Overview of Phase 4 Calendar

Frequently Asked Questions

Why aren’t names of interested ministers released to us once our search profile is live? 

Ministers like to know they are on equal terms in the process. Some new ministers may not be cleared to search until early to mid-December. Additionally, we encourage all ministers in search to read all congregational search profiles. Some ministers know where they will apply, others need to do more research. The UUA Transitions Team would rather reward thoroughness than speed in the minister’s deliberation. This also allows search teams which are running a little behind schedule, for whatever reason, adequate time for their materials to be reviewed.

Can a search team adjust their congregational record after it has been made public? 

They should not reduce compensation, increase minister’s duties, or decrease the minister’s authority without discussing their planned changes with UUA Transition Team staff. If they want to add a small detail or correct spelling or punctuation, they may do so and let the UUA Transitions Team know which changes they have made.

What information should we include in our email to interested ministers? How precise should we be with our timeline? 

Acknowledge receipt and express thanks for the interest. Ask for their website or sermon video links and initial references if that information is not already provided in the provided search materials. Send them your documents packet link (remember, view-only access to protect confidentiality). Let them know when you’re meeting and when you hope to do video interviews. It need not be date specific but could be something like, “We are hoping to invite people to video interviews by mid-January and then select pre-candidates by the first day we can send precandidate invitations (23 January).” Then, if need be, let them know of adjustments, especially if you are struggling to identify your top applicants in time to extend pre-candidate invitations on 23 January. Letting them know is a courtesy, but will not cause them to wait for you, as they may confirm the three pre-candidate slots for which they are eligible on 24 January.

Are there ministers who are ineligible to apply? 

Yes. Ministers removed from fellowship, on a hold from search, on settlement restriction from the UUA Transitions Team, and ministers who are not UU are held out of the search process. Additionally, if a minister served the congregation as an intern or interim, that minister is not eligible to apply until they have been away for three full years.

Why should we not share more general information about the candidates? 

We are a relatively small denomination. Even little bits of information (like “all of our applicants are new to ministry”) could be a tip-off to a member about who might have applied. Additionally, such information might ping the biases of members who had preconceived notions of who would apply, cause anxiety, or encourage attempts to influence deliberations.

Are there limits further in the selection process? 

Yes, a minister may not accept more than three pre-candidating weekends.

How soon should we contact the ministers after we get their names? 

Ideally, as soon as you get them, to share the view-only access link to your documents packet and thank them for applying. If a search team or minister decides not to continue with one another, then please let the other know as soon as possible. For search teams, you can send a message through the MinistrySearch system (click “Dismiss,” then create an email on the subsequent page). Ministers may send an email to the search team, thanking them for their consideration and letting them know they are withdrawing from consideration.