“Beyond Categorical Thinking” Workshop – April 28, 2013

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“Will the new minister hear me? Will my concerns and needs be met?  Will the minister understand what I’m living with? How will the community respond to our minister?’

yellowflowerIn answering these questions, a picture of the “ideal minister” (categorized by age, gender, gender identity, nationality, physical ability, race, and sexual orientation) comes to mind. With this picture in place, it can be easy to unintentionally exclude ministers who fall into certain categories. At times, as we get caught up in comparing candidates to our “picture,” we can even forget what it is we hoped for in a minister.

On April 28, 2013,  Theodore Parker UU Church will participate in the Beyond Categorical Thinking workshop offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) for congregations involved in the search for a new minister. The Theodore Parker Standing and Search Committees invite all congregational leaders, members, and friends to participate in this workshop.

The Beyond Categorical Thinking program is designed to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent unfair discrimination in the search process for a new minister. This program includes a Sunday morning service with BCT workshop facilitators followed by a three hour workshop. In the workshop, Theodore Parker UU Church members will:

  • Consider the hopes, expectations, and concerns they have for a new minister
  • Learn more about the ministerial search process, and
  • Explore how thinking categorically about people sometimes interferes with choosing the best candidate.

Come on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. to the Theodore Parker Parish Hall,   to participate in this UUA-sponsored workshop, led by Donna Dolham and Jacqui Williams.

We will have a coffee hour/potluck lunch in between the church service and the workshop. Childcare will be provided.  Please call Jennifer Johnston at 617-327-7701 to provide us with the number of children who will need care.

The selection of a minister is important. The Beyond Categorical Thinking workshop is another opportunity for everyone in our congregation to be a part of that process. This experience will provide guidance for the search committee in our work.