Christopher Schouten

Christopher Schouten is Moderator of Black Mountain UCC. Having lived nearly equal amounts of his life in both Europe and the U.S., he has a broad perspective on religion and spirituality across many cultures. He has been married to his husband Wilbert for 16 years and lives in Cave Creek.

my LATEST NEWS

This author has written the following articles as well:

11

September 2023

The Power of Listening

How the simple act of listening furthers the creation of God's beloved community

By
Christopher Schouten

3

September 2023

Sermon: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

By
Christopher Schouten

23

August 2023

The Church of Compassion: Recognizing Our Shared Burdens

Embracing our shared vulnerabilities and struggles, the Church of Compassion calls for genuine connection, empathy, and understanding for both ourselves and others in our faith journey.

By
Christopher Schouten

9

August 2023

A Day of Blessings: Black Mountain United Church of Christ's Mission to Justa Center

Often when we seek to serve, bless and minister to others, we are served, blessed and ministered to by them.

By
Christopher Schouten

2

August 2023

The OTHER Story of Ruth

If even a computer can understand Jesus's love for all, why is it so hard for humans?

By
Christopher Schouten

24

July 2023

Biblical Women: Embracing the Diversity of their Strength and Leadership

While the Southern Baptist Convention relegates women to the pews, the UCC celebrates the strength of our women and their leadership

By
Christopher Schouten

Compassionate, Inclusive People are Better Problem Solvers

Science shows Jesus' example leads to a stronger intellect and better problem solving

By
Christopher Schouten

14

July 2023

The Art of Inviting: How to Extend An Extravagant Welcome to Visit BMUCC

We are eager to grow the BMUCC community and extend an extravagant welcome to our friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. But how? Here are some tips.

By
Christopher Schouten

2

July 2023

Sermon: But the Greatest of these is Love

How loving God, oneself, and one's neighbor equally is essential for spiritual growth and creating a better world.

By
Christopher Schouten

12

May 2023

Pride Month and Jesus's Mission: Celebrating Love and Inclusion

Exploring Pride Month in the context of the teachings of Jesus Christ

By
Christopher Schouten

2

June 2023

Celebrating a Decade of Inclusion

Black Mountain United Church of Christ's Journey as an Open & Affirming Congregation

By
Christopher Schouten

28

May 2023

Nurturing Our Faith Beyond Sunday: Growing Closer to God in Daily Life

There are a myriad ways in which our faith can be nurtured and deepened beyond the experience of Sunday worship. While gathering in the church is a vital part of our spiritual journey, we believe that the opportunity to grow closer to God is ever-present in our daily lives.

By
Christopher Schouten

20

May 2023

Personal Testimony: Why I As a Gay Man Chose BMUCC

It wasn't easy for my husband and I to find a church home in the North Scottsdale/Cave Creek area that would welcome us as a gay couple, but the second we stepped through the doors at BMUCC, we knew we were home.

By
Christopher Schouten

19

May 2023

Nurturing Inclusive Values: How Your Church Choice Impacts Your Child's Development

As society grapples with divisive narratives and widening gaps, many individuals and families find themselves standing at an intersection. This intersection lies between the personal values they hold dear and the theology of the institutions they participate in.

By
Christopher Schouten

17

May 2023

Skeptical About Organized Religion? Discover the BMUCC Difference!

Surveys show that non-churchgoing people in our North Scottsdale and Cave Creek/Carefree community have some serious doubts about participation in organized religion, and we understand that. There's a lot to be concerned about because of the way that Christianity in the United States has developed over the past few decades. But BMUCC is different!

By
Christopher Schouten

15

May 2023

Mother's Day at BMUCC

Children celebrated and honored their mothers at church this Sunday in a beautiful ceremony orchestrated by Joyce and Nelson!

By
Christopher Schouten

15

May 2023

Nelson Day at BMUCC

We are a church that celebrates the blessings God has given us, and our young people are some of our greatest blessings! That's why we honored our high school graduate Nelson with joy last Sunday!

By
Christopher Schouten

1

May 2023

Embracing the Beauty of Diversity: Becoming a Church of Extravagant Welcome

In the United Church of Christ, we celebrate the boundless love of God that knows no boundaries. This love embraces all people, transcending race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, and social background.

By
Christopher Schouten

22

February'23

About our denomination, the United Church of Christ

We are a proud member church of the United Church of Christ. Learn more about our denomination and our history below!

By
Christopher Schouten