Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson (He/Him/His) was called as the Senior Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church in 2008. Prior to coming to Rockford, he served for five years at High Plains Church, UU, in Colorado Springs, CO. He graduated from Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago in 2003, and from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington in 1999. He completed his Doctor of Ministry from Iliff School of Theology in Denver in 2010. He is the author of "Newborn Bards: A Theology of Preaching for Unitarian Universalists."  He has been co-chair of the UUA's Presidential Search Committee, and an active leader in regional and national UU organizations for decades.

Matthew is a third-generation Unitarian Universalist. He grew up in the Seattle, WA area, where he enjoyed church, the woods, and daydreaming. He has two children, Lee and Leo.

When he's not at church, Matthew spends time running along the Rock River, playing with the kids, reading, and enjoying craft beer.

Matthew is focused on the good news of Unitarian Universalism. "This is a religion," he says, "which can save lives and the world. People seek a spiritual path that integrates their whole selves, that inspires awe, that celebrates beauty and grounds justice. We can offer a vision of the good life and the tools to make it real." Matthew is passionate about welcoming newcomers to church, building strong communities, the preaching life, and working in accountable and effective ways for justice among all creation.

You can reach Matthew at minister at uurockford.org He is usually in the office Mon, Tue, Wed, and Thur from 9-4:30, but please call or email ahead. Friday is writing day. You can schedule a meeting with him at calendly.com/uurockrev.