I am Madison Theodore Shockley II, a pastor and writer who has served diverse communities across Los Angeles, San Diego, and beyond. Since my ordination in 1979, I have worked at the intersection of faith, justice, and public life, guiding congregations through change and mobilizing for immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and marriage equality. My work has connected me with interfaith groups, civic organizations, and media platforms as I raise questions about faith, policy, and the common good. My journey has included teaching, public commentary, and leadership in interfaith dialogues, and I have carried this work into the public square through op-eds, national media appearances, and a track record of building inclusive communities. I’m grateful for five adult children and a life steeped in service, learning, and faith.

Madison Theodore Shockley II

I am Madison Theodore Shockley II, a pastor and writer who has served diverse communities across Los Angeles, San Diego, and beyond. Since my ordination in 1979, I have worked at the intersection of faith, justice, and public life, guiding congregations through change and mobilizing for immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and marriage equality. My work has connected me with interfaith groups, civic organizations, and media platforms as I raise questions about faith, policy, and the common good. My journey has included teaching, public commentary, and leadership in interfaith dialogues, and I have carried this work into the public square through op-eds, national media appearances, and a track record of building inclusive communities. I’m grateful for five adult children and a life steeped in service, learning, and faith.

Available to hire

I am Madison Theodore Shockley II, a pastor and writer who has served diverse communities across Los Angeles, San Diego, and beyond. Since my ordination in 1979, I have worked at the intersection of faith, justice, and public life, guiding congregations through change and mobilizing for immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and marriage equality. My work has connected me with interfaith groups, civic organizations, and media platforms as I raise questions about faith, policy, and the common good.

My journey has included teaching, public commentary, and leadership in interfaith dialogues, and I have carried this work into the public square through op-eds, national media appearances, and a track record of building inclusive communities. I’m grateful for five adult children and a life steeped in service, learning, and faith.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Pastor at Pilgrim Church, United Church of Christ
January 1, 2004 - Present
Pastor at Pilgrim Church in Carlsbad, CA (current as of 2004)
Membership Director at Pacific Council on International Policy
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2004
Membership Director, Los Angeles
Charter School Development staff at New Vision Foundation
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2002
Charter School Development staff
Pastor at Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship, United Church of Christ
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1999
Pastor
Writer-in-Residence at Annenberg School of Journalism, University of Southern California
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2003
Writer-in-Residence; wrote op-eds for a variety of publications and taught a course, "News from the hood", for journalism students

Education

Diploma at Los Angeles Senior High School
January 1, 1970 - January 1, 1973
Coursework toward B.A. at Harvard College
January 1, 1973 - January 1, 1976
B.A. Political Science at University of Missouri, St. Louis
January 1, 1980 - January 1, 1981
M.Div. at Union Theological Seminary
January 1, 1983 - January 1, 1986
New Testament Studies (no degree) at Claremont Graduate University
January 1, 1986 - May 13, 2026

Qualifications

Ordained Elder, African Methodist Episcopal Church
January 1, 1979 - May 13, 2026
Ordained Standing, United Church of Christ
January 1, 1990 - May 13, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Government, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services