Our UUA has three categories of ministry and one stands out as a most visible part of the larger world and that is community ministry. These ministers are called to reach out beyond our congregational walls to the larger public community and have been an essential part of our UU ministry since their beginnings. Community ministry was formally recognized as a specialization within UU ministerial fellowship in 1991. It is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of all ordained UU clergy are community ministers. In Florida we have five Community Ministers.

Community ministry remains misunderstood by some congregations, seminaries, students, and other ministers and there have been significant challenges affecting this worthy calling. Community ministers may work independently or in an organization, outside a congregation. They generally are employed outside a church setting, and typically are involved in healing or justice work, being employed as chaplains in a medical setting or working in a wide range of social service and justice organizations. Some work to bridge the gap between congregations and secular organizations; and some work part-time within congregations or in community organizations. They are required to have a relationship with a UU congregation, district, or UUA-associated organization, in order to remain in fellowship with the UUA. Having a relationship with a UU congregation is beneficial for both the minister and congregation by providing support spiritually and socially. Community ministry is sometimes undervalued and can be underpaid. The UU Veatch Program at Shelter Rock has been generous and instrumental in assisting with funding because Veatch believes strongly in the importance of community ministry.

Rev. William Schulz, past President of the UUA, past Executive Director of Amnesty International, and a global community minister said, "Part of good ministry is helping people confront the ultimate elements of existence, including the most painful. Staying engaged with these very painful issues takes great courage, which is a matter of religious faith in some measure. Community ministers help people engage the world's most difficult realities in a way that allows them to remain whole and hopeful. They help us look on the abyss while remaining whole and emotionally and spiritually healthy. They break through our outer exteriors to touch our hearts, without letting our hearts be ripped apart."

In closing please know how much I enjoyed meeting with some of you at the District Annual Assembly in March (the April column was written before the Assembly). Thank you for attending; hope the event was a good one for you. I can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 813-931-9727.