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Dr. Brad Motta joined the staff in January 2007. As Minister for Education at Middle, he coordinates the teaching ministry of the church, which includes building our teaching church through leadership conferences, adult education, and educational outreach. He also directs and coordinates RISE, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Intersexed (LGBTI) ministry of Middle Church. In September 2007 he received the unofficial title “Minister of Fun” which involves creating times of fellowship and fun throughout the year. In 2008, Brad’s role has expanded to manage our operations including overseeing all our wonderful support staff.
Brad graduated from Westfield State College with a B.S. in psychology. He continued school with a Masters of Divinity degree with an emphasis in education at Drew Theological School. In 2006 he received his doctorate in pastoral care and counseling from Drew University. His thesis explored developing approaches that encourage and celebrate diversity in local congregations using the teachings of Buber, Tillich, and Winnicott.
He has not just been a student but also an educator. After serving several United Methodist Churches in northern New Jersey, Brad accepted a position with the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, the programming group for the denomination. In that position, Brad served as an international teacher/leader trainer, traveling all over the United States as well as Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, and Germany. He was also elected to the Christian Educators Fellowship Board of Directors and served as president of the national organization for two years.
During his tenure, he was instrumental in creating tools and resources for the Methodist denomination, including starting a magazine for Sunday school teachers, “Teacher in the Church Today.” One of his most memorable moments was interviewing Jimmy Carter. Many people have interviewed Jimmy Carter, President, but Brad is one of the few to have interviewed him as Jimmy Carter, Sunday school teacher.
Brad doesn’t consider himself a scholarly teacher, however. Instead, he prefers to think of himself as a pastoral teacher. He has a passion for creating experiences where people can grow in faith, fellowship and understanding of others. “Everything we do teaches us something even if we are not aware it is happening. Some of the most profound learnings happen in the most unexpected places.” He says. “I enjoy creating experiences where people can interact and learn from one another. The most powerful learning happens in community.”
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bmotta@middlechurch.org
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