After not identifying a candidate to recommend to the United Church of Christ Board (UCCB) for vote at the 35th General Synod, the search for the next Associate General Minister (AGM) for the Love of Church unit at the National Ministries is underway, again.
The role of the second AGM has been vacant since the December 2023 exit of the Rev. Traci Blackmon. Since then, the Rev. Bentley deBardelaben-Phillips has been serving as the Transitional Executive, a role that he’ll continue to serve through this new search.
Following the original launch of this search and the search for the AGM, Love of Neighbor, the previous committee began its initial work in August 2024. That search, held online and in-person interviews, identified several candidates whose qualifications looked good on paper, according to then search committee chair, the Rev. Jasmine Quinerly. However, after careful consideration, discernment, and reflection on the final candidates, and the job description, no candidate was deemed appropriate to fill the role.
“There is a diversity of qualifications required to meet the needs of the Love of Church position,” said Quinerly, board chair for UCCB. “This senior leadership position is to serve multiple congregational styles and configurations, therefore visioning, planning, communications and policy implementation are required to serve in the life of the denomination as it is presently and to accommodate the future direction of the United Church of Christ.”
Now that new UCCB members have been elected, a new search committee is being formed with the intent of identifying a candidate to present for election at a special online meeting of the General Synod in early 2026.
“The search for an Associate General Minister for Love of Church reopens with tremendous hope and excitement for calling the right person for leading that body of work, ” said the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC General Minister and President/CEO. “Among the programmatic priorities adopted for the work of the National Ministries are strengthening the church and leadership development. While the other priorities apply, these two are particularly important. We will be looking for a person who brings passion for the local church and can lead through change and amidst the diversity that is present across the life of UCC congregations. I am looking forward to the process and to the calling of the next AGM.”
Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30. A candidate is expected to be named in early 2026. You can CLICK HERE to find more information.
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