Big episode today, an important conversation about the three decision categories candidates can receive after their MFC interview. My guests are the current panel chairs for the UUA’s Ministerial Fellowship Committee: Alison Aguilar Lopez Gutierrez McLeod, Michael Tino, and Beth Norton. You will not want to miss this conversation.

*Notes from the episode*

MFC Decision Categories

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MfKquIrM4YuKg6Vx6VGA3PU0p8TiKR1GC9f1lBEIWus/edit#heading=h.qpmsv28d2rmv

Thank you for listening. Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor.

(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd and apple.co/3u51z2V)

Welcome to Many Windows! This episode continues the New MFC Paradigm series. My guest is the Rev. Amanda Poppei, co-chair of the UUA’s Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC). We’re discussing the areas of ministerial competence, and the addition or re-addition, of a competency in theology.

*Notes from the episode*

MFC Requirements Appendix - Areas of Competence found here

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tW27RJcYIe7lmCglSGKP6guJ6BZ2Ka51t5v9pWypRH8/edit#heading=h.ez6vyw58uykp

Thank you for listening. Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor.

(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd​ and apple.co/3u51z2V)

Welcome to Season 4 of Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry!

My guest for this episode is the Rev. Dr. Michael Tino, executive committee member and “Transformation Shephard” of the UUA’s Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC). Our topic is the new shift from the old MFC Required Reading list to the NEW Educational Resources paradigm.

This is my first conversation in a series - "The New MFC Paradigm." More episodes on related content to follow.

*Notes from the episode*

 MFC Requirements Appendix https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tW27RJcYIe7lmCglSGKP6guJ6BZ2Ka51t5v9pWypRH8/edit

MFC Sample Resource Lists

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mOuT9e8y1gU9ZUGYQT64CozyAZMPJ6H4pq0tjhakGE4/edit

Rev. JeKaren Olaoya's beautiful and powerful pastoral response to anti-trans/GNB rhetoric during GA can be found about 3:20:41 into this video. https://www.uua.org/ga/off-site/2024/business/iii

If you want to see the entire session on the business resolution "Embracing Transgender, NonBinary, and Intersex People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Religious Values" it begins at 2:45:30 of the same video.

Note: This business resolution passed overwhelmingly with over 91% of the vote.

https://discuss.uua.org/t/amended-uua-business-resolution-embracing-transgender-nonbinary-and-intersex-people-is-a-fundamental-expression-of-uu-religious-values/1481

Thank you for listening. Many Windows: Conversations on

Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music

is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor.

(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd​ and apple.co/3u51z2V)

Welcome Rev. Darrick Jackson, the UUA’s new Ministerial Credentialing Director! If that name seems familiar, Darrick has just come from the executive team at the UU Minister’s Association. Same person, new job. I spent a few minutes talking with Darrick about his new role.

Resources from the episode:

https://www.uua.org/offices/staff/mfd/credentialing

Thank you for listening. Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor and as always, a special thank you to Tomo Hilbo.

(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd​ and apple.co/3u51z2V)

Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) is a technology not entirely new, but a hot topic in a number of ways. My guest today is John Dechant, PhD, Director of the Whiggin Library and Archives here at Meadville; we are talking about generative AI and how we are engaging with this technology in theological education.

Resources from the episode:

ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/

Jenni (the AI text generator that that can include citations if you have a paid account): https://www.jenni.ai

Some free AI Detectors:

GPTZero: https://gptzero.me/

Writer.com's AI Content Detector: https://writer.com/ai-content-detector/

Thank you for listening. Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor and as always, a special thank you to Tomo Hilbo.

(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd​ and apple.co/3u51z2V)

For Unitarian Universalist aspirants and candidates the Ministerial Formation Network (or MFN) is a source of vocational support, spiritual engagement, practical information, and collegial care. The MFN is a collaborative project of the UUMA and UUA, with the goal of supporting every aspirant and candidate in their process. My guest today is the Rev. Michelle Favreault, manager of the Ministerial Formation Network.

Notes from the episode:

UUMA Membership: https://uuma.org/join/

MFN (Ministerial Formation Network): https://uuma.org/collegiality/mfn/

MFN Retreats: https://uuma.org/collegiality/mfn-retreat-dates-and-information/

MFN Fall 2023 Offerings (including Seminarian Wellspring information): https://uuma.org/latest-news/fall-mfn-program-offerings/

Contact Rev. Michelle Favreault: favreault (at) uuma (dot) org

Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor and as always, a special thank you to Tomo Hilbo.

(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd​ and apple.co/3u51z2V)

Ever wondered about what it would be like to be in the military part-time? It is possible to have a civilian ministry and be a military chaplain. This episode covers the rich opportunities as well as the challenges of this dual-role-vocation in the reserves and national guard.

Today's conversation is with three CAP chaplains

Notes from the episode:

Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corps: https://capchaplain.com/

Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor and as always, a special thank you to Tomo Hilbo.

(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd​ and apple.co/3u51z2V)

Ever wondered about what it would be like to be in the military part-time? It is possible to have a civilian ministry and be a military chaplain. This episode covers the rich opportunities as well as the challenges of this dual-role-vocation in the reserves and national guard.

My guest is Chap (MAJ) David Pyle, US Army Reserve.  Chaplain Pyle is the Deputy Command Chaplain of the US Army Reserve Sustainment Command, based out of Birmingham, Alabama.  His civilian ministry is as the Regional Lead for the MidAmerica Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association. 

Since we’re talking the reserve components, Jules shifts from interviewer to conversation partner speaking as a chaplain serving in the New York Air National Guard.

Notes from the episode:

Link to Army Chaplain recruitment: https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/specialty-careers/chaplain.html

Scroll about halfway to find sections on the Army Reserves and the Chaplain Candidate Program (CCP)

Link to Air Force chaplain website: https://www.airforce.com/careers/specialty-careers/chaplain

Link to information on Air Force Reserves and Chaplain Candidate program: https://www.afrc.af.mil/About-Us/Chaplain/

Scroll about halfway to find a short blurb on the Chaplain Candidate program.

Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor and as always, a special thank you to Tomo Hilbo.

(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd​ and apple.co/3u51z2V)

Who takes care of the Blue? Air Force chaplains covering both the Air and Space Force!

Today's guest is Chaplain (Capt) Anthony Jenkins, active duty Air Force. Chap Jenkins has the somewhat unique experience of having been prior enlisted before becoming a chaplain; in addition, he has served both in the Air Force and the Army.

Notes from the episode:

Link to Air Force chaplain website: https://www.airforce.com/careers/specialty-careers/chaplain

Link to information on Air Force Reserves and Chaplain Candidate program: https://www.afrc.af.mil/About-Us/Chaplain/

Scroll about halfway to find a short blurb on the Chaplain Candidate program.

Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor and as always, a special thank you to Tomo Hilbo.

(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd​ and apple.co/3u51z2V)

Father Mulcahy from MASH your image of an Army chaplain? The Army Chaplain Corps has evolved a lot in exciting ways since that time. My guest is Chaplain (Cpt.) Sarah Caine, active duty Army. Sarah has been on a winding path to get to where she is now and I’m interested to learn about some unique opportunities Army Chaplain Corps has to offer.

Note: the process for becoming an Army chaplain as described in the episode is accurate as of May 2023. Contact a recruiter for current requirements and process.

*Notes from the episode:*

Link to Army Chaplain recruitment: https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/specialty-careers/chaplain.html

Scroll about halfway to find a short blurb on the Chaplain Candidate Program (CCP)

Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor and as always, a special thank you to Tomo Hilbo.

(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd​ and apple.co/3u51z2V)