Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, the founding pastor of Denver's House for All Sinners & Saints, has been named as the keynote speaker for the United Church of Christ's 2023 General Synod.

Certain People's Pastor

Different news outlets have described Bolz-Weber in a way that is unconventional for a pastor.

The Religion News Service, for example, characterized her as "a former stand-up comedian and recovering alcoholic with a streak of dark humor."

Meanwhile, The Guardian noted her unusual evangelism as possibly the only sort that can penetrate the layer of hatred and distrust which reportedly motivates an ever-increasing percentage of young Americans from Christianity.

On the other hand, Bolz-Weber describes herself as someone who often sits in the corner amongst the other weirdos. In a 2018 YouTube video, the pastor talked about attending the conservative Church of Christ in Colorado. 

She described that the God she had been taught to fear was like an angry guy who constantly disappointed in her for being a human being.

She then went on to describe how at age 12, she was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease. She narrated that she went hand-in-hand with the diagnosis that her anger changed how people treated her.

As a result, she turned to drug and alcohol consumption.

Afterward, her journey included dropping out of her university, working in restaurants and as a stand-up comedian, finding sobriety, returning to college, and embracing Lutheran theology.

Then, in 2004, she narrated that she was asked to lead the memorial service for their friend who had died. Right then, she sensed a call to the ministry, she said. 

According to Bolz-Weber, she can serve as certain people's pastor because she is open about her shortcomings and everything else that makes her look unfit to be a pastor.

Seeing the Whole Room

According to UCC, the theme of the 34th biennial General Synod will be "Making All Things New."

With that said, the current UCC associate general minister and administrator of the General Synod, Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, stated they wanted a speaker who could challenge but also inspire the church.

Specifically, they wanted someone who could enlighten and encourage the church on the opportunities that await as they get past the current health crisis and address other social justice concerns.

With that said, Bolz-Weber was the perfect fit.

As mentioned, she sits in the corner with the weirdos. With her position, she can see the whole room. And from there, she can be with her people – the outcasts, queers, sober drunks, single dads, and others.

UCC 2023 General Synod

The 13-member General Synod Program and Planning Committee approved "Making All Things New" on March 10.

It was then presented via Zoom to the United Church of Christ Board for approval on March 11.

The theme centers on the passage from Isaiah 43:18-19 and lays the ground for the election of a new president and general minister.

The event is scheduled for June 30 to July 4, 2023, in Indianapolis, according to the report. 

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