Purpose
The UUFR Board of Directors has notified the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) that we are ready to begin the search process for a new Lead Minister. The Board has signed a covenant with the UUA and intends to follow the search process as described in the UUA Settlement Handbook with modifications as needed. The search process will be conducted from July 2025 through June 2026. The Search Team is elected by the congregation and is independent from the Board of Directors and
Lead Minister.
Charge
The Board of Directors charges the members of the Search Team with facilitating the search process for a new lead minister to be called by the congregation in June 2026. Specifically, to:
● Listen to the congregation as it shares its hopes for the next ministry
● Put aside any personal agenda in choosing the best shared ministry match for our congregation, recognizing that the Search Team represents the whole congregation
● Faithfully represent the congregation’s ministry needs and context to the best of your ability, promoting the congregation’s ministry opening with enthusiasm for our strengths and candor about our challenges
● Adhere to the recommended processes and covenant of the UUA regarding the ministerial search process except when deviations are reasonably necessary
● Conduct an inclusive search process, recognizing the unique gifts and identities of ministers and members of the team
● Fully and fairly consider all applicants
● Maintain strict confidentiality even in the context of conversations with close friends and family members
● Be transparent with the congregation and leadership throughout the search process about the parts of the work which are not confidential
Membership
The Search Team consists of seven members of the Fellowship. Team members will serve from June 2025 to June 2026. The Search Team shall select its own chair. If a member leaves the Team before their term ends, the vacancy will be filled by Board appointment. The Board may decline to fill the vacancy
Time Requirement Expectations
● Search Team retreat led by UUA 4-6 hours (July 2025)
● Monthly meetings (August 2025 to May 2026)
● Search process assignments (August 2025 to May 2025) including designing, implementing and analyzing a congregational survey, coordinating congregational Feedback and Listening sessions, constructing a documents package, submitting Congregational Record, coordinating pre-candidate weekends, participating in “Break the Barriers” workshop, negotiating offer to candidate
