Transitions

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Interim Ministry became a specialty after ministers and congregations realized that when a settled ministry ends, the next ministry will most likely be either 1) an intentional interim ministry, or 2) an unintentional interim ministry. 

In the time of transition between settled ministries, a congregation has a unique opportunity to enhance its strengths and better understand its weaknesses. Interim Ministry supports congregations in taking advantage of these opportunities, focusing on five general tasks:

• Heritage - reviewing how the congregation has been formed and shaped.
• Mission - clarifying the purpose and direction of the congregation in these times of relentless change.
• Leadership - assessing and updating roles for volunteers and paid staff.
• Connections - clarifying relationships with other organizations.
• Future - developing an environment that is ready to support a new ministry.

Each of the congregations I have served has a unique culture, history, and justice ministry in the larger community. I find much joy in the adventure of getting to know each congregation and the larger communities around them. 

My style of ministry is to observe, ask questions, and have conversations about a congregation’s gifts of ministry and obstacles to its success. I work to connect with people as deeply as I can in a year or two, and to model  for the people of a congregation how to be a good partner with their minister(s).

I believe a congregation needs to be loved by their minister(s). I believe congregations, like  humans and other living beings, have inherent worth and dignity.  And I believe that our congregations can and should be serving the many, many people wanting a UU community but who have been pushed away by our prejudices.