The Ohio-Meadville District is very pleased to announce our keynote speaker for District Assembly 2012

Rev. Dr. David Owen-O'Quill speaking on
Moving Beyond the Box: Making the Missional Shift

Rev. Dr. David Owen-O’Quill is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister whose work is recognized at the forefront of missional thinking within our denomination. He brings a broad experience in parish ministry, congregational consulting, church planting, stewardship, growth, spiritual formation, ministerial formation with seminarians, and leader mentorship. What David’s keynote will focus on is his work with mission development in congregational settings, what it is, and what it can mean for the future of Unitarian Universalism.

David Owen-O’Quill is the founder of Micah’s Porch in Chicago and is known for doing new congregation starts. You can read his website News from the Spiritual Underground and other deep places at www.dare2seek.org. The About tab explains Rev. Dave’s history. You can also find and follow him on facebook.

In addition to the keynote address, Rev. Owen-O’Quill will offer the traditional talkback workshop and an in-depth workshop titled Deep Shift for attendees in the afternoon.

Comments about Rev. Owen-O'Quill's work:

The Reverend Doctor David Owen-O'Quill is one of Unitarian Universalism's best informed and foremost thinkers about mission-driven growth in liberal churches. His profound personal calling to ministry, deep experience in congregational life, and passion for our shared faith make him a pastor, preacher, and prophet of extraordinary stature. If I wished to have a colleague come into my church and speak to the leaders about mission-driven programming, then I would seek out David Owen-O'Quill to bring that message to my people.
-Rev. Dr. Justin S. Osterman, Senior Minister, Main Line Unitarian Church

David Owen-O'Quill's compelling vision for faith communities is exactly what the unchurched crave today - anyone who wants a personal, relevant religious experience that speaks to the heart will be moved and uplifted by his preaching. The first time I attended one of David's services, it was being held in a bar in Chicago at night. I never expected that I would leave a bar feeling like I had just experienced one the best worship services of my life. There was great rock music by talented musicians and David wove together a variety of personal and theological stories that left me feeling inspired and filled with hope. I will warn you that listening to David may change how you look at what is possible with our Unitarian Universalist faith.
-Dori Davenport Thexton, Director of Faith Developement and Congregational Growth, Central Midwest District, UUA

Pastor Dave's "pulpit" was atop a stage in the Chopin Theatre rather than a church; contemporary alternative rock like the Foo Fighters was played by a house band rather than hymns sung by a robe-clad choir; and the weekly service focused on fostering a connection with God, connecting socially with others, and connecting to the needs of the world (Click for More).
-Christine Sass Organ, Writer, Micahs Porch Member

Many times I have been brought to tears during worship services which David has conducted...and the topic was the mission of the church. Needless to say, that is a highly unique gift and something you have to experience for yourself!
-Rev. Lee Barker, President, Meadville Lombard Theological School

UUA President Peter Morales has told us that "Americans today are the most isolated people in human history." He believes that this loneliness is a "cry of isolation and pain" that Unitarian Universalism is uniquely suited to answer. Our religion, while currently declining in numbers, has tremendous potential to grow and help meet the needs of the spiritually hungry today.

David Owen-O'Quill has recognized that loneliness in our society and is responding with the life-affirming message of universalist love. Many UU congregations today struggle to maintain their numbers; David believe that we are not only capable of growth but have a theological mandate to do so. He has experience in contextualizing our Unitarian Universalist theology of universal love and hope to reach the lonely people who are searching for community and spirituality today.

Through his work at Micah's Porch in Chicago, he has tapped into the needs of those who are looking for spiritual home but might not be ready to walk into a traditional "church." If you want to hear a Unitarian Universalist speak with faith and passion for the possibilities of our churches then its worth hearing David speak.
-Christana Willie McKnight, Re-Planting Pastor, Unitarian Church of Norton, MA