Jeremy Richards was born and raised in the small town of New Meadows, Idaho. He is a graduate of Concordia University -Portland, and Duke Divinity School. At Duke he graduated with a Master of Divinity and a certificate in Baptist Studies. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Practical Theology with an emphasis in Spiritual Formation from Claremont School of Theology.

 

Jeremy was ordained by Mosaic Church of Clayton in Clayton, North Carolina. His first call was to Grant Park Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon, where he served for 5 and a half years. While at Grant Park, he helped the church grow in its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, anti-racism, and ministry to the unhoused. During this time, he also completed the 2 year Living School program at the Center for Action and Contemplation, growing in his understanding of contemplative practices and the vital role spirituality plays in pursuing social justice.

 

For the past 3 years Jeremy has served as the University Chaplain and Director of Service Leadership at Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon, where he oversees religious and spiritual life for students of all faiths and no faith, directs volunteer opportunities for students, and manages the university’s food pantry. 

 

Jeremy is married to Brie, a grant writer and general boss. She’s also a very good cook. They have a brilliant, artistic daughter, Esther. Both Brie and Esther begrudgingly put up with Jeremy’s constant references to niche punk music, premier league soccer, and the Ninja Turtles. They also share their lives with a neurotic terrier-mix named Winfield, and Brownie, the sweetest hamster you’ve ever met.