Developmental Ministry

Developmental ministry is considered a transitional ministry. Transitional ministry is most commonly understood to be interim ministry, which is generally a 1-2 year period with an intentional interim minister whose role is to help the congregation shift from focus on the departed minister to readying the community for a new settled minister. A developmental ministry focuses on a specific set of goals set by the congregation and generally lasts 3-7 years.

From the UUA’s Transitions Handbook, “…transitional ministry covers the time when a congregation is under intentional transition from one ministry to the next… Some congregations need longer than a typical interim ministry… [when] there are… specific issues to be worked on in an intentional way… This congregation may be ready for a developmental ministry.”

Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper began her ministry with GUUF in July 2018, and will serve through June 2022. She brings a broad and deep understanding of Unitarian Universalist theology and polity, as well as experience in chaplaincy, systems theory and congregational governance.

Each year, Rev. Lisa has submitted a report on the progress of the developmental ministry to the congregation as well as given a sermon on the “State of the Fellowship” each August. Those reports and sermons are linked below.

Developmental Ministry Report 2018-19

State of the Fellowship Sermon 2019

Developmental Ministry Report 2019-20

State of the Fellowship Sermon 2020

UPDATE on Developmental Ministry (February 16, 2021)

Developmental Ministry Report 2020-21

FINAL Developmental Ministry Report (2021-22)

QUICK REFERENCE – STRATEGIC PLAN AND DEVELOPMENTAL MINISTRY GOALS

Strategic Plan Goals

  1. Build our beloved community
  2. Nourish and challenge our minds and spirits by examining current offerings and improving/expanding upon these offerings
  3. Develop congregation-based social responsibility/social justice ministry
  4. Foster inclusivity in every aspect of our congregational life
  5. Strengthen and focus our UU identity

Developmental Ministry Goals

  1. Within a community of diverse beliefs, finding a commonality that defines us as a UU congregation
  2. Developing a system of faith, membership, and leadership development that engages new members and long-term congregants
  3. Creating a coordinated social justice focus that will be impactful for members and for the community and that ties us into existing community entities, as well as into the UUA
  4. Practicing inclusivity in all aspects of our congregational life
  5. Examining our current Sunday Service structure, with an eye toward continuous improvement and greater connectivity with the larger UU principles, identities, and programs