About Michael
Michael Howard is a passionate and intellectually engaged pastor, teacher, community organizer, and Christian leader. He has taught and served all around the world, including Peru, Brazil, India, Ethiopia and the US. He is an ordained pastor with the United Church of Christ, and he currently serves as the Minister of Faith in Action for the Living Water Association, Ohio NorthEast.
Michael believes that following Jesus is synonymous with peacemaking—seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly (Micah 6:8). This stems from his conviction that according to the teachings and witness of Jesus, justice and humility belong together; that violence can never beget peace; that the best friendships can be found in places we have been told to expect enemies; and that faithful Christian living means witnessing to the radical love and acceptance of God. This kind of radical Christianity centers on discipleship from a disposition of repentance and stands in opposition to notions of Christian triumphalism.
Michael’s faith heroes include radical Christians from a broad spectrum of traditions throughout history, including Catholics such as Saint Francis, Dorothy Day, Daniel Berrigan, and John Dear; Anabaptists such as Menno Simons and Pilgram Marpeck; Lutherans such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer; and nonviolent political activists, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.
His vision for ministry is to encourage and support people of faith to participate in building the Beloved Community with all Creation through practices of justice, joy, compassion, and peace. This is a vision of empowerment aimed at transforming our communities into more just places for all people to live vibrantly and to work, rest, and enjoy life together in peace. Along with serving as a spiritual leader to his local congregation, Michael is a community organizer and social justice activist. He speaks and teaches regularly at community gatherings, youth events, revivals, and small group settings.
Above all, Michael is the most proud of his great family. He is convinced that his partner, Zion, and his daughter, Joey 사랑, are made of a special kind of heavenly stardust.
Michael blogs regularly at pacificpilgrim.com.