We’re so happy to welcome Lindsey Braun to the team!
Lindsey’s first love was storytelling. It was also her gateway to preaching. As a pastor at Plymouth Church in Des Moines, IA she gets to tell stories in the pulpit, and has also been heard at Moth story slams, open mics, and as part of the Des Moines Storytellers Project. That story led to an appearance on the Today Show. Lindsey’s work curating, coaching, and hosting storytelling events includes the Tri-Conference Joint Annual Meeting of the Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ.
Lindsey is ordained in the United Church of Christ. She has a Master of Divinity from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Fine Arts (Storytelling) from St. Olaf College.
Here are a few testimonials about Lindsey’s work:
Lindsey Braun was a fabulous host for the Saturday evening storytelling dinner event at our first Joint Annual Meeting of the Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota conferences of the United Church of Christian June 2019! Lindsey has a relaxed and engaging style that welcomes audience members into instant connection with her. As Lindsey took the mic, I felt like I was listening and laughing with my good friend in a living room rather than in a hotel ballroom with 200 other people. Lindsey easily transitioned between performers, connecting with the audience with her own set of engaging content that tied various storytellers of the evening together into a cohesive experience. Lindsey’s professionalism and grace on stage set a tone for every audience member to be able to relax and receive the entertainment, humor, and poignancy of the night.
Brigit Stevens, Executive Conference Minister, UCC Tri-Conf Ministries
Lindsey Braun is not only a gifted storyteller in her own right, but a gifted curator of storytelling as well. She kindles the story sparks of other tellers with just the right breaths of cheerleading and limit-setting. Her exceptional gifts as a curator made it possible for me to explore the land just outside my comfort zone. Her limit-setting felt joyful and comforting, giving me a structure within which to explore that felt both safe and generous.
Jonna Jensen, Associate Conference Minister, UCC Tri-Conf Minsitries
Lindsey has the ability to cultivate a space where people are willing to open up their heart and mind. During our First Joint Annual Gathering she was able to organize and curate a collection of stories that moved those attending from laughter to tear and then full circle again. Everyone in attendance has commented on how it was one of their favorite experiences and as a quote, “how profound it was for a Person to collect such awe inspiring stories that though different carried a similar theme of invitation and extravagant welcome.”
Darrell Goodwin Associate Conference Minister, UCC Tri-Conf Minsitries