In this conversation with Pastor Dan and his husband Brad, we chat about being an LGBTQ+ pastor, the celebration of the IKC becoming Open and Affirming, and the different challenges and joys that arise when we pursue our authentic selves.

In this episode, Conference Ministers the Rev. Dr. David Long-Higgins (Heartland Conference) and the Rev. Dr. Chad Abbott (Indiana-Kentucky Conference), explore their work together as conference ministers in the United Church of Christ.

The Rev. Jeff Nelson is the Minister for Ministerial Calls and Transitions for the United Church of Christ: Having served as a pastor in Northeast Ohio for 15 years – most recently at Grace UCC, Uniontown – the Rev. Jeff Nelson focuses on resources and support for pastors and other authorized ministers, including the denomination’s online portal for ministerial profiles. He said he is intrigued by the challenge of finding ways to support ministers who are making transitions. Jeff’s latest book, The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of Transition, released in April 2025. He has written other books on spirituality, prayer, and pop culture, as well as a novel. His writing has also appeared at the Shalem Institute blog, The Englewood Review of Books, the Christian Century blog, and The High Calling, among other online places. You can learn more about him at https://jeffreyanelson.com/