a Christmas kind of guy.  As life goes on, the liturgical and theological dimensions of Christmas take on a deeper meaning.

·         Nobody wants to see conference staff on Easter or Christmas.  Easter has become a favorite because I visit my mother on Easter and worship with her in Philadelphia.

·         The UCC is becoming more “Pentecostal” in our own way.  They’re all good to me.