ABOUT THIS EPISODE: This season, we’re interviewing the incredible members of WYM who make up our board, moderators team, and conference team! This week we are chatting with Gwen and her passion for creating more inclusive environments for young people, especially and particularly in Confirmation! Stick around until the end to hear Gwen and Heather chat about self-compassion and its importance as ministry leaders!

ABOUT GWEN: Gwen is passionate about storytellling, queer theology, and being anti-racist. During her childhood, she learned the importance of faith education by volunteering with her mom at church. Gwen graduated with a degree in Creative Writing and a minor in Youth Ministry from Oral Roberts University. Gwen earned her Masters in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Ohio Dominican University. Gwen, and her wife, Felicia, have been members of King Ave UMC since February 2015.

In her staff role, Gwen is responsible for Worship Connections during the 9 am and 11 am services (age 4 to 3rd grade), Godly Play, Chrysalis Club for 4th & 5th graders, and C.O.R.E. Youth Sunday School. She facilitates the Discipleship Program (grades 4 to 12), and assists with teaching Confirmation classes with Rev. Andy Burns. Most adults see Gwen when she gives the Children’s Message during the 11 am service.

Gwen is also the director of Kinship Campus Ministry, which seeks to build connections within The OSU campus, reach out to high school graduates, and facilitate meaningful fellowship.

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