Ian Evison

Full name: Rev Dr. Ian Evison

Ian Evison on stage with a microphone

Ian Evison

Ian is a UU minister who has served in a variety of ministries, including parish ministry, theological education, a research project at the University of Chicago in Family and Religion, and service at the Alban Institute as Director of Research. Current passions include future trends in American religious life, new frontiers of organizational development. He also has a geeky interest in change strategies and denominational structures.

To keep sane he cooks, gardens, frequents farmers’ markets, and makes large quantities of compost. Ian and his wife, Leah, live in St. Paul, MN.

Ian was the MidAmerica Regional Lead until he retired in 2019.

From Ian Evison

Displaying 1 - 10 of 13

Not the expert, and able to learn: Leaders understand that it’s not just about skills, but it’s about being able to learn (often together) what’s necessary in congregational life; they understand the difference between technical and adaptive challenges, and find themselves at ease in the...

By Ian Evison | July 23, 2020

Companion on the journey: Leaders know that so much of congregational life is about being present to and with one another; they don’t have all the answers, but they know how to be with others through the journey of their lives, and the journey of shared congregational life One of the most fun...

By Ian Evison | July 23, 2020

Mission driven Leaders know why they are active, and how they are seeking to make a difference in the world; they understand that congregational life is not about making people “happy,” but by knowing how the congregation is called to serve their community, and are then faithful to that calling...

By Ian Evison | July 23, 2020

There are many times when I have noticed what one of you have contributed, have thought to myself that I really ought to thank you, and then I let myself get busy with something else.

By Ian Evison | April 7, 2019 | From MidAmerica News

2013 District meetings are over, and the MidAmerica Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association has been overwhelmingly approved by the delegates of Central Midwest, Heartland, and Prairie Star. Moments like this are bittersweet. Our districts have been known and loved for 50 or more years in some cases.

By Ian Evison | December 5, 2018 | From MidAmerica Region

A big thanks to all of you who participated in the recent historic votes for regionalization in Heartland, Prairie Star, and Central MidWest Districts. I thank all of you who participated in these meetings, all who thoughtfully considered the issues, those of you who expressed a resounding "yes", and also those who exp

By Ian Evison | December 5, 2018 | From MidAmerica Region

Leaders understand that it’s not just about skills, but it’s about being able to learn (often together) what’s necessary in congregational life; they understand the difference between technical and adaptive challenges, and find themselves at ease in the discomfort of adaptive work, understanding that no one knows the answers, but that together a way can be found.

By Ian Evison, MidAmerica Region of the UUA | April 19, 2018 | From LeaderLab

Leaders know that so much of congregational life is about being present to and with one another; they don’t have all the answers, but they know how to be with others through the journey of their lives, and the journey of shared congregational life.

By Ian Evison, MidAmerica Region of the UUA | April 19, 2018 | From LeaderLab

Leaders know why they are active, and how they are seeking to make a difference in the world; they understand that congregational life is not about making people “happy,” but by knowing how the congregation is called to serve their community, and are then faithful to that calling

By Ian Evison, MidAmerica Region of the UUA | April 19, 2018 | From LeaderLab

Questions for Discussion How might having specific goals change the experience of serving on the board? What three goals would help you feel like your congregation has accomplished something significant this year?

Video | By Ian Evison, MidAmerica Region of the UUA | March 15, 2018 | From LeaderLab

For more information contact .