Leadership

Shared ministry is an expression of our theology.

It is also a practice of supporting the vision of the congregation with clear understanding of what is the work of the minister, the work of the congregation and what is shared.

The work of the minister must include leadership for worship. As a faith tradition committed to the freedom of the pulpit and the freedom of the pew, the minister holds the responsibility for the worship life of the congregation. Though I will work closely with a worship committee, I take very seriously my obligation to craft transformative, and life-sustaining worship for all ages.

I will also be directly involved with the stewardship of the vision that guides the congregation by maintaining administrative, fiscal and management practices that honor our Unitarian Universalist values. I will enthusiastically support and engage with activities and interests in keeping with the vision of the congregation. I also know that sometimes a minister needs to have the courage and integrity to say no to projects that are not in keeping with that vision. Staff management is also a direct task of the minister. 

The work done in partnership with the congregation, through a model of shared leadership, brings the vision of the congregation into practice through right relationships, fundraising and the cultivation of faith formation through religious education programs for children, youth and adults.

No one “volunteers” for their congregation; rather, congregants nurture their faith community by giving hours, money, ideas, and vision. My mission as the minister is to develop and cultivate the possibilities (those known and those not yet realized) in individuals congregants and the congregation as a whole. My role is to empower others to deepen a sense of belonging.  When the congregation’s programs reflect Unitarian Universalist values, the vision comes into being.