About

Jeffrey A. Nelson serves as Minister for Ministerial Calls and Transitions on the national staff of the United Church of Christ. Before that, he was a local church pastor for over 15 years in several places around northeast 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, karate, 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 most recent book, Four Weeks: Reflections for Advent, released in November of 2022. He’s also written five others. 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 81: They Live

Episode 80: I Don’t Call It Trauma, But It’s Trauma

Episode 79: Are You Ready for the Water?