About

Rev. Jeffrey A. Nelson serves as Minister for Ministerial Calls and Transitions on the national staff of the United Church of Christ. He also serves as pastor of St. Michael’s United Church of Christ in Marshallville, Ohio.

Jeff received his Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Heidelberg University and his Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary. He is also trained as a spiritual director in the tradition of Ignatius of Loyola.

Jeff has a special interest in writing, speaking, and teaching about Christian spirituality in ways that educate, challenge assumptions and established norms, and help people connect their sense of the transcendent to everyday life.

Jeff’s favorite things include being with his family, music, Michigan sports, martial arts, playing Magic: The Gathering, a good coffee or bourbon, and everything about the fall season.

All opinions on this site are his own and don’t represent the UCC or any other entity.

Jeff’s latest book, The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of Transition, released in April 2025. He has written other books on spirituality, prayer, and pop culture, as well as a novel. His writing has also appeared at the Shalem Institute blog, The Englewood Review of Books, the Christian Century blog, and The High Calling, among other online places.

Much like its namesake book, the Coffeehouse Contemplative podcast is an exploration of the spiritual in everyday life. New episodes post several times per month.

Recent Episodes

Episode 195: Hopes for the New Year

Episode 194: Driving Home at Night

Episode 193: Reciting Gathas