Ordination in the UUA

[Antiochian]

Obviously, this is a question I'll need to bring up to my own pastor, but I've been wondering what hoops you jump through if you want to be ordained in the UUA? I assume some seminary may be required, a Master's or PhD in religion/theology?

Back when I was still a kid, I wanted so badly to be a priest. That feeling of being called never went away, and I actually almost joined a monastery. Then the Christian wall crumbled, and it seemed I wasn't meant to do that sort of thing, after all.

I'm currently working on a MA in English lit, but I've been warned of the poor marketability of humanities people in post-secondary institutions these days. And I've been wondering if maybe I should take another look at that calling I felt as a kid, and still feel, that desire to serve in a spiritual channel. Problem is, I find Bible study dreadful. If Bible classes are required, that may be a huge hurdle. Plus, I'm not exactly a moral exemplar. I curse and swear, I watch adult movies (though I obviously don't generally advertise that fact), and am not going to pretend to be a superspiritual goodie two shoes. Perhaps these traits would make it hard for me to be acceptable as a UU minister? Maybe I should take a look at the UUA website as well.

Again, I will bring this up to my own minister. Would love to know more about this. Who's to say I couldn't teach part time and be a minister?

 

[Storm]

Obviously, this is a question I'll need to bring up to my own pastor, but I've been wondering what hoops you jump through if you want to be ordained in the UUA? I assume some seminary may be required, a Master's or PhD in religion/theology?

Back when I was still a kid, I wanted so badly to be a priest. That feeling of being called never went away, and I actually almost joined a monastery. Then the Christian wall crumbled, and it seemed I wasn't meant to do that sort of thing, after all.

I'm currently working on a MA in English lit, but I've been warned of the poor marketability of humanities people in post-secondary institutions these days. And I've been wondering if maybe I should take another look at that calling I felt as a kid, and still feel, that desire to serve in a spiritual channel. Problem is, I find Bible study dreadful. If Bible classes are required, that may be a huge hurdle. Plus, I'm not exactly a moral exemplar. I curse and swear, I watch adult movies (though I obviously don't generally advertise that fact), and am not going to pretend to be a superspiritual goodie two shoes. Perhaps these traits would make it hard for me to be acceptable as a UU minister? Maybe I should take a look at the UUA website as well.

Again, I will bring this up to my own minister. Would love to know more about this. Who's to say I couldn't teach part time and be a minister?

You need a degree in a religious field, then seminary, then an intern ministry. UUA: Becoming A UU Minister

 

[Antiochian]

I appreciate the link. Thanks.

 

[Matthew78]

Obviously, this is a question I'll need to bring up to my own pastor, but I've been wondering what hoops you jump through if you want to be ordained in the UUA? I assume some seminary may be required, a Master's or PhD in religion/theology?

Back when I was still a kid, I wanted so badly to be a priest. That feeling of being called never went away, and I actually almost joined a monastery. Then the Christian wall crumbled, and it seemed I wasn't meant to do that sort of thing, after all.

I'm currently working on a MA in English lit, but I've been warned of the poor marketability of humanities people in post-secondary institutions these days. And I've been wondering if maybe I should take another look at that calling I felt as a kid, and still feel, that desire to serve in a spiritual channel. Problem is, I find Bible study dreadful. If Bible classes are required, that may be a huge hurdle. Plus, I'm not exactly a moral exemplar. I curse and swear, I watch adult movies (though I obviously don't generally advertise that fact), and am not going to pretend to be a superspiritual goodie two shoes. Perhaps these traits would make it hard for me to be acceptable as a UU minister? Maybe I should take a look at the UUA website as well.

Again, I will bring this up to my own minister. Would love to know more about this. Who's to say I couldn't teach part time and be a minister?

My friend, I can't tell you how much I have thought about entering the ministry. I have had thoughts of becoming a UU minister. When I was a teenager, I considered going into the Christian ministry but was turned off by it. I entertained the idea, again, in my early 20s but decided against it. I have been flirting with the thought of becoming a UU minister because I realize how much I love to talk and teach.

I wouldn't worry about not being a total saint. If it's any consolation, I swear with the best of them! I haven't watched any adult movies, though. I haven't had much interest in them. I do watch science fiction, adventure, and if these have some comedy in them, great! I admit that I lust freely (although I don't tell any women that I lust for them) and I can sometimes be inconsiderate although I try not to be.

I think a one point of being a UU is to at least try better. We're not called to be perfect nor are we expected to be saints. We should at least try to better ourselves and each other. Going clubbing or getting drunk at a bar may prove embarrassing to a local UU church if you happen to be a member and fellow UUs may frown on your behavior but I don't think it's considered morally wrong-maybe just immature and bad judgment on your part. But I don't think any of us are held to a ridiculously high standard. Rather, we're just encouraged to try to behave better than we do.

Consulting your minister is an excellent idea! You may also want to contact a seminary and ask to speak to someone. If you feel called- go for it!

 

[applewuud]

I'd hang out at your church and be a lay minister for quite a while before taking the emotional and financial plunge of studying for the UU ministry. Become a member of the Board of Directors of your church for a year or two, at least. Ask the worship committee to let you preach on a Sunday or two. Take part in the Caring Committee and help the minister with hospital visits, etc.

You don't have to turn "pro" to have a ministry. In fact, if you do it too early, you run the risk of becoming disillusioned, and out $50,000 of college debt to boot. It's a big deal and much more difficult than it seems. Plenty of people do it in later life so there's no rush.

I think it's highly advisable to take a lot of counseling courses and go into therapy yourself to really get down to the core of what you want out of life before becoming an ordained minister. Not to talk you out of it, but to make you more successful if/when you do. A good seminary basically blasts your whole belief system to smithereens and then helps you build it back up piece by piece.

I have many friends who have been through the whole education, ordination, final fellowship, and worked in churches for a few years only to burn out and leave the profession. You have to have a thick skin, and there are all kinds of expectations put on you...some people wouldn't mind a minister who watches porn, others would be shocked.

Also, getting your M.Div does require Bible study, and being accepted as a candidate requires a psychological evaluation. They have a lot of hoops to jump through...which is why I think the UU ministry is of such high quality.

Strictly speaking, any UU congregation can "ordain" anyone it wants and select them for a leader, but most stick with the procedures laid out by the Ministers' Association.

 

[Antiochian]

Matthew and Apple, I appreciate your valuable input. Yeah, at this point of my life I've got everything invested in earning my M.A., and after that probably a PhD in English. I suffered through Bible courses at the Baptist college I attended as an undergraduate. I found them boring and really pointless, because I didn't believe a word of scripture anyway. I'd assume a UU seminary would have one studying other religions as well.

I will definitely mull the idea over in my head, but right now becoming a minister may not be the best fit for me. College just drains away money like water from pasta, and I feel I can be of spiritual service in my capacity as a writer/literature teacher.

And I can only imagine the hell one's life could become if a few church members decide they don't like you. Ugh.

 

[applewuud]

...

And I can only imagine the hell one's life could become if a few church members decide they don't like you. Ugh.

The key to having a healthy ministry is to know that "what other people think of me is none of my damn business". Some people will think the minister is fabulous, others an incarnation of evil; 90% of that is just their own projection, not what you do or don't do. It is important to recognize valid feedback, and to be open to criticism, but not let it be "about you". That's why I think ministers who've been through their own personal therapy are happier and more successful.

As far as your English degree, one of the appealing things about the ministry is it's a chance to get paid to write and deliver your work in person every week to a small group of people who you have a relationship with, and listen with respect to what you have to say. How many jobs let you do that?

If writing sermons were all it was about, I'd enroll in Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkley in a second.

 

[SageTree]

Nice to see this forum getting more action!

Thanks folks :namaste