The UCC's new General Minister and President, the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, recently sat down for a video interview with UCNews. In this first excerpt of a continuing series, he describes his spiritual journey and ministry experience along with his hopes and dreams for the UCC during his time as its leader.

"I hope we have a journey that is memorable, because we've all been engaged in moving the church forward," Black said. "I'm certainly aware that I don't have everything that it takes – that we are really dependent upon the Holy Spirit. I'm also aware that God has gifted us corporately with what we need to get the United Church of Christ to a different place that is consonant with our times and the needs of the people."

Black emphasized his excitement over the "incredibly gifted group of young leaders" in the UCC who are already assuming leadership roles. "If we play our cards right – if we do the right things – we can count on them being there in the future to carry the mission forward in authentic ways," he said.

"I am still having formative moments – even at my age," said Black of the process of discipleship. "I'm still learning and hopefully growing... I'd like people to know that I might not be the same next year as I am this year because I've learned a couple things."

Stay tuned to KYeP and UCNews for future video interview segments...