Below is a quick reference listing the information and questions that are part of the ministerial record in the UUA’s MinistrySearch system.
While we recommend that you work on your congregational profile on the MinistrySearch website (it’s easy to save as you update each section), you may wish to work on the questions off-line. If you do, it’s best to clear any formatting before copying and pasting text into the system.

Experience & Preparation

• Preliminary Fellowship:
• Full Fellowship:
• Ordination:
• Seminary:
• Congregational Ministries Served:
• Other Education:
• Denominational and Community Activities:

Background

• Give a story that embodies your ministry:
• Why are you seeking ministry now?
• What ministry do you hope is ahead for you?
• Describe your call to ministry. What life events have led you to this moment?

Ministerial Roles & Functions

• Share your ministerial presence and leadership style:
• How do you function with church staff? What are your thoughts on staff relations and supervision?
• Regarding shared ministry what do you see as your work as minister? What do you see doing in partnership with the congregation? What do you see as the work of the congregation?
• What role would you see yourself playing in the larger community?
• How have you seen change happen in a congregation or community? What role would you see yourself playing in congregational change?
• Describe how you handle being in a conflicted situation:
• Tell a story that deepened your understanding of what ministry is:
• Tell about a mistake you’ve made in ministry and what you’ve learned from it:
• What needs do you have to strengthen your ministry and how might a congregation assist you in this?
• Describe briefly your ministerial approach to the following:
  • Worship and preaching:
  • Pastoral Care / spiritual guidance / counseling / home and hospital visitation:
  • Children’s religious education:
  • Youth work:
  • Adult religious education:
  • Incorporating music, the arts, and creativity into congregational life:
  • Community building / facilitation skills / coffee hour and social times:
  • Committee / Task force work:
  • Leadership development:
  • Long range planning / mission / vision / covenant:
  • Membership and membership growth:
  • Anti-oppression work:
  • Social justice / social action:
  • Interfaith / community work:
  • Denominational activities:
  • Stewardship:
  • Finances:
• How do you build trust with a congregation and individuals?
• Describe your theology and the role of the ministry in a congregation that has multiple theologies:
• What questions do you hope our congregations are asking themselves and discussing?
• How do you give and receive feedback?
• How do you suggest your ministry with the congregation is evaluated?
• What do you hope for the future of Unitarian Universalism?
• What else would you like to say about your ministry and ministry skills?

Personal

• What should a congregation know about your family situation?
• What should a congregation know about your health?
• How do you take care of yourself so that the congregation does not have to?
• How long do you hope your next ministry lasts? What’s the minimum commitment you would make?