Accredited Interim Minister ~ Unitarian Universalist
Maureen Killoran is passionate about interim ministry -- and about serving a congregation that wants to make the most of its times of change.
"Transition is about people moving toward something new," she says. "It can be a time of anxiety, even for those who are generally comfortable with change. As I complete my sixth year of interim ministry, I am grateful for the continuing opportunity to partner with congregations as they prepare for the next chapter of their collective life."
Maureen believes there is no single "right way" to engage an interim time, or to be together as a religious community. Perhaps especially during transition, a congregation's joys, sorrows, playfulness, and challenges continue. The life of a congregation is ongoing -- and each community is unique.
"In addition to organizational competence," Maureen says, "congregations have the right to expect their interim minister to come ready to care about them, both as individuals and as a community. One of my joys is entering a congregation with my heart open, ready to connect in shared ministry."
* In the words of a lay leader at River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, "Maureen is fully authentic. Her sermons combine intellectual depth and an understanding heart with excellent delivery."
* "Maureen is committed to the congregation as a whole," said a parent. "Children as well as adults, elders as well as youth. She has been an effective advocate for our families and religious education programs."
* "She accepts the hard task of speaking truths we need to hear," says another, "and she does it with love."
* "I am impressed with her grasp of governance systems as networks of humans with full lives and concerns that are not limited to the church," said a board member.
* Maureen cherishes this comment from a lay leader in a former congregation: "It isn't any one thing she did, or any single technique she used, but after two years of working with Rev. Maureen, our highly conflicted congregation has accomplished significant healing and is ready for a healthy and vibrant future."
Follow this link to read comments from other lay leaders with whom Maureen has worked in interim ministry.