Meet the Nominee Q&A gives church glimpse into vision, priorities of AGM Nominee

As the United Church of Christ prepares to gather for a special call to the 35th General Synod, a first in the denomination’s nearly 69 year history, a special ‘Meet the Nominee’ webinar was held on Thursday, April 16 to give the wider church an opportunity to be in conversation with the nominee for Associate General Minister for Love of Church, the Rev. Jennifer Sowell.

The event was hosted by the Rev. Susan Cartmell, assistant moderator for General Synod, and the Rev. Cean James, chair of the search committee that recommended Sowell for the nomination. This gave attendees a closer look at Sowell’s vision for her new portfolio of work, as well as an opportunity to ask her question about how she plans to work with local churches in the midst of declining membership across mainline denominations.

“We are extremely excited to present a nominee who has spent her entire career serving, strengthening, and growing local churches,” said James. “[Sowell] has distinguished herself particularly in developing innovative ministries that meet the needs of communities and churches. Rev. Sowell listens deeply. She connects with people purposefully. She is in tune with the spirit organically and then is bold and creative in creating cutting edge ministries that show everyone, especially those on the margins, the love of Jesus.”

Sowell then offered some remarks, reflecting on her experience, and qualifications for national leadership. Sowell was raised in the Southern Baptist tradition, and noted that before she had the words to say she wanted to be ordained, she knew there wasn’t a place for her there.

“Finding the United Church of Christ was definitely part of God’s plan for my life, and I’m still grateful for the people and events that led me to Broadway UCC, where I was ordained almost 21 years ago,” said Sowell in her opening remarks.

Boots on the Ground

Sowell said she feels drawn to the role of AGM due to the ‘boots on the ground’ aspect of being able to connect and service local churches.

“I see this as an extension of the work that I’ve been doing already for 20 years. It’s creating and implementing a strategic plan,” said Sowell. “This time, taking into account not just one church community, but the larger body of Christ as it lives in our denomination.”

The Special Meeting of General Synod 35 will take place as a virtual gathering on Saturday, May 9 from 6-9:00 p.m. ET. Delegates to the Special Meeting will be the same delegates who served at the regular General Synod meeting in July, 2025.

There will be two more opportunities for the wider church to be in conversation with Sowell. The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC General Minister and President/CEO will host a two-part series with Sowell, leaning into the Programmatic Priorities of the National Ministries on April 29 and 30.

You can watch the full Q&A session from this past week below:

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