Christopher Schouten's
United Church of Christ
Ministry Portfolio
My Journey & My Calling
Reconnecting People with Themselves & God through the Liberating Gospel of Jesus Christ
My story could have turned out very differently. Growing up gay at a time when many faith communities vilified LGBTQIA+ individuals, I was profoundly blessed by a United Church of Christ congregation that spoke a different truth - one of the deep, transformational love of God. The UCC provided the fertile soil where my faith first took root. Now, after seven years of active discernment and engagement across all settings of the church, that faith has grown a thousand-fold.
Jesus’ message of liberation is urgently relevant for everyone. In an era of increasing marginalization, the church must be a prophetic voice that commits to the ongoing liberation of all people. My ministry is dedicated to a two-fold path - defending human dignity and seeking justice in the public square, while simultaneously creating sacred spaces for the deep inner healing and personal growth of every child of God.
This journey has instilled in me the courage to lead with authenticity and vulnerability. I focus on this essential "soul work" because personal transformation is the engine of discipleship. By fostering inclusive communities of growth and service, we empower a new generation of leaders to go forth and heal a fractured world in God's name.
About Christopher
Christopher Schouten is a spirited and multilingual minister-in-the-making with a passion for healing, wholeness, and holy mischief. A lifelong student of theology, psychology, mysticism and the human experience, Christopher brings a unique blend of academic rigor, pastoral care, and irreverent humor to his ministry. Born and raised in the United Church of Christ, he came out as gay at age 15 in Des Moines Iowa, and—ever since—has been reclaiming faith as a source of radical affirmation for all people, especially the LGBTQIA+ community.
Christopher has had a successful, 30-year career in technology marketing (two key skills for the modern church!), has lived across Europe, speaks five languages fluently, and is currently a Member in Discernment in the Southwest Conference of the UCC while living "in exile" in Dallas, TX, where he is a Pastoral Care Intern at Cathedral of Hope, one of the nation's largest UCC churches and the largest LGBTQIA+ Christian community on Planet Earth. He holds a deep love for the Enneagram (Type 3w2, —the Achiever with a heart), is a certified cat dad, and carries an unshakeable belief that God’s love is not just unconditional, but fabulous.
Christopher identifies as ESFJ on the MBTI—a Consul personality that just wants to make sure everyone at the potluck feels seen, heard, and is well-fed. He serves at First Church Phoenix UCC as a Member in Discernment, where he's known for his thoughtful, vulnerable sermons, his deep engagement in LGBTQIA+ ministry, and his ability to quote both Marcus Borg and RuPaul in the same breath. He is married to his beloved Wilbert, a charming Dutchman who sells Lincolns. Christopher’s ministry is rooted in the sacred journey from shame to pride, fueled by inner child healing, Enneagram wisdom, and the belief that the Gospel calls us to be our most honest, expansive, and loving selves in the world, giving others space and encouragement to do the same.
Education
1987-1991
B.A. with Honors
University of Iowa
Majors:
Journalism & Mass Communications (PR track)
Spanish Language & Literature
Minor:
Asian Languages & Literature (Japanese)
1990-1991
Year Abroad
University of the Basque Country
San Sebastián, Spain
Basque Language Immersion Program
Basque History
Languages Spoken Fluently (European Level B2.1 or higher):
English, Spanish, French, Dutch, Basque