The Ministry Search Handbook

October 14, 2025

Please note: These webpages supersede and replace the PDF version of the Ministry Search Handbook for settled searches. See Guide to Transitional Ministry for all other searches.

The UUA’s search process rules and MinistrySearch system operate within our congregational polity, giving congregations self-determination in choosing their own minister, but ensuring that the UU ministers who can apply to positions in MinistrySearch have gone through the appropriate preparation and process, and remain in fellowship, accountable to the UUMA’s Code of Conduct.

This handbook guides congregations in the search process leading to a call of a settled minister. It will provide you with information about good discernment practices grounded in UU shared values, and a timeline for the various leaders involved. The process takes place over a 2-year interim ministry period. It is separated into phases, with different leaders within the congregation taking the lead during different phases.

If you are a minister in search, see Ministers’ Search Guide for Settled and Contract Ministries.

Settled Ministry Search Calendar for 2027
From LeaderLab

These are the important dates and milestones for settled ministry searches, for ministers, search committees, and governing boards.
Phase 1: Foundations for a Settled Search
From LeaderLab

This phase includes ending well, begin interim ministry, overview of the search calendar, work on anti-oppression practices, budget considerations
Phase 2: Education and Preparation for Search
From LeaderLab

Learning about the flow of the search cycle, breaking down the process into phases, and doing each element within each phase helps make the search process more manageable.
Phase 3: Building the Structure to Search
From LeaderLab

Guidance for the search team, including the retreat, roles and tasks, congregational discernment opportunities, and preparing the search profile and packet.
Phase 4: Opening the Search
From LeaderLab

This is a turning point in the search process, finishing up the materials that potential ministers will see, waiting patiently through the winter holidays, then getting access to the ministerial records of potential candidates during the first two weeks of January.
Phase 5: Discernment and Mutual Selection
From LeaderLab

All of the work so far has led to this phase of the search team’s work. The team is aware of the congregation’s gifts and challenges, they’ve noticed historical patterns in the congregation’s life, and they understand that good ministry is shared.
Phase 6: Finalizing the Offer
From LeaderLab

At this point, your search team has made an offer and your candidate minister has accepted it! But there are few essential tasks before the offer is finalized and the candidate is presented to the wider congregation.
Phase 7: Beginning a New Ministry
From LeaderLab

The first chapter of the new ministry is candidating week. Along with being a chance for minister and congregation to learn about each other, it sets the tone going forward.
If No Match Occurs in the Settled Search
From LeaderLab

Some congregations and some ministers do not find a match. The UUA Transitions Team is available to offer care, guidance, and perspective.