Ministerial Search FAQ
The Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) is committed to being as transparent as possible about what we are doing, how we are going about searching for a settled minister for UUCDC. Though there are some parts of our search that must remain confidential, we will share everything else that we can.
This page provides answers to some common questions about the ministerial search process, including links to further information and documents provided by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). If you cannot find your answers here or in the linked documents, please contact Marva Williams. We appreciate the congregation’s involvement, both in asking questions and in participating in activities that support our search.
What is a Ministerial Search? How did it come about?
After Rev. Peter Friedrichs announced his retirement, plans were put in place for what would happen after he left. It was an unsettling time, having just come out of covid and lost a minister who had been with us for 17 years. We needed to have a minister, but how would we go about that?
With the help of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), an interim minister was brought on board. The role of the interim minister is two-fold. During the first year, their role is to help us assess who we are and where we stand as a congregation, and to guide us so that we can put our best foot forward for ministerial candidates. During the second year, they shepherd us as we actively seek a new, settled minister.
After several months, the person who had been our interim minister realized that he would not be able to honor his commitment. And so the process began again with a new interim minister, Rev. Edward Brock. Throughout the first year, he held many town hall meetings, helping us through the tumult and unease felt by many in the congregation. Working with the board of trustees, he helped forge a new system of governance, one that was more flexible and would allow for change. This included revising our bylaws, and creating teams and committees to better handle the workings of UUCDC.
How was the Ministerial Search Committee chosen?
Rather than the board or a committee choosing the members of the MSC, everyone in the congregation was invited to participate in a vote. They were asked to provide the names of three persons they would trust to be on the committee that would seek the best possible minister for UUCDC. A person’s first choice would be awarded three points, their second choice two, and the third choice one. More than 80 people responded, identifying 50 or so potential candidates. The votes were tallied.
Some of the people with the highest scores were asked if they would be willing to serve. A number of them declined. Decisions had to be made as to additional members. Besides having the faith of the congregation in doing this work, members of the MSC needed to represent the various aspects of the church. One-by-one people were contacted. The process ended when eight members of the congregation accepted the task of being on the Ministerial Search Committee.
The names of those selected were made known through the Connections newsletter. Their biographies (Link tp either PDF of bios or MSC Update page) were distributed ahead of the June congregational meeting, during which they were introduced. They were formally installed on the last regular service of the church year in a moving ceremony. Everyone in the congregation was connected as part of the installation, being physically linked with hands on shoulders (if comfortable doing so) with those being installed.
How does a Ministerial Search work?
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) provides a framework for choosing a minister and has tools which ministers and congregations use to help them learn about each other. Just as we will be looking for a minister, ministerial candidates will be seeking a church, a congregation that they will want to serve for years to come.
In the fall, the Search Committee will be asking everyone to participate in a survey. The results will provide information on who we are, on what we do and what we are committed to. It will help show what we want and what we as a congregation need from UUCDC, as well as from a minister. This will be followed by search parties and other gatherings between the MSC and members of the congregation.
In the winter, ministers will be able to use the UUA tools to learn about us, to assess us, to see if UUCDC is a place they might want to be. We anticipate receiving many inquiries. It will be our job to review their information, to learn about them, to interview them and winnow the field of candidates.
In the spring, we will meet with a small number of candidates, and witness services held by them. If the committee finds a minister who is a good fit, we will select that candidate. This person will visit us for a week in what is called Candidating Week. They will offer a Sunday service, and will meet with groups and committees throughout the week. This will allow the candidate and congregation to learn about each other. The following Sunday, they will again take the pulpit. Immediately following the service, the congregation will vote on whether to call them to serve our congregation. If 95% of the congregation approves, they will be “called” to become our settled minister.
A far more detailed explanation of the search process can be found in the Settlement Handbook, which is available on the UUA website.
What happens if we don’t find a new minister?
If the Search Committee does not find a good match candidate, or if the candidate is not sufficiently approved by the congregation, the Search Committee may choose to participate in a “second round” search. The second round would take place as soon as possible, and would very similar to but much quicker than the “first round” since all of the relevant information has already been compiled.
If this second round is not successful, or if the committee decides it is not the best course for our congregation, we can then apply for an interim minister and can search for a new minister the next year, or later. This would be very disappointing, but far better than choosing a minister who is not a good fit.
How can you help?
We need the support and participation of all the members and friends of UUCDC.
- When you receive the survey, please fill it out.
- Participate in meetings and conversations with the Search Committee.
- Stay informed. Follow the updates on the Ministerial Search Updates page of this site (link to update page). Information will also be made available through the Connections
- Participate in the activities to meet the ministerial candidate during Candidating Week.
We appreciate your interest in our ministerial search process. If you have not found the answers to your questions here, please contact Marva Williams.