The Ministerial Search Committee is a committee of the congregation appointed the Board of Trustees. The committee's purpose is the search and selection of a called minister.

 

 

The Process

Expected TimeLine

Timeframe Activity

October 31, 2009

The MSC completes its Congregational Record online with the UUA. The Congregational Record includes information about the history, membership, finances, and ministry of the church, as well as a “congregational profile” and a “ministerial profile,” both of which are based on the congregational survey and the series of cottage meetings and strategic interviews the MSC conducted during July and August. Once the Congregational Record is submitted, the MSC will be eligible to receive names of interested ministers from the UUA.

November 1, 2009

In the Sunday worship service, the MSC will share the survey results, the congregational profile, and the ministerial profile, and address any questions or concerns the membership may have about the search process.

October/November 2009

The MSC will invite a team from the UUA to conduct a three-hour workshop and a Sunday worship service as part of a “Beyond Categorical Thinking” weekend. The program is designed to promote inclusive thinking and to help prevent unfair discrimination in the ministerial search process. It is one of several efforts that the UUA is making as part of its institutional intentional effort to attract, affirm, and serve a diverse membership. In addition to the MSC members, all members of the congregation will be encouraged to participate.

November 2009-January 2010

As it receives names of and information from interested ministers, the MSC will conduct phone interviews, background checks, and reference checks and begin preparing for pre-candidating weekends. The MSC’s work is now confidential to all in the congregation, including spouses of the committee members.

February-April 2010

The MSC will conduct pre-candidating weekends with prospective candidates, including face-to-face interviews and preaching/worship at neutral UU pulpits.

April 2010

 A candidate will be selected and, if she or he accepts the candidacy, the candidate will be announced to the congregation. At this time, the MSC comes out of confidential mode.

May 2010

Candidating week, including two Sundays of conducting worship, plus “meeting the congregation” during the intervening week. The second Sunday of candidating week culminates in a congregational vote to call the candidate. If yes, and the candidate accepts, ASCC has its first settled minister!

July 31, 2010

 Brent Smith’s last day as consulting minister at ASCC.

August 1, 2010

 The newly settled, called minister begins ministry with ASCC.

 Key:

MSC: Ministerial Search Committee of the Board of Trustees.
UU/UUA: Unitarian Universalist Association
ASCC: All Souls Community Church

 

  Timeline Archive
Time Activity and Links
September 2009 Rev Brent Smith announces that he is withdrawing his name from consideration for the called minister position.

 

 -