Rev. José F. Morales, Jr. is the Associate Pastor of Iglesia del Pueblo Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Hammond, Ind. Iglesia del Pueblo, which means "Church of the People," is a historically Hispanic congregation that has evolved into a multi-cultural church, with a substantial number of Asian Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, and Euro Americans.
Morales was born in Puerto Rico in 1978. As a missionary's and pastor's child, he has lived in Venezuela, and in the United States. He currently resides in Chicago, Ill. Morales' pastoral focus is on youth and young adult ministries, teaching, and preaching. A progressive urban ministry, Iglesia del Pueblo is a member of the Northwest Indiana Federation, an ecumenical organization that addresses issues of justice in northwest Indiana in order to affect public policy and economic development. Morales serves the organization as the Clergy Caucus Chair.
Morales earned a bachelor's degree in communications and biblical studies from Judson College in Elgin, Ill. In 2005, he graduated from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago with a master's of divinity degree. He still maintains strong ties with McCormick, where he currently serves as adjunct professor and is on the Board of Trustees. He plans to pursue a doctorate degree.
Morales is passionate about addressing issues confronting youth and advocating for social justice. He plays a mean game of ping-pong, is a fan of the Chicago White Sox, loves urban art, and techno and hip hop music. He is a club disc jockey part-time.