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Ministerial Search Team Updates


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Dear GMUUC Members and Friends,


Thank You for Participating in Listening Circles!


Over the past several weeks, approximately 50 people participated in our in-person and online Listening Circles, sharing thoughtful perspectives about GMUUC’s past, present, and future.While we are grateful for these conversations, we had hoped for greater participation. To ensure that every voice is heard, we invite anyone who has not attended a Listening Circle or has additional thoughts complete the Individual Listening Circle Form by Thursday, November 7.Your input helps the Ministerial Search Team (MST) understand what matters most to you as we prepare the Congregational Listening Circle Summary Report, which reflects who we are as a community and what we seek in our next phase of ministry.



Moving into the Next Stage of the Search Process

As outlined by the UUA guidelines and in accordance with the process approved by the GMUUC Board, the next phase of the search involves the MST evaluating Rev. David as an inside candidate.

This step was clearly defined in Rev. David’s Bridging Minister contract and represents the next natural phase in our ministerial search process. During this time, the MST will:

  • Share the themes and insights from the Listening Circles with Rev. David,

  • Invite him/them to submit a written reflection that includes his/their vision for the congregation and his/their ministry, and

  • Conduct a formal interview with Rev. David.

We want to emphasize that this step does not mean a decision has been made. It is part of a deliberate and thoughtful discernment process that helps us determine whether to recommend a contract to the Board for consideration.

If you would like to share private input specifically regarding our inside candidate, Rev. David Morgan, you are welcome to email Kirsten Bunch, MST Chair, at kirsten@kirstenbunch.com and/or Frank Youngblood, MST Vice-Chair at fyoungblood@outlook.com.


Clarifying the “Contract to Call” Process

As a reminder, a Contract to Call position provides time for mutual discernment between the minister and the congregation before any long-term call is considered.

  • A Contract Minister is not automatically a Called Minister.The Board hires a minister under a contract (typically up to three years). Either the minister or the congregation can end the relationship at the end of each year.

  • Only the Congregation can “call” a minister.A “called” minister is chosen through a vote of the congregation, requiring an 80% majority, as stated in our bylaws.

  • The process allows for careful discernment.During the first two years, the congregation and minister assess whether a longer-term relationship feels right.

    • If both agree, a congregational vote to “call” the minister occurs near the end of Year 2.

    • If not, the minister serves the third year while the congregation begins a new search.


Simplified Timeline for a 3-Year Contract to Call

Year

What Happens

Who Decides

Year 1

Minister serves under contract

MST recommends, Board issues contract

Year 2

Congregation and minister discern whether to continue

Mutual discernment

End of Year 2

Congregation votes whether to “call” the minister (80 % required)

Congregation

If Yes

Minister becomes Called Minister

Congregation affirms

If No

Minister completes Year 3 while search begins again

Board initiates new search

Upcoming Timeline and Next Steps

  • November 7 – Final day to submit the Individual Listening Circle Form.

  • Mid-November – The MST will release the Congregational Listening Circle Summary Report to the congregation.

  • Mid to end November – The MST will interview Rev. David as an inside candidate.

  • December 4 – The MST will make a recommendation to the Board on whether to offer Rev. David a full-time Contract to Call position.

  • Mid-December – The Board will review the recommendation and make a final decision on issuing the contract.


Closing Thoughts

The search process is designed to balance fairness, transparency, and discernment. The MST’s role is to gather input from the congregation, assess alignment between our shared values and ministerial leadership, and present a thoughtful recommendation to the Board.

We know this is an important and emotional process for many, and we thank you for your patience, engagement, and faith in the process. Together, we are shaping the next chapter of ministry at GMUUC.


With gratitude,The Ministerial Search Team

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