My ministry is deeply rooted in our Unitarian Universalist histories and theologies. Our Shared UU Values serve as the primary guides for my work. That said, the following six practices are all core to how I approach ministry.
1. Root in Relationship
At its core, ministry is essentially about cultivating relationships. As a covenantal religious people, everything we do as Unitarian Universalists happens in community. We must never assume that relationships just happen but instead work to cultivate relationships of trust, care, and accountability with one another at all times. All other areas of ministry flow from this one.
2. Start with Spirituality
Although theistic beliefs may not resonate for many Unitarian Universalists, we are still a religious people. That means everything we do in our UU communities is spiritual work. The more we remember that, the more depth and power we give to the work we do together. Thus, I incorporate theological grounding, spiritual practices, and collective rituals into all aspects of my ministry.
3. Build the Beloved Community
All of our ministries must promote the flourishing of life by working against oppression and promoting justice. Unitarian Universalists should carry forward our faith’s long history of working for justice in the public square. In this particular moment, we also have a special obligation to disrupt and dismantle white supremacy culture within our UU congregations.
4. Tend to Thresholds
Like all religious communities, our UU congregations provide stability, meaning, and care to members in moments of transition. We should honor life’s transitions not only with communal care but also collective rituals. I seek to use rituals to mark obvious milestones like births and deaths, as well as smaller ones like new hires joining the staff and longtime members moving away from the area.
5. Share the Ministry
All ministries are shared ministries. This is especially true in Unitarian Universalism, where we honor the priesthood and prophethood of all believers. As a minister, I seek to empower congregants to share the ministry of the congregation by giving them resources, guidance, and support. I am especially passionate about including lay people and a diversity of perspectives in worship.
6. Lay Foundations for the Future
We must tend to the next generation of our UU, local, and world communities. Preparing our congregations for the future requires long-term visioning, responsible management of resources, and intentional efforts to empower young people.