About Mike Williams (he/him)
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
–Hebrews 11:1 (NRSV)
Being a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs has taught me a great deal about faith. For most of my life, baseball success is something I have only seen through a glass, darkly. Following the North Siders is proof of St. Paul’s statement about perseverance producing character and character producing hope.
Cubs fans are some of the most hopeful fatalists one will ever meet, and I am no exception. From personal experience we recognize both the depths of human frailty (just one bad century) and the possibilities of human flourishing (2016 World Series). Throughout my ministry I have seen that what is true on the ball diamond is true off of it as well. Life can be tragic and beautiful all at the same time.
Finding hope in the midst of that reality makes all the difference.
Vocational hope seeking
My calling as a clergy person is devoted to helping others find hope in the midst of a broken world. As a Christian I believe that hope is most fully embodied in Jesus Christ. While pastoring churches in Iowa, Missouri, Maryland, and Delaware I got to see that hope embodied on a daily basis. Love of God and love of neighbor was enacted through both worship and service to the community, including the homeless ministry to which I was ordained.
As an Air Force Reserve chaplain I had the opportunity to help people of other faiths, and of no faith, find hope in ways that speak to them. After retiring from the military in 2023 I began the transition to a new form of service, studying to be a licensed professional counselor at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri. My goal after graduating with my Masters in Clinical Counseling is to be certified in spiritually integrated psychotherapy, a multi-faith perspective that helps clients use their own internal spiritual resources to find purpose, meaning, and hope in their lives.
For church nerds interested in ecclesiastical legalese: I am an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). My standing is held in the Eastern Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference. I am a member of the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance and the UCC Open and Affirming Coalition.
Disclaimers (aka: the fine print)
Although I am counselor-in-training, this is a personal website reflecting both my service as an ordained minister and my PTSD recovery journey. Content I post online is NOT considered professional treatment or advice.
No form of social media can replace therapeutic/counseling/psychological services. If you are in need of professional services, please contact a licensed provider in your area.
All opinions expressed on this page are my own, and do not reflect those of any organizations, congregations, or institutions I currently serve, am a member of, or have served in the past, including the US Air Force Reserve and the Department of Defense.