Hi, my name is Hannah Wells (she/her) and I'm so excited to be a DPF Peace intern this summer!
I was born and raised in Long Beach CA and my home church is First Christian Church of Fullerton. I graduated from Chapman University in the spring of 2025 with a B.A. in Peace Studies, so naturally this type of work aligns with my goals and values.
I was not raised in Disciples, I come from a non-denominational background (think mega churches and lots of Christian rock music). I found this denomination through campus ministries at Chapman. Before college I had a distant relationship with God because I was under a conservative perspective. I struggled with the idea that Christians have caused a lot of harm in this world particularly in American history with the treatment towards Native Americans and people who were enslaved.
When I was accepted to Chapman my aunt, Rev. MaryJo Bradshaw, told me and my mom that I might have access to scholarship since I was related to clergy; this financial aid was a big reason I was able to attend Chapman. My mom encouraged me to attend DOC events and worship services, but I was hesitant to say the least. I decided to go to the welcome back dinner at First Christian Church of Orange to extend my gratitude for their generous monetary support. What happened over the next few weeks changed the course of my life. I walked into this welcome back dinner and was greeted by someone wearing a shirt that said "Jesus was an Immigrant.” This shocked me and I couldn't believe everyone at this event was seemingly fine with this messaging. Then the local pastors handed out rainbow stickers and I knew something was different about this Christian group. I decided to go to their biannual retreat at Loch Leven, I was greeted with hospitality, community, and radical love. I had a critical conversation with Rev. Nancy Brink about my grievances with the Church, and instead of being defensive like most Pastors I had met, she held my concern and acknowledged the pain in our history. This is when I started deconstructing my faith and spirituality.
Soon enough I was going to every worship service, I still remember the first time I took communion and how powerful it was to be at the table. Rev. Cisa Payuyo asked me to serve on the Disciples Leadership Board, and before I knew it I was the one leading retreats at Loch Leven. By my junior year I had become Worship Coordinator, I discovered my gift for cultivating sacred space and creating artistic communion tablescapes. My senior year Rev. Jack Veatch picked up where Nancy and Cisa left off, he held me in love, and guided me to discern a career in ministry.
After college I was blessed to have the opportunity to serve as a Green Chalice Justice and Creation Fellow, I got to plant my roots at my home church in Fullerton. Rev. Mandye Yates guided me in pastoral mentorship, a favorite conversation of mine was talking about the learned practice of praying over other people. For my justice ministry I supported a community garden, hot meals ministry, and led a queer theology small group to serve as an educational source for our open and affirming ministry.
Currently, I'm discerning a call to ministry, and plan to apply to M.Div programs in the fall. I am so grateful to be a part of Disciples of Christ, and to be a Peace Intern this summer.
My intentions and prayer for this journey ahead are: be present, actively listen, share wisdom, have fun, let the spirit guide me, follow the path of Jesus, and love God. Amen.