Transitional Ministry - Interim & Developmental

In the Interim Strategies for Interim Ministers and Congregations, Second Edition

By Barbara Child, Keith Kron

From Skinner House Books

Now in its second edition, this practical and insightful volume provides a road map for a transformative and fulfilling interim period.

Buy This Book

Transitional Ministry - Interim and Developmental

Interim and Developmental ministry is supported by a team of staff members, with Keith Kron’s Transitions Office as the primary coordinator. This page contains information for congregations and ministers in interim and developmental search as well as information for congregations and ministers currently practicing interim or developmental ministry. Congregations in transition and transitional ministers are served by the following Transitions Team: Amy Szen, Transitions Administrator; Christine Purcel, Congregational Transitions Director; Rev. Keith Kron, Transitions Office Director, and Rev. Patrice Curtis, Transformational Interim Ministries Director.

Unitarian Universalist Commitment to Widening Our Circles of Belonging

If you are a first-time transitions minister (Interim/Contract/Developmental) you are very strongly encouraged to enroll in the UUA/Interim Ministry Network’s Year-Long Transitions Ministry Training (YLTMT) training. YLTMT training reflects Unitarian Universalism’s commitment to widening the circle of belonging during times of ministerial transitions. This online training begins in mid-August, includes an in-person, week-long visit to Montgomery, AL, and ends in late spring. Please email transitions@uua.org to enquire.

Virtual/Hybrid/Short-Term, Part-time

Are interested in virtual/hybrid/short-term or part-time ministry? We would like you to help us help congregations find you. Please update your Ministerial Record per these instructions (PDF). If you have questions, please send an email to transitions@uua.org. (Posted: June 13, 2024)

Ongoing Interim or Developmental Ministry: Appraisals

Are you currently serving as interim minister or your congregation is in an interim year? Interim and Developmental appraisals are expected each year, to be completed by ministers and lay leaders, after 6 months; after 12 months; and again at the end of each year of interim or developmental ministry. The same form is used for appraisals of both types of ministry.

New Interim Search: Congregations

Year One

Ready to plan your interim search? Here is what you need:

  • Interim Search Calendars 2025-2019 (Excel)
    The calendar is necessary as it provides a roadmap for what congregations need to do when.
  • Transitional Ministry Handbook (PDF)
    Read the Transitional Ministry Handbook. It is often updated throughout any given year, so please download a fresh version. The Handbook is the comprehensive guide for all transitional ministries. Includes sample contracts for both interim and consulting ministries.
  • MinistrySearch
    You will use the UUA’s MinistrySearch system for all search processes. Please send an email with your congregation’s full name, city, and state and the name and email for your contact person. The Transitions Office will then be able to initiate your search in the MinistrySearch system. Tell us if the interim ministry will be full-time or what percent of time and the planned duration (two years is recommended).

Year Two

  • MinistrySearch
    You will use the UUA’s MinistrySearch system for all search processes. Please send an email with your congregation’s full name, city, and state and the name and email for your contact person. The Transitions Office will then be able to initiate your search in the MinistrySearch system. Tell us if the interim ministry will be full-time or what percent of time and the planned duration (two years is recommended).
  • “Break Barriers, Build Beliefs” (B4) workshop -- This part of the search process asks the congregation to consider what biases it has (both conscious and unconscious) around identities that their potential minister may hold. B4 takes place between September and the first weekend in December.

Additional Resources

Here are additional resources:

Ministers in Interim and Developmental Search

Ready to plan your search? Please begin here:

Strongly Recommended Preparation

Please (re-)read the Transitional Ministry Handbook, which is updated most years.

  • Transitional Ministry Handbook (PDF)
    The updated comprehensive guide for all transitional ministries. Includes sample contracts for both interim and consulting ministries.
  • Religious Professionals Chapter in COIC Report
    Include in your reading the chapter for part of UUA’s COIC Report, Widening the Circle of Concern. You can read it or listen to the audio version.
  • Year-Long Training for First-Time Transitional Ministers
    If you are a first-time transitions minister (Interim or Developmental) you are very strongly encouraged to enroll in the UUA/Interim Ministry Network’s training. Please email transitions@uua.org to enquire. This online training begins in early fall, includes a week-long, in-person, visit to Montgomery, AL, to experience civil rights museums, sites and briefings, and ends in late spring.

Resources

  • Transitional Ministers Email List
    For active and retired transitions ministers. Please email transitions@uua.org for more information.
  • Transitional Ministers Chapter
    You must be logged in to the UUMA website.
  • Collegial Monthly Gathering
    Interim ministers currently meet monthly for collegiality. Please email transitions@uua.org to request the Zoom link.
  • Transitional Ministers Chapter Retreat: Collegiality and Continuing Education
    This week-long seminar is under the auspices of the Executive Team leadership of the UUMA Transition Minister’s chapter. Led by the Exec team, it is co-planned and -organized the UUA Transitions Office, and the Transformational Interim Ministries Director. The seminar typically takes place the third week of April, followed by the opening of the interim minister search season. All are welcome; you do not need to be a transitional minister to attend. If you are considering transitional ministry, you have an opportunity to learn more and meet colleagues.
  • TRUUsT (Transgender Religious professional UUs Together)
    TRUUsT’s mission is to advocate for the gifts, safety, liberation, and leadership of trans religious professionals in Unitarian Universalist ministries and institutions.
  • Janus Workbook
    A collection of resources to support the interim minister, especially designed for use following a long ministry, the death of a minister, negotiated resignation or ministerial misconduct.

After browsing this page, if you have questions please send an email to transitions@uua.org, which reaches all team members.