The Rev. Jennifer Sowell was elected Associate General Minister by the Special Meeting of the Thirty-fifth General Synod of the United Church of Christ on May 9, 2026. Jennifer has more than 20 years of pastoral experience as Senior Pastor and Associate Pastor of United Church of Christ congregations in three Conferences, most recently serving as the Senior Pastor of St. John United Church of Christ in Collinsville, Illinois.
Jennifer was ordained in 2005 in the Metropolitan Association of the New York Conference. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Religion in 1996 from the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia and her Master of Arts in Theology and Ethics in 1999 from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Her 20 years of ministry include building congregations and intergenerational ministries that produced thriving spiritual engagement. She has reconnected congregations with the Conference and with the National Ministries and has served on Committees on Ministry with demonstrated understanding of UCC polity and theology.
Jennifer’s commitment to justice has been realized through programmatic commitments and missional engagement. She is a strong advocate for disabilities ministries, gender justice, racial justice, immigration justice and the intersections of these and other challenges to people and communities. Her ministry has consistently served to expand inclusion and belonging with congregations enriched by growing diversities. Her creation of programs and services for members of the church and the communities she has served reflects her love of God and love of neighbor.
Press Inquiries
If you are a member of the press and would like to schedule an interview with Rev. Jennifer Sowell, please contact:
Charles Jefferson, Jr., Communications and News Manager
216-736-2131
jeffersonc@ucc.org
For all other inquiries, please contact:
Denise Pittman
216-736-3705
pittmand@ucc.org