Rev. Brenda Waddell is a pastor in every sense of the word. She is a compassionate listener, a guiding shepherd, an engaging preacher, and a visionary leader. Having been raised in an evangelical, fundamentalist Christian tradition, Brenda learned to ask challenging questions about God and religion at an early age. Although foundational to her faith, she found that the literal interpretation of scripture, especially when lived out in community, did not align with the love of God she had embraced as a child. As a result, she left the fundamentalist tradition as a young adult. Brenda eventually rediscovered, and recovered, the life-giving and life-changing love of God when she found the United Church of Christ. Having experienced a profound sense of community through worship, the sacrament of communion, and through community engagement, Brenda lives into the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Brenda believes there is no greater love in this world than the love of God and the love of neighbor.

Brenda’s unique background in the automobile industry has given her the ability to embrace mission without losing sight of the people who pursue it. With God as the head of the church, each person is a valuable part of the body.

Brenda has an Associate degree in Business, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a Master of Divinity from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, with a concentration in interreligious contexts. Brenda is also certified through the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. She considers herself a lifelong learner who is passionate about sharing the love of God. Believing that God’s vision for our world includes all of us, Brenda is passionate about removing the obstacles to God, whether those placed there by others, or those we place on ourselves.