This cohort will engage with the Bible and its ancient context regarding gender and sexuality. The content and its’ discussion will support participants’ participation in current conversations around the Bible’s messages about human sexuality and gender expression.
1. Biblical Families
2. Gender Identity
3. Grammatical Gender
Facilitated by Rev. Lauren Bennett
Rev. Bennett is the lead pastor at Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis (MCCGSL), where she has served since 2019. Her Master of Divinity is from Wesley Theological Seminary, where she graduated with honors, with a concentration in Urban Studies. She has also worked as a community organizer and continues serving as part-time staff for Metropolitan Community Churches.
Content Created by Rev. Dr. Laurel Koepf
Rev. Dr. Laurel Koepf is a professor of Hebrew Bible and ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. She served Eden Theological Seminary for over a decade before relocating to McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. Dr. Koepf is the author of Give Me Children or I Shall Die: Children and Communal Survival in Biblical Literature. She co-chairs Society of Biblical Literature units focused on LGBTI+ Hermeneutics and Families and Children in the Ancient World.
Dates: 6:30-8pm CT, Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Dec. 21, 2026
all Cohort meetings will be online
Ministry Cohorts
Ministry Cohorts allow you to sample many theological themes, offering peer learning with your ministry context in mind. Scholars and experts have chosen a specific lens on a particular topic and share their expertise through digital content you watch on your schedule. Four monthly online meetings are interspersed, where you and other Cohort participants gather for facilitated discussion with an experienced 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.
