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.
- What is recommended for partner participation (or lack thereof) in church activities? Should partners lead committees, serve on the board, be involved in finance?
- What are the expectations congregations might have for partners? Are they realistic? How should one set those expectations early on?
- 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?
- 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.