The Psalms for Justice-Seekers and Peacemakers

While the Psalms have traditionally nurtured what one scholar calls an “anthropo-centered” spirituality that is largely focused inward, these sessions will suggest that the Psalms also are capable of nurturing a God-centered approach that invites us to look outward and to join God at God’s work in the world — the work of justice, righteousness, and peace.

Part 1: The Single Most Important Text in the Entire Christian Bible (John Dominic Crossan: Justice as the Will of God)

Part 2: God Has Come Into the World to Establish Justice (Psalm 96:13): The Enthronement Psalms

Part 3: Kings and People as Agents of God’s Justice and Peace: The Royal Psalms (Psalm 72) and Beyond

Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Karen Anderson 

Rev. Dr. Karen D. Anderson is a passionate leader, advocate, and pastor at First AME Church in Las Vegas. From the pulpit to the streets, her ministry blends deep faith with bold action. In St. Louis, she helped lead change as President of Metropolitan Congregations United and through the Interfaith Partnership. The Ferguson uprising transformed her faith into hands-on justice work—something she continues today in Las Vegas as Board Chair for Faith in Action Nevada and NOHME.

With a background in nursing and a Doctor of Ministry, Dr. Anderson brings both compassion and wisdom to everything she does. Whether preaching, advocating, or spending time with her husband Joseph, their children, and grandchildren—her message is always rooted in God’s unshakable love

Digital content by Rev. Dr. J. Clinton McCann, Jr. 

This Cohort is based on the new book, Reading the Psalms Again for the First Time: A Spirituality for Justice-Seekers and Peacemakers.

Dr. McCann is the Evangelical Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Eden Theological Seminary. He is the author of the Psalms commentary in The New Interpreter’s Bible, as well as several other books and numerous essays on the Psalms and other biblical material. Clint was the Consulting Translator of the Psalms for The Common English Bible [CEB], and he also wrote the Introduction to and Annotations on the Psalms for The CEB Study Bible.

Ministry Cohorts

Ministry Cohorts allow you to sample many theological themes, offering peer learning with your ministry context in mind. Scholars have chosen a specific lens on a particular topic and share their expertise through digital content you watch on your own time. Four monthly online meetings are interspersed, where you and your Cohort members gather for facilitated discussion with an experienced church leader.

Cohorts support lifelong learning and are for anyone- authorized clergy, chaplains, Christian educators, lay leaders and anyone interested in the topic. UCC members will recognize the Marks for Ministry woven throughout the cohorts, though anyone from any denomination, or no denomination, is welcome to attend.

Completion of this Ministry Cohort provides 9 contact hours of continuing education, subject to approval by the participant's credentialing body.