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The United Church of Christ has reopened its search for an Associate General Minister (AGM) for the Love of Church unit at the National Ministries after not identifying a suitable candidate in its previous attempt. The position has been vacant since December 2023, following the departure of the Rev. Traci Blackmon. Since then, the Rev. Bentley deBardelaben-Phillips has served as Transitional Executive and will continue in that role during the renewed search process.
The initial search began in August 2024, led by a committee that conducted both online and in-person interviews with several candidates. According to the Rev. Jasmine Quinerly, then chair of the search committee and current board chair for UCCB, none of the final candidates were found appropriate for the role after thorough review.
“There is a diversity of qualifications required to meet the needs of the Love of Church position,” said Quinerly. “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.”
With new members elected to UCCB, a new search committee will be formed to identify a candidate for election at a special online meeting of the General Synod scheduled for 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 are being accepted until September 30, with an announcement on a new appointment expected in early 2026. More information about this opportunity can be found at https://www.ucc.org/.
