Purpose
As an expression of Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism’s (BLUU) mission, the Minister of Worship & Pastoral Care will support the ongoing development of a Unitarian Universalism that centers Blackness through spiritual practice, faith-rooted care, and community building.
Principal Responsibilities
Spiritual Practice
- To co-create regular worship opportunities with Worship Associates and other members of BLUU Staff that honor the various spiritual journeys that hold meaning for the BLUU Community.
- Provide and coordinate spiritual practice opportunities (worship, pastoral care, and various grounding opportunities) virtually and during in-person gatherings during the UUA’s General Assembly and Regional Gatherings, BLUU Convenings, etc.
- Serve as coordinator of and collaborate with BLUU’s Worship Associates in the construction of worship, their training as spiritual leaders, and inviting others as needed to participate in the work of the team.
Faith-Rooted Care
- Provide spiritual accompaniment/pastoral care to members of the BLUU Community.
- Serve as the coordinator of and collaborate with the Pastoral Care Team by providing pastoral care/spiritual accompaniment to the BLUU community, training and guiding team participants, and responding to moments of need that require additional support.
- Demonstrate a strong ability to maintain healthy boundaries, an understanding of the difference between pastoral care and professional counseling, and a knowing when to refer individuals to professional counseling.
Community Building
- Aid in the ongoing formation of a strong and vibrant community of Black Unitarian Universalists within and beyond the Association.
- Support the ongoing development and formation of BLUU Harbors, which are Black, UU spiritual communities that provide educational opportunities for leadership development and sustainability within already established congregations.
- Serve as a partner to affiliated organizations within the Unitarian Universalist Association, including but not limited to DRUUMM, TRUUst, EqUUal Access, and ARE.
Additional Responsibilities
- Regularly participate in working and communicating with the Organizing Collective Board (OCB).
- Aid in the fulfillment of BLUU’s mission by working collaboratively with other members of staff, OCB members, and volunteers.
- Serve as a faithfully-rooted and values-guided supervisor to volunteers and staff as assigned.
- Identify and record the specific needs of Black Unitarian Universalist Ministers and gauge the ways that BLUU can offer support.
- Work alongside other staff and OCB members in hosting virtual and in-person gatherings
- Partner with various offices within the Unitarian Universalist Association so that there may be long-term strategies that reimagine the ministerial formation process that enable deeper spiritual support for people of color broadly and Black Unitarian Universalists, specifically.
Qualifications
This is an exempt position with a salary midpoint of $75,000. Compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, with offers ranging from 10-15% higher or lower than the midpoint. Note that qualifications may be met as a result of lived experience, volunteer work, professional experience, and/or formal or informal training. Requirements include:
- A credentialed spiritual leader by a denominational body or equivalent organization.
- Masters of Divinity Degree or Equivalent
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of Unitarian Universalism; ability to speak and write confidently about Unitarian Universalism.
- Personal religious depth and practice.
- Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively as part of a virtual-forward staff team; proven track record as a good team member.
- Ability to take initiative, to be self-directing, to set priorities and manage time well.
- A commitment to and understanding of organizational development.
- Knowledge and experience of group and organizational change dynamics. Has a high tolerance for change and understands transformation as a desirable result in religious work.
- Excellent communications and public speaking skills, including use of presentation technologies and social media.
- Knowledge of volunteer organizations.
- Some travel required; agreeable to travel across the United States. Available to work nights and weekends.
- Must live in the United States.
- Understanding of issues around anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multiculturalism
- Work or lived experience with BIPOC communities is of particular value.
- Eagerness to work in an organization in which the dismantling of white supremacy is a high priority.
About Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU)
Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism was founded in 2015 at the Movement for Black Lives Convening in Cleveland, Ohio and is a registered 501c(3). BLUU is committed to expanding the power and capacity of Black Unitarian Universalists within Unitarian Universalism; providing support, information, and resources for Black Unitarian Universalists; and justice-making and liberation for Black people through our faith. BLUU’s leadership is a combination of a working board of volunteers and staff, who comprise the Organizing Collective Board (OCB). The OCB models commitments to collective leadership, accountability, and flexibility within BLUU’s work culture. In addition to being accountable to BLUU members (Beloveds) and each other, the OCB works closely with its Financial Transparency Group, Advisory Team, and Elders 360 Council.
The Principles of Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU):
1) All Black Lives Matter
2) Love and Self-love is Practiced In every Element of All We Do
3) Spiritual Growth is Directly Tied to Our Ability to Embrace Our Whole Selves
4) Experimentation and Innovation Must Be Built Into Our Work
5) Most Directly Affected People Are Experts at Their Own Lives
6) Thriving Instead of Surviving
7) 360 Degree Vision
We hope to fill this position with a start date in August 2026. Please send questions to [email protected].
