Letter from Search Committee Chair Dile Holton

July 10, 2008

Dear Candidate,

In these days filled with the enthusiasm and challenges of transformation, the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ is searching for three Associate Conference Ministers to partner with other executive staff, lay leaders and the Holy Spirit as we move forward into God’s future.  We are seeking individuals with a deep faith in Christ who are experienced leaders and unafraid to take on new challenges.

Since 2000, the Massachusetts Conference has been guided by an initiative to transform and revitalize our churches called A Vision for Renewal and Growth.  Through the Vision, our Minister and President and Board of Directors have been guided to focus the work of the Conference, its structure, its resources and staff around our mission:  To nurture local church vitality and the covenant among our churches.  Seeking God’s guidance through prayer and thoughtful discernment, the Conference has taken exciting steps towards further transformation that are expressed in a document endorsed by the October 2007 Annual Meeting entitled, A Still More Excellent Way.  Our ability to realize the goals described in these two documents will determine our effectiveness in the years to come.

The Ministers who respond to God’s call for the positions of Associate Conference Minister will be dynamic, prophetic and pastoral leaders.  They will have experience in large, multi-faceted organizations and demonstrate strong skills in working as members of a creative team. They will be skilled at engaging a theologically diverse people to work toward a common vision.  They will enable pastors and lay leaders alike to maximize their unique gifts and talents. They will encourage the sharing of resources and knowledge between church members, churches and Associations. 

Do you hear God’s call to one of these challenging and rewarding positions?

The Search Committee is charged with presenting candidates who embody the qualities we are looking for to the Board of Directors.  For preferred consideration, please submit the enclosed Statement of Interest and a one page (maximum 250 words) description of why you feel you are called to serve God in the Massachusetts Conference by October 1, 2008.

As you prayerfully read this profile we hope you will sense the love and excitement we feel about the 400 churches of our Conference.  We are grateful for your interest and look forward to hearing from you soon.

If you have any questions, please be in touch with Willie Sordillo, administrative staff to the Search Committee at sordillow@macucc.org or (508) 875-5233, ext. 225.

Yours in Christ,

Dile Holton

Chair, Search Committee