About the Author: Rev. Jessica Shine

The Reverend Jess Shine, MDiv (they/them/elle) has pastored congregations in California, Oregon, and Michigan. Jess earned degrees in theology and divinity, but says, “I still haven’t figured out how to walk on water.” In 2021, they completed the Privilege of Call process while serving at the national setting of the United Church of Christ. Jess was ordained to ministry by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and has continued offering spiritual care as a clergy member of The CHI Interfaith Community (based in Berkeley, CA). With over two decades of experience in church communities, police officers, hospice patients and staff, teenagers, and as Community Minister of The Chaplaincy Institute, they bring a passion for people and a skill for communicating in transformative ways. Jess is a descendant of Mexican, Indian, and Northwestern European immigrants. Their spirituality began in childhood and continues through expansive relationships, reading, music, wine, travel, theological processing, sports, and food! Jess celebrates life with their wife, Deshna (an ordained interfaith chaplain), bonus daughter Kaila, and their four-legged friends.

  • Understanding the parable of the talents for 21st century humans

    By Published On: September 23, 2020

    Do you, like me, have great sympathy for the third servant in the parable of the talents? What do you think that this parable is meant to say to 21st century humans? 

  • Bible Study, A Wholistic Approach

    By Published On: April 19, 2020

    I (try to) lead an hour or so Bible Study before each of my two-Sundays-a- month preaching gigs… and am amazed at (and grateful for) their participation, receptivity, and curiosity… about the coming Sunday’s texts. How can I offer a more systematic, “remedial,” wholistic approach to the great Biblical stories, promises and callings? 

  • Christ Rules the Universe

    By Published On: December 24, 2019

    It is Written in The Message, Ephesians Chapter 1, that Christ rules the Universe, all of it, from galaxies to governments, no one exempt from His power, He has the final say on all things. I have been trying to reconcile this for two years, to understand if this is a metaphor or actual truth, what is your perception?

  • Done For Podcast Season 1

    By Published On: November 2, 2018

    The show that's all about two basic questions: 1) What leads to a good death? - and 2) What does that tell us about how to live a good life? Hosts Andrew Chirch, David Greenson, and Jessica Shine bring their different perspectives to an exploration of death and life. Funny, bittersweet, sad, and sometimes amazing.

  • Nationalism, World Cup and Jesus

    By Published On: July 18, 2018

    What does it mean to be a patriot? Does it mean wearing a jersey with your favorite team’s colors? Does it mean waving the flag? Does it mean painting your face? Or hanging it from your front porch?