The UU Ordination Process

By Elizabeth Foster, April 29, 2024

The questions I’m asked most frequently when people discover that I’m in the ordination process are simply: How does that work? or How long does that take? And the answer is that this process has a lot of steps! Compared to most other denominations, our process is definitely on the more involved end of the spectrum. In order to become a UU minister, prospective ministers typically need an interview with an established UU minister, a sponsoring congregation, a background check, three years of full-time seminary, a parish internship, a career assessment (essentially a psych evaluation with some additional components), 400 hours of experience in Clinical Pastoral Education, a packet reflecting work in seven different competencies, each with a pretty extensive reading list, and finally, a formal interview with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC).

As you all know, I have already graduated from the Boston University School of Theology with my mDiv, and I am in the second year of my ministerial internship. If all goes well, I may be able to see the MFC at some point next year. And I have learned so many vital, wonderful lessons at each stage of my ministry journey. But at the same time, many seminarians feel that the significant financial barriers built into this process, such as the high cost of seminary and the fact that Clinical Pastoral Education is unpaid, are creating a significant class divide in who ultimately is able to serve as a UU minister. My fellow seminarian HP Rivers actually recently created a Story For All Ages with an interactive game outlining the process, which you can watch right here, if you’re curious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–QfrtQikhw

I had the chance to discuss this and other formation questions with other seminarians and mentors this past weekend at the Ministerial Formation Network retreat in Montclair, New Jersey. I met other seminarians from schools across the country, both in-person and online, and took workshops about preaching, storytelling, and several other topics. I also met our wonderful new Credentialing Director, Darrick Jackson, who is paying close attention to all of these questions of equity and discerning how we might move forward. Personally, despite the sometimes grueling nature of the ordination process, I remain very excited for what comes next. And I am so grateful to have undertaken my internship with such a warm and welcoming congregation here in Canton!