Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III

The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III is senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. He is a preacher, poet, activist, author and filmmaker with an eye toward justice and equality, as evidenced through the gospel of Jesus Christ. He founded The Unashamed Media Group, a justice centered, faith-based agency committed to producing and curating stories to inspire the heart and challenge the mind. His most recent book is Blue Note Preaching in a Post-Soul World: Finding Hope in an Age of Despair (2015). In October 2020, Dr. Moss created Otis’ Dream, a short film about his grandfather’s unsuccessful attempt to vote in 1946. 

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Dr. Moss preaches a theology of liberation rooted in a Black Spirituality of love and justice.  His passion for African American culture and history combined with a deep appreciation for jazz and hip hop, have culminated in a unique message of hope and healing through a jazz narrative on American democracy.  Most recently his messages have been featured on the Meditative Stories Podcast as well as On Being with Krista Tippett.  The COVID 19 pandemic provided a new opportunity to convey scriptural messages through a cinematic and sermonic lens.  The Unashamed Media Group has produced 5 short films/sermons using cinematic liturgy in 2020.  Dr. Moss is ordained in the Progressive National Baptist Convention and the United Church of Christ.  Dr. Moss was identified by the Baylor University George W. Truett Theological Seminary as one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English language in 2018.  He is married to Monica Brown Moss and they are the grateful parents of the amazing team of MK and Eli.