Jared MacKey

About Jared MacKey

I am a Kingdom concierge. The word concierge evolves from the French comte des cierges, or “the keeper of the candles”. It was a term which referred to the servant charged to welcome those arriving to a castle when the king was away. Later the role of concierge came to be known as “the keeper of the keys” in prisons, public buildings, and places of lodging. I have the privilege of representing a kind and gracious King, and the honor of welcoming people into His Kingdom. Through my life and work I am a \"keeper of the candles\", bringing light into the world, and a “keeper of the keys” to the various doorways of connections, relationships, and trust. I have served as clergy in Denver for 30 years. The faith community I served is not what many imagine church to be. TNL met on Tuesday nights in sanctuaries, warehouses, and concert venues. They are the people, and it is the place, where I learned to be a pastor. I now serve as the Executive Director of Sacred Place in Denver, Colorado, cultivating love of neighbor and neighborhood. I invested hours over the years writing sermons, reading commentaries, and reciting prayers. Now I create spreadsheets, review financial statements, and compile annual reports. I believe the most important thing for clergy to do most is listen. Listen to the people for why they do, and do not, trust God. Listen to God how to love the people you lead. It’s difficult for me to state clearly all my experience of being clergy has been, but in a few words I would offer it has been: divine humor, severe mercy, and a sacred grace.I enjoy cocktails. I am from a faith tradition of teetotalers. My first drink of alcohol was at age 22. It was a bottle of Jack Daniels with two others pastors. I have come to see a glass of wine, a pint of beer, or a well made cocktail as one of life’s great gifts. Glasses are raised for two reasons - in consolation or in celebration. Both are sacred moments to not miss. Cocktails are my drink of choice because they’re made in the moment. They are a unique combination of time and place - bitters, spirits, citrus, sugar, mixed, shaken, and stirred. Introducing people to unique places where a proper drink is poured is one of my great joys. If we get to choose what to do in eternity, where all is made new, where nothing is broken, where there is no tear or sadness, then I’ll choose being a bartender. As I see it, in the new heavens all glasses will be raised in celebration to new life.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Sacred Place

   Jan 2016 — Present

Education

• Colorado Christian University

  Theology and Religious Vocations

  1993 — 1995

• Grand Canyon University

  Business Administration and Management, General

  1991 — 1993

Skills

• Theology
• Community Outreach
• Volunteer Management
• Preaching
• Leadership
• Fundraising
• Public Speaking
• Teaching
• Pastoral Care
• Leadership Development
• Nonprofits