Author: Jen Noricks

I love Jesus, LGBTQ people, and my local church. I am committed to no longer being complicit in a religious system that discriminates against anyone. I am an advocate and pastor-in-training, focused on serving LGBTQ people and the people who love them; especially those who have experienced rejection by their faith community. I am a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in the state of Michigan for both macro and clinical practice. My B.A. in Psychology is from Olivet Nazarene University. I earned an MSW degree from Wayne State University. I have worked with children and adults, families and individuals; in medical, residential, and outpatient settings. My professional education and experience have helped me to be a better advocate, mom, wife, leader, teacher, and person. Current Obsession: Kevin Pollak's Chat Show Current Daily Devotional Goal: Reading 5 chapters of the Bible per day. I'm reading from Genesis, Psalms, Proverbs, Matthew, and Romans at this time. Recent Creative Projects: Repainting & Repurposing my childhood desk; Gearing up to tweet about Project Runway What Gets Me Excited: Fine-tuning the family through stronger foundations, faith, and fun My Dream: That my writing and speaking would be a helpful resource for families who want to form close relationships and find peace.
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Revival of a Skeptic

Jen Noricks

How did I become skeptical of revivals? From attending many of them. I grew up in churches that offered week-long revival services. One particularly memorable revival featured a preacher who spoke every night about Christ’s second coming, frightening me with images of hell and being left behind if Christ should happen to return at a moment when I was screwing up. I went to the altar at the end of the services to confess my sins “just in case.” At my evangelical Christian college, students were required to attend revival services every semester. During one of our chapel services in … Continue reading Revival of a Skeptic

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To Don: Goodbye and Thank You

Jen Noricks

In 1996, Seinfeld aired an episode called “The Fatigues.” (Has it really been that long ago?!?) The episode featured Jerry dating a woman who spoke well and often of her mentor. Jerry and his friends, a collection of self-centered individualists, were puzzled by the mentor/protégé relationship. “What’s in it for the mentor?” asked his friend, George. In a mentor, we find someone whose wisdom, knowledge, and experience helps us to grow. Sometimes, mentoring programs are formal. The pastoral training program in which I’m currently enrolled will eventually require me to have a mentor on record. There are objectives to achieve, … Continue reading To Don: Goodbye and Thank You

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Solving Mass Shootings: Disagreement is A Good Thing

Jen Noricks

Last week, I walked into my daughter’s school to pick her up from her Brownies troop meeting. As I walked down the halls, I kept thinking about the elementary school in Sandy Hook where a young man carried in 4 guns, killing 20 children and 6 adults. That school probably looked a lot like this one, I thought. A colorful bulletin board urging students to “Imagine. Believe. Achieve.” Little boots lined up next to lockers. Crayon self-portraits neatly displayed. It could happen here played over and over in my mind. A generous dose of denial – “it will never happen in my community” – isn’t … Continue reading Solving Mass Shootings: Disagreement is A Good Thing