In recent years, more congregations than ever before have chosen the contract search process over other types of ministry search, for several reasons.

Open to ministers, congregations, staff, and those interested in transitions.

Using a process observer is a beautiful way to lean into team reflection, another is a practice of pausing between speakers.

A practical list of search committee mistakes we’ve seen “over and over” and learned from the vantage point of the Transitions Office.

Recordings of workshops on Dream Team Ministry and Productivity to Possibility.

Recordings of workshops on Ministers Considering Part-Time Models and Ministerial Experiences with Part-Time Models.

Recordings of workshops on Employment Matters and Ministerial Search for Part-Time Ministries.

Guidance and caution when your congregation is looking to hire a minister that is not in fellowship with the UUA.

Last summer, East Shore UU Church in Kirtland, Ohio had just been through a very difficult year. Along with the continued challenges with the pandemic, they had to say goodbye to their developmental minister after 5 years. The search for a new minister ended in disappointmentLast summer, East Shore

Ministerial start ups are typically offered in the first year of a new minister’s ministry or for the start of a new staff member like DREs. The workshop may involve an array of lay leaders & congregants, including past & present members of the Board, Committee on Ministry, search committee, others.

I often wondered about the term, "settled minister" -- since I come from a long line of wanderers.

The departure of a staff team member provides a fruitful time for reflection, visioning, and change. Some UU professionals are equipped to work with congregations during transitions, providing specialized skills and tools that help a congregation prepare for robust new leadership....

Regional Transitions Coaches For all congregations in search for a minister, your support flows through the MidAmerica Region’s Transitions Program Manager, Christine Purcell. She should be your first line of contact:...

A workshop to explore ideas and approaches for strengthening stewardship in congregations experiencing ministerial transition. Presented by Rev. Roberta Finkelstein, Andrea Lerner and Barry Finkelstein.

Webinar presented by Rev. Richard Gilbert, president of UU Retired Ministers and Partners. 2015...

What sustains a ministry or a marriage or a friendship or a membership in a congregation are things like respect, patience, forbearance, generosity, flexibility, forgiveness, a sense of humor, and, when all else fails, sheer will power.

Given the increasing shortage of UU ministers, congregations might wish for a simple way to evaluate their own fitness for ministry. Ministers, likewise, might find an objective scale helpful in discerning whether a congregation is ready for them. This scale is similar to the hoped for outcomes...

For the first time, there are not enough accredited interim ministers to supply Unitarian Universalist congregations seeking one.

It's the beginning of the year, and Ministerial Search Committees have just received a list of names of ministers who are interested in learning more about their congregation. Savvy Search Committees know that they are looking for a good match, not a perfect candidate, and the best way to find a...