Something for the Journey
From Melissa Carvill Ziemer, Director of Ministries for Collegial Care
 More than 130 colleagues joined together for a Collegial Conversation on Current Trends in Parish Ministry last week. Prior to the gathering, participants watched a video (you can access the pre-recorded video here) which included data and reflections about trends in ministerial formation, search and settlement, finances, family ministry and more. During the live session (access the recording of the collegial conversation here), we reviewed preliminary results of the FACT survey many of you completed this spring. We also had time for participants to share about trends they are noting from their vantage points in small and large group conversation. Here are just a few of the facts and figures you can find in the pre-released and live presentations:
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While the number of people preparing for UU ministry has remained steady and even increased slightly (including increases among members of the global majority and Trans/Non-Binary people), the number of people preparing for a future in parish ministry is declining.
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There have been increases in the number of people retiring from parish ministry and mid-career ministers leaving the parish for another type of calling. At the same time, ministers are less willing to relocate than prior years. The reduced availability of ministers is impacting both interim and settled searches.
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Of the roughly 980 certified congregations, 2 out of 3 have 140 or fewer members. Among all staff positions in our congregations, part time employment (70% of all positions) is the norm.
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Religious Education enrollment is declining and the loss of DRE positions and RE support staff and resourcing is a great concern, especially among religious educators, but must be for all of us. With fewer RE volunteers, many religious educators have noted that leaning into multigenerational experiences can make a very positive impact.
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From 2018-2023, in person attendance at our congregations declined by 25%. However, the vast majority of our congregations now offer virtual attendance options and the combined virtual and in person attendance totals increased during that period.
Our conversation revealed a strong, shared sense that we must collaborate and innovate to meet the needs of the dramatically and rapidly changing landscape of congregational life. Widespread societal trauma and the resulting impacts on congregational life have accelerated changes that had been developing for years. No one has THE answer, but here are some key things that are needed now:
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generative conversation about possibilities we can imagine together to meet the needs of today and tomorrow including leaders with a range of roles from across our UU institutions and organizations.
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continued focus on developing our capacity for anti-racist, anti-oppressive ministries in every sector of congregational life and leadership.
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continued skill development for dealing constructively with conflict. These skills will help us navigate generational divisions and difficult decisions about mission, vision, priorities and resource allocation.
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remembering we are on the same team and finding ways to help one another. What creative partnerships between parish and community ministers might be part of a vibrant way forward?
Here at the UUMA we make it a priority to pay close attention to these dynamics, to discern what they might mean for ministers and ministry, to advocate for you wherever and whenever we can and to be part of the wider conversation every chance we can get. We look forward to being in conversation with all of you at our Annual Meeting and Ministry Days soon.
P.S. Just a reminder we are planning to hold similar sessions on Current Trends in Community Ministry in the new program year.
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