Greetings

Rev. Dr. Maureen Killoran, M.A., D.Min.
Professional Transition Specialist
Accredited Interim Minister ~ Unitarian Universalist

Greetings to An Interim Search Committee

Greetings!

May I begin by expressing my appreciation to you for accepting the challenge of selecting an interim minister to walk with your congregation during its transition time.

            As I prepared to introduce myself to you, I asked:  If I were in your position, what would I want to know about this person whose name has been given as a prospective Interim Minister?    "Can she preach?" is the first thing.   This link leads to audio and text versions of some recent sermons, and other pages provide examples of meditations and some projects in which I've engaged. I'll be happy to send you paper copies of any of these materials if you prefer.

            Next, I might ask, "Does she listen well? Will she care about our stories and us? Will she understand our unique context? Is she approachable?"

            More specific questions would include, "What experience does she bring? If we have difficult issues, will she help us deal with them? Can she help us deal with conflict? Can she help us make sense of who we are and where we want (or need) to go?"

                   Responses to these questions are harder to convey. This website provides details of my experience and education and other aspects of my work. I welcome the opportunity of telephone conversations to give you a better sense of my abilities, and how they may connect with your congregation's particular needs. I also invite you to contact my references and other sources to get a broader perspective.

                   One thing I can assure you is that my approach to Interim Ministry is grounded in appreciation of the reality that each congregation is unique.  Yes, there are threads that may be productive to follow during your congregation's transition time, and yet ultimately I believe the path you will walk with your Interim Minister must be tailored to your congregation's particular identity and needs.

                 In interim ministry, as all aspects of our UU life, one size -- and one approach -- does NOT fit all.  Your context -- and here I refer to your congregation's recent and past history as well as its size and vision, and the culture of your social and geographic location -- all are important contributors to the shape and content of your interim time.    This is why I prefer to spend the first weeks of an interim period in deep conversation with a cross-section of your members and lay leaders.  In this way I seek to gain a deep understanding of your unique context as we begin our work.

                   I appreciate that you, as members of an Interim Search Committee, have accepted a significant responsibility at this important time in your congregation’s life. As volunteers, you are bringing the best of yourselves to the service of the community for which you care. I believe this is the greatest gift any of us can give. It would be a privilege for me to bring my best self to work with your congregation in your interim period.

I look forward to exploring together your congregation's needs in this interim period, and how they connect with the skills and gifts I bring. I will appreciate the opportunity of a scheduled interview with your committee. If you have questions that would benefit from a more immediate response, please feel welcome to call or email at any time.

Warmly, Maureen Killoran

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