MEET OUR STAFF

Rev. Madison Shockley (He/Him)

Lead Minister

Madison has served as Pastor of Pilgrim United Church of Christ since 2004. Over the years, he has helped shape Pilgrim into a community known for thoughtful faith, courageous justice work, and a deep commitment to welcoming everyone.

Before coming to Pilgrim, Madison worked across religious, political, nonprofit, and media spaces, bringing a wide perspective to his ministry. In addition to his work at Pilgrim, he serves on the Board of Trustees of Union Theological Seminary in New York City and on the board of directors for Compassion and Choices. He also writes commentary for a variety of online and print outlets. You can read some of his past articles HERE.

Madison earned his Master’s of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City and completed advanced graduate work in New Testament Studies at Claremont Graduate University.

He and his wife, Gayle P. Shockley (née Welch), are the proud parents of four adult children and five grandchildren.

Rev. Josh Komo (He/Him)

Associate Minister

Josh grew up in St. Clair, MO, a small town outside of St. Louis. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO and a Master’s degree in Theology (New Testament) from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. After more than a decade in vocational ministry, he joined the staff at Pilgrim in 2023 and was ordained into the United Church of Christ in 2026.

When he’s not at church, Josh enjoys reading philosophy and theology, watching and writing about horror movies (you can read/subscribe to his Substack HERE), surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, golfing, practicing martial arts, going to punk shows, watching baseball and hockey, and spending time with his wife, Janelle, and their two cats.

Rev. Dr. Jaime Romo

Minister of Healing and Healthy Environments

Jaime is an ordained minister within the UCC and also works as a Hospice Chaplain. His ministry focuses on helping churches create spaces where people feel safe, supported, and able to heal.

Jaime earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of San Diego and has been helping congregations develop Safe Church policies and Healing Community practices since 2009. He regularly leads trainings for parents, volunteers, and church staff to help build healthy and trustworthy communities.

He also offers Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) sessions for individuals who would like to reduce or resolve the lingering effects of difficult life experiences.

When he’s not working on healing ministries, Jaime loves sharing music with the congregation as part of Pilgrim’s Band of Pilgrims.