Participating in Theological Praxis
Stained glass in Chapel at Chelsea Hospital
"Instead of arguing about whether God "exists," or fighting over whose version of God is "true," I suggest that we explore what it means to live as beings who have a profound sensitivity to what has come to be called the "sacred" or the "Divine.""
--Toba Spitzer, God is Here, Reimagining the Divine
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
-- Colossians 3:12-14
1. Practicing theological reflection and engagement as part of one’s sense of ministerial identity and (2) Integrating theological reflection in teaching, preaching, and ecclesial and community leadership.
My family and I love to hike. When we can’t get into the woods, we will just walk around our neighborhood a few times. We spend the time talking over the day and discussing favorite books, movies, or games. Often, we find ourselves deep within philosophical and theological reflection. Once a while ago, my son paused and theorized, “Mom, I think you could connect anything to spirituality.”
This must have taken root inside his curiosity because now, he often begins a conversation with the challenge: “Mom, where do you see God in _____?”
His favorite categories--because he’s sure he’ll be able to stump me in them—are pop culture, recent episodes of our favorite TV shows, and schoolwork.
He hasn’t been able to stump me.
Sometimes it takes me a whole lap of the neighborhood (or two) to find the connection, but there is always a connection because the Spirit of God is in all things. The fingerprints of God are all over every piece of creation!
This is what I believe Jesus was speaking of in Matthew 13:15b when he said, “they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.” I do not believe God causes bad things to happen, and I do not believe God is a micromanager. I do believe that the Spirit of God is always at work, weaving every piece of creation, every story, every experience into opportunities for healing, growth, and spiritual beauty.
May we have eyes to see!
"I have had the pleasure of working with Chaplain Elisabeth Seymour for several years now. She is delightful and easy to work with. She is open to the Holy and follows the Spirit in her everyday life. Elisabeth is extremely creative; and her ministries are simply a reflection of this. I see this in how she leads well-thought-out and meaningful worship services and in her gift of helping others through challenging times.
Her heart is open and it is beautiful to witness her example of love in this world. She is excellent at connecting with people; cares about other’s suffering; and can take on the many challenges of chaplaincy with a willing spirit.
I've had the pleasure of watching her wrestle with her theology and listen deeply for her call. Her growth is obvious and I have no doubt that continuing to grow and learn is in her DNA."
--Rev. Deborah Geiger, previous chaplain at Chelsea Retirement Community
2. Articulating a theology and practice of ministry consistent with the UCC Manual on Ministry
As a chaplain, my theology is formed by the covenantal nature of the UCC, which emphasizes a relationship of trust and respect. I endeavor to do with people what the Manual on Ministry encourages our denomination to do within its diverse congregations: honor each person’s integrity, listen carefully, and “seek to walk together in all God’s ways.”
My ministry stands on the UCC's core theological principles of God is still speaking and the church's relational mission—one of radical hospitality, extravagant welcome, and reconciliation.
God is Still Speaking
As a chaplain, I do not offer ‘answers’. I honor each person’s autonomy and diverse background. I accompany people in prayerful discernment of God’s will for their unique situation. I listen and reflect with empathy and compassion while encouraging them to trust that God is speaking and guiding them today, just as God did in Biblical times.
Relational Engagements
I build relationships of mutual trust and transparency, and interdependence by listening intently to the lived experiences of those I serve and work with. I view my presence with each person as an embodiment of God’s Love and Light.
Radical hospitality
I minister to all people without exception, creating a safe space for people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs, honoring their unique spiritual journeys.
Extravagant Welcome
I offer inclusive worship services where all are “welcomed and loved just as they are”; where everyone can experience joyful, Spirit-filled messages, and engage in music, scripture, and prayer in meaningful and diverse ways.
Reconciliation
I endeavor to use a vocabulary of compassion, mercy, inclusiveness, and justice in all my interactions, both within and outside of my ministry context. This encourages conversations of reconciliation and ones that reflect the essence of UCC theology.
3. Demonstrating an appreciation for and participation in the ecumenical and interfaith partnerships of the UCC.
I grew up in a community Bible church where denominational lines and practices were as unfamiliar to me as underwater basket weaving. At a young age, I coined the belief: God does not need religion to connect with people. People need religion to know how to connect with God.
Throughout my life, I have formed friendships with individuals from various Christian denominations and with those who celebrate Hinduism, Buddhism, Native American Spirituality, and Atheism. These friendships grow my appreciation for Ecumenical worship and love for interfaith/spiritual exploration. The Divine only gets bigger when we allow ourselves to see through the lens of others' experiences and perceptions.
I think my understanding can best be illustrated by “Seven Blind Mice”, Ed Young’s take on an Indian folk tale, and a favorite read-aloud of mine.
We are all like the blind mice in this story who came upon a huge, unknown animal. Each wanting to understand it, each exploring a different part, and coming back with metaphors: it’s like a tree, a fan, a rope, a snake... How can it be like all of these things that seem so different from one another?
Because an elephant is more than the parts. It has legs like a tree trunk, ears like fans, a tail like a rope, and a long, snake-like nose. Each mouse was correct within its limitations, but needed the other perspectives to gain a greater understanding.
The Divine is a huge unknowable; a Great Mystery we each experience in some small part. But only when we combine our understandings can we begin to see the larger truths of the Spirit.
4. Experiencing and appreciating a variety of theological perspectives.
As a chaplain, each day I interact with people from a wide spectrum of beliefs—from devoutly religious to agnostic, atheist, or "spiritual but not religious". I articulate and honor their unique stories, which often reveal deeply held spiritual and theological beliefs. By listening to how someone understands themselves and the world around them, I gain insight into that person's unique perspective. This direct interaction fosters within me an attitude of curiosity and respect, as I work to learn from the experiences and perspectives of those I serve.
I also work within a multi-disciplinary team with individuals holding a diverse range of beliefs. By communicating and modeling respect for spiritual and personal diversity, I contribute to a more inclusive institutional culture.
This photo is of me and the Spiritual Life Team at Chelsea Retirement Community, 2024
5. Embodying the UCC Ministerial Code
Embodying the UCC Ministerial Code means aligning myself so that I reflect God’s justice, mercy, and love not only in my ministry but in my very being. The code covers everything from setting healthy boundaries to how to handle money. It calls me to seek support, care for myself, and avoid that which could cause harm to others.
One of my mentors loves to remind me: “God does not require or even request perfection, only faithfulness.”
The UCC Ministerial Code is a covenant, an agreement to remain faithful to my ethical and spiritual responsibilities to God, myself, my family, and the United Church of Christ.