Trustee Jose Morales named Disciples of Christ Regional Minister

03-26-2010

By Geoff Ashmun

When he started his new job on March 15 as the Regional Transitional Minister for the Central Rocky Mountain Region of the Disciples of Christ, the Rev. Jose Morales Jr. (M.Div., Class of 2005) became the first Latin@ pastor – as well as the youngest – to occupy the position. His work primarily focuses on congregational support and new church development in the southern Colorado, Denver, Wyoming, Utah and northern New Mexico areas.

A native of Puerto Rico, the 31-year old Morales recently served as Associate Pastor for Iglesia Del Pueblo – Hope Center, a predominantly Hispanic congregation that has evolved into a multicultural church with a substantial number of Asian Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, and Euro Americans. The Rev. Dr. Juan Rodriguez (M.Div., Class of 1983/D.Min., Class of 2008), Pastor of Iglesia Del Pueblo, was called as First Vice Moderator for the Disciples of Christ in 2009.

During the first two years of his pastorate at the church, Morales was the clergy caucus chair of the Northwest Indiana Federation, an interfaith organization of churches and mosques that addresses issues of justice in the northwest Indiana region in order to effect positive public policy and economic development.

In addition to his pastoral skills and experience, Morales brings a combination of theological acumen and cultural sensitivity. He has lectured and preached throughout the Chicago area and served as adjunct faculty at McCormick for its Pilgrimage in Faithfulness class. Morales is also a professional DJ.