Does the Associate Minister automatically become the next Senior Minister?
We do not yet know who the next Senior Minister will be. When a Senior Minister leaves, Associate Ministers may either 1) remain in their current position, 2) apply as an inside candidate for the Senior Minister position, or 3) take a position at another congregation (either at the same time, or later). Our congregation has some discernment to do about what we want for the future. In the meantime, First Unitarian will hire an Interim Minister.
What is an Interim Minister?
An interim is a minister who serves for a predetermined length of time, usually 1-2 years, to help a congregation through a transition. We are seeking an interim minister to serve for two years. Interims help congregations manage change, and an interim ministry can give a congregation time to reflect more deeply on its future needs before bringing in a long-term minister. Interim Ministers have special training in this kind of work. Some specialize in large congregations. An interim can fill a Senior or Associate Minister role.
Who chooses the interim minister?
According to our bylaws, once the congregation approves the search for an Interim Minister, the Board of Directors will choose a Board Task Force to select the minister and set the terms of employment. (This approval was given at our Annual Meeting on January 26, 2025.) The Interim Minister will serve as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Board, adhering to guidelines set by the UUA’s Ministerial Fellowship Committee.
Who chooses the next senior minister?
During the Interim Minister’s two-year term, and per our bylaws, the process for selecting a new Senior Minister will begin. Our bylaws state that new Senior Ministers can only be called by a vote of the congregation, and that this occurs after an elected Search Committee completes a process of vetting and nominating a candidate in accordance with the congregation’s criteria.
Who will be on the search committee?
The Search Committee will consist of church members, nominated by the Leadership Succession Committee, and elected by the Congregation at a duly called meeting.
What will Angela do after she leaves?
Angela has her fingers crossed that she’ll be able to begin working as a therapist by the end of the summer. She’ll also offer coaching for other clergy. Angela will still be an ordained UU minister. Her new work will be a kind of community ministry, meaning she works in the wider community rather than at a congregation.
Will Angela have to spend a year away like Christine Robinson did after she retired in 2017?
Yes. After she leaves, Angela will not return to First Unitarian or participate in any church activities for at least a year and probably longer. This is to give the congregation and new minister time to make this big transition and get to know each other. This is standard practice in ministry. It supports the congregation’s future success, which is very important to Angela!
Additionally, Angela will be moving away from New Mexico. She will eventually settle in New York City, where her wife will attend school to become a rabbi.
This is a lot of transition! Should I be worried about the state of the church?
Absolutely not! Ministerial transition is a common and even healthy part of church life. It’s an opportunity for the congregation to reflect on where they’ve been and where they’d like to go!
First U is well positioned for this: the church has a budget that fits its ability to raise money, it enjoys a stable and competent staff, and there are so many great lay leaders keeping our programs running strong. In many ways this is the perfect time for this kind of transition.
