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/

An Interview about Neurodiversity with the Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund. In this interview we discuss Rev. Lund's new book: Blessed Minds: Breaking the Silence about Neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity is only now being widely understood for the unique ways it affects how we interact in all kinds--even church. Learn how to honor and celebrate neurodiversity, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and understood. This book is your guide to fostering a church that truly reflects the love and acceptance of Christ. .

Blessed Minds: Breaking the Silence about Neurodiversity is a profound exploration of how the church can embrace and honor neurodiversity. Affecting up to 20 percent of Americans, neurodiversity includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and several other conditions. Through personal stories, historical context, and theological insights, beloved author Sarah Griffith Lund unpacks the concepts of neurodiversity, mental health, and disability. This book challenges the stigma surrounding neurodivergent individuals and offers practical steps for creating inclusive and supportive faith communities. With themes of vulnerability, compassion, and justice, Blessed Minds is a call to recognize the divine nature of all minds and to foster a church environment where every individual is valued and celebrated.

More about Sarah:
Sarah Griffith Lund loves to partner with others to share hope and healing. She is an ordained minister and has served as pastor to churches in Brooklyn, NY, Minneapolis, MN, and New Smyrna Beach, FL. Rev. Dr. Lund served as Regional Minister in the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ and as a Vice President for Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN. She holds degrees from Trinity University (BA), Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv), Rutgers University (MSW), and McCormick Theological Seminary (DMin). Rev. Dr. Lund received the Dell Award for Mental Health Education at the 30th General Synod of the UCC. She currently serves as Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice on the national staff of the UCC and as senior pastor of First Congregational UCC of Indianapolis, IN. Rev. Dr. Lund is the author of several books and blogs at www.sarahgriffithlund.com.

Join us for a podcast where we get to learn more about members of the IKC. In this storytelling episode we hear from IKC MID (Member in Discernment), Margaret Velto. Margaret is studying for her MDiv at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and currently serves as intern with the Indiana Kentucky Conference. Learn more about us at https://ikcucc.org/

In this episode we hear from the Rev. Dr. Chad Abbott who offers us poems as a form of prayer, including his own poetry. Learn more about us at IKCUCC.org.