Meet Rev. Jennifer Sowell
Explore articles and videos of recent conversations with Rev. Jennifer Sowell, elected on May 9th, 2026 to serve as Associate General Minister, Love of Church
Breaking: Rev. Jennifer Sowell elected to serve as Associate General Minister of the United Church of Christ
The Rev. Jennifer Sowell, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with more than two decades of pastoral leadership experience, was elected to serve an unexpired term as the next Associate General Minister (AGM), Love of Church on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at a special meeting of General Synod 35, which officially ends a several year process that began at the end of 2023. Sowell’s election is a historic one, marking the first time in the denomination’s nearly 70-year history that leadership of the church is all women.
April 16, 2026 – General Synod Assistant Moderator Rev. Susan Cartmell and Search Committee Chair Rev. Cean James introduced Rev. Jennifer Sowell who offered remarks followed by a Q&A.
April 29, 2026 – GMP the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson and the Rev. Jennifer Sowell explored the Strengthening the Church, Leadership Development, and Climate Action programmatic priorities shaping the work of the NMUCC.
April 30, 2026 – GMP the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson and the Rev. Jennifer Sowell continued their conversation exploring programmatic priorities, discussing Spiritual Formation, Reshaping the Narrative, and Decolonization.
Learn more about AGM Nominee Rev. Sowell
This story features a video sermon from Sowell, reflections from search committee chair the Rev. Cean James, and voices from her current congregation in Collinsville, Illinois. Also, you’ll have a closer look at her work in ministry and leadership throughout her life.
UCC News: AGM Nominee is rooted in the local church and ready to lead with vision
Rev. Jennifer Sowell brings more than two decades of hands-on leadership across diverse United Church of Christ congregations, grounding her ministry in the realities of local church life. Her breadth of experience and deep connection to congregational ministry position her to faithfully support and strengthen churches across the denomination.
