General Assembly 2000 Event 512
Panelists: Rev. Ellen Brandenburg, Rev. Earle Ramsdell, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, Jean Kapuscik, Rev. Richard Erhardt, Rev. Polly Leland-Mayer

"Why didn't someone tell me earlier?" This was the unfortunate reaction of a ministerial candidate who, after many years of effort, was rejected by the Ministerial Fellowship Committee. Early engagement and honest, caring feedback, this is the role of each of the six Regional Sub-Committees on Candidacy (RSCC).

The RSCC may give a green light to the strongest pre-candidates, a yellow light of caution if there are significant deficiencies, or a red light to pre-candidates who, in the judgment of the committee, are unlikely to attain final fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association. An example of an individual who might receive a red light is an introvert, who may be better suited to an academic position than to parish ministry. The RSCC evaluates sixteen qualities such as motivation, personality, maturity, integration with Unitarian Universalist culture, listening skills, empathy, and the ability to nurture the growth of others.

Reported by Mike McNaughton.