Without realizing it, what images or traits might come to mind when we picture our ‘ideal minister’? Do we imagine someone of a particular age, gender, race, or background? Are there characteristics we unconsciously expect such as speaking style, physical ability, or life experience that shape our preferences?
When we begin to notice these assumptions, we can see how easy it is to unintentionally exclude ministers who do not match the picture in our heads and lose sight of the deeper qualities we truly seek in a minister.
On SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, UUSM will participate in the Break Barriers, Build Beliefs (B4) workshop offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) for congregations involved in the search for a new minister. The UUSM Ministerial Search Committee invites all congregational members, leaders, and friends to participate in this important workshop and hope for full congregational participation. The workshop will be virtual, held over Zoom from 10:00 am-1:30 pm with a break from 11:30-12:00.
Look for a special email from the UUSM Ministerial Search Committee on Friday, October 10 with the Zoom link or find it in the members section of the UUSM website. You can also email search@uusm.org with questions or for the link.
The UUA designed the Break Barriers, Build Beliefs (B4) program to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent discrimination in searching for a new minister. A facilitator trained by the UUA will ask UUSM attendees to:
- Consider the hopes, expectations, and concerns they have for a new minister;
- Explore how creating categories and putting people in them interferes with choosing the best candidate; and
- Learn more about the ministerial search process.
Log on from the comfort of your home or someone else’s location at 9:55am on Saturday, October 11, 2025 to participate in this workshop led by Rev. Patrice Curtis.
If you need access to Zoom, please email us at search@uusm.org or call the church office at 310-829-5436, and let us know. We will find a way for you to participate.
The selection of a minister is important. The B4 workshop is another opportunity for everyone in our congregation to participate in this process. This experience will guide the search committee in our work. Thank you for your attention and we hope to see you there!
And remember to take the Breakng Barriers, Build Beliefs survey by Monday, October 6th. Click the button for your personal link to the survey.
If you are unable to access the survey, we are able to assist. Please reach out to either Beth Rendeiro or Susan Hendricks at search@uusm.org and we will arrange access for you at the congregation on Sunday.
