Half-Time Minister Position at Denton UU Fellowship

The Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Denton, Texas, a strong, vibrant, and caring center of liberal religious faith and action, seeks a half-time minister to help us fulfill our mission and vision.

 Who We Are

Established in 1949, DUUF's current membership hovers at just under 100, with attendance at recent Sunday services ranging between 50 and 80.  Services are currently coordinated by our Worship Committee and include presentations by members, guest speakers, and visiting ministers.

 DUUF is a spiritually diverse congregation which includes Humanists, Christians, Buddhists, Pagans, and many who consider themselves "spiritual but not religious."  Active adult groups include a Men's Group, a Women's Group, and a very active CUUPS group as well as a Sunday morning Adult RE discussion group.  Other adult groups organize for specific topics throughout the year.  In addition, our group is connected to two Buddhist groups.

 We are a Welcoming Congregation with a strong GLBT presence in our congregation and in our leadership.

 We own our facilities, which include a sanctuary seating around 95.  Concurrent with the ministerial search, the Fellowship is committed to renovations and upgrades of our facilities, as well as considering the possibility of building a new sanctuary on our current property.

 A paid, part-time DRE works with a group of volunteer teachers to guide a children's RE program attended by 8 to 12 children and youth each week.  Additional paid staff includes a part-time Administrative Assistant, janitorial, and child care workers.

 Where We Are

Denton is a city of about 100,000 on the northern edge of the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex and is home to two major state universities (University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University), with nearly 50,000 students.  Our facility is located in an older residential area near the colleges and draws heavily (though far from exclusively) from the academic community.

  What We're Looking For

We need an energetic and inspiring leader with a collaborative work style who is spiritually well-rounded, respectful of lay leaders, and committed to diversity and inclusiveness in all aspects of our Fellowship's life. 

 
The minister's duties include:

 ·         Providing entrepreneurial leadership to the Fellowship's members and committees, particularly the Board of Trustees and Worship Committee. 

·         Promoting Religious Education by advising and assisting our DRE and RE Council.

·         Preaching 1-2 Sundays per month, to be scheduled in cooperation with the Worship Committee.

·         Performing weddings, funerals, and other rites of passage as needed.

·         Keeping regular office hours to facilitate the conduct of Fellowship business and to be available for pastoral counseling.

·         Representing DUUF to local interfaith, ministerial, and community organizations.

 Because requests for a minister's services may exceed the limits of "half time," leadership activities and Religious Education will be given priority.

 We Offer

We have budgeted for a total compensation package of $30,000 per year.  The exact amount and terms (salary, housing, retirement, etc) are open to negotiation and will be specified in a written contract.

 While numerical and financial growth is not a primary objective of DUUF, we believe that an active, vibrant congregation will attract new members.  Growth over time will allow us to gradually increase the workload and the compensation of the minister. 

Our Timeline

We will start reviewing applications on March 1, and our goal is to have a minister in place beginning September 1, 2007.  However, the starting date is negotiable and the position will remain open until we find the right minister for our congregation.

 To Apply or for more information, please contact:

 
John Beckett
Chair – Ministerial Search Committee
Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
1111 Cordell Street
Denton, TX 76201
JohnFranc@aol. com
972-948-9211