Rachel McWhirter (she/her)

Rachel McWhirter (she/her) is a queer child of God with a creative background in film and media. She holds a B.A. in Digital Media from the Savannah College of Art and Design and brings years of experience in storytelling, design, and production to her work in the church. She joined Christ the King Lutheran Church in 2019 and quickly stepped into ministry by helping the congregation stay connected through online worship during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, she officially joined the staff as Director of Digital Ministry, where she integrates theology, technology, and creativity to support digital worship, online formation, and hybrid community life.

Rachel is currently a candidate for Diaconal Ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and is pursuing her Master of Arts in Diaconal Ministry (MADM) at Wartburg Theological Seminary. She completed Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE, Summer 2025) as a hospital chaplain at the Memorial Hermann Level 1 trauma center in Houston, offering interfaith spiritual care to patients, families, and staff. Her academic work focuses on digital ministry, inclusive theology, and trauma-informed pastoral care.

A committed advocate for inclusion, Rachel has contributed to affirming Bible studies, interactive curriculum, websites, lectures, and digital worship resources that highlight marginalized voices. Her call to diaconal ministry is always moving toward justice, accessibility, and compassion.

When not collaborating with the ministry teams at Christ the King, she works as the Media Producer for Bach Society Houston, is a Lay Chaplain for Community of Hope, Contributor to Queer Confirmation (ELCA), volunteers with local organizations, hangs out in her colorful neighborhood of Montrose, and has adventures around Houston - and far beyond!