Update from the Ministerial Search Committee

The Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) is very appreciative to those who have taken the time to complete the survey questionnaire and/or fill out a focus group preference form!

When you take part in a focus group, you and the other church members assigned to your focus group will be asked a limited number of open-ended questions that get to the heart of where we came from, who we are, and where we are going as a congregation.  Everyone in the group will have a chance to briefly respond to the questions posed.  Focus groups should last around an hour and a half, but the total time depends on how many people are in your group.  A focus group facilitator and recorder will be present to lead the meeting, make sure everyone has a chance to speak, and record the responses you give.

Next Steps in the Search for a Settled Minister

• The BoT will select a negotiating team to recommend a ministerial compensation package and draft agreement.
• The MSC will conduct focus groups to gain a deeper understanding of our congregation.
• The MSC will compile the information from the surveys and focus groups.
• Per UUA guidelines, inside candidates that permit themselves to be considered for the position of settled minister must be considered by the MSC before any external candidates are considered. An inside candidate is a “minister who is a member or staff member of a congregation with a vacant position.”
• If there are no inside candidates or an inside candidate is not selected by the MSC to continue in the selection process, the MSC will begin the procedure for a search for an external candidate.
• One of the first steps in an external search is to complete the Application for Minister and Congregational Record (CR) and submit them online to the Transitions Office.

Questions? Email us at msc@puuc.org

Beth Foreman, Lou Gardiner-Parks, Meredith Norman, Christine Robinson, Becky Schisler, Resa Treadaway, and Steve Whitfield