Categories of Community Ministers
This chart lists details regarding the three categories of Minister as understood by
the UU Society for Community Ministers (UUSCM) |
|
Lay Community Minister |
Commissioned
Community Minister |
Ordained
Community Minister |
| Description | Dedicated laity engaged in ministry to our larger world. |
| Discernment | Experience a "sense of call" to perform ministry. |
| UU Congregational Membership | Member of a UU Congregation
(Church of the Larger Fellowship included). |
Ceremony/Ritual
Formalizing Relationship |
No Formal Ceremony or Ritual required for "Lay Ministry" relationship. |
Undergoes Commissioning Ceremony by a UU Congregation. |
Undergoes Ordination Ceremony with a specific religious communal tradition. |
| Titles |
Can be referred to as "Lay Community Minister." May use secular or academic titles. |
Can be referred to as "Commissioned Community Minister." Recommend to use only secular or academic titles or the title "Deacon." |
Referred to as clergy. Title of Reverend. May be referred to as "Affiliated Community Minister" if affiliated with a UU congregation. May be referred to as "Fellowshipped Community Minister" if in Fellowship with the UUA. |
| UUSCM Professional Profile | May present credentials in public profile on UUSCM website. |
| Professional References | References required, ideally including one from Parish minister or Board chair. |
Reference the ordaining organization. Non-UUs may need other references. |
| Professional Organization Membership/Relationship | Member of UUSCM and
other professional organizations. |
| Guidelines |
UUSCM Code of Professional Practice. |
Follows UUSCM Code of Professional Practice; Commissioning Guidelines (Draft Here). |
Follows UUSCM Code of Professional Practice, and Affiliation Guidelines. |
| Vestments |
No vestments when participating in congregational services. |
May wear vestments. May wear Diaconate Stole (worn as a sash). |
Wear vestments in congregational services, including a Clergy Stole worn around the neck. |
| Includes |
Includes youth and adult members, as well as those in transition to becoming ordained. |
Includes youth and adult members, and those who are in transition, who have been commissioned by their congregation; some who were ordained in a tradition or in an organization that is not widely recognized may choose commissioning; in addition, those in transition to becoming Fellowshipped and ordained as UU clergy may be commissioned by a congregation. |
May be ordained as UU or in another tradition. |
