Minister's Musing

Rev. Mark Ward
Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville

June 2010

What’s in a name? With all due respect to Shakespeare, names can communicate some important things. There are two changes that have been made to the titles of UUCA staff recently, and I’d like to tell you a little bit about them.

First, is my title. Since I was called by this congregation in April 2004, I have gone by the title of “Minister.” It’s pretty simple and describes much of what I do. Recently, the Board of Trustees approved a revision in my letter of agreement with this congregation and in the process, my title was changed slightly to “Lead Minister.” This change follows the practice of many congregations that have more than one minister on staff to designate which minister is in charge. We have had two ministers on staff since Rev. Sarah York joined us as Assistant Minister for Pastoral Care in 2007. Some congregations use the title of Senior Minister, but I find that title to be a little misleading. What is of concern in this title change is not tenure or seniority but my role as a leader in the organization. The title “Lead Minister” seems to express that most simply and directly.

The other change is for Taryn Strauss, whose title has shifted from Director of Religious Education to Director of Lifespan Religious Education. This change reflects a change in Taryn’s job description which now gives her responsibility for adult religious education as well as religious education for children and youth. There is a real synergy in this change, I believe, for it reflects a central tenet of our community and religious tradition, that learning in our religious lives is never-ending. Each of us is always learning and growing. Practically, I look for opportunities where, say, children and their parents will be learning about similar subjects, or where curricula are geared to specific stages of life or faith. But even more, I believe this shift will give our adult education efforts a real boost and greater focus. If you have ideas about or interest in classes or programs in specific areas, please talk with Taryn about them.

And whatever titles we may use, I hope that you will continue to find this community just as sweet.