Partners Discussion Topics

Ideally, when partners of ministers, candidates, and aspirants are gathered, seasoned partners are there to offer experience and suggestions. Here are some discussion topics for partners at a minister and student gathering.

1. What is recommended for partner participation (or lack thereof) in church activities? Should partners lead committees, serve on the board, be involved in finance?
2. What are the expectations congregations might have for partners? Are they realistic? How should one set those expectations early on?
3. How should the minister and their partner manage confidentiality? How much or little should a minister share with their partner about the activities of the church and lives of congregants?
4. What are the ways in which partners are supported in this geographical area?

The conversation facilitator should share the information that there is a Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) list-serv for Ministers’ Partners, as well as a Unitarian Universalist (UU) Ministers Association group called UU Ministers’ Partners and Spouses (UUMPS) that is available to partners once an individual is in candidate status.