PO Box 888345, Grand Rapids MI 49588

NEW PHONE NUMBER 517-258-0038 | To care for UCC clergy and churches in Michigan.

Search and Call

Churches in Michigan Currently Searching for Pastors – updated 01.08.25

This spreadsheet is updated monthly for the Michigan Conference UCC Newsletter.

For current ministerial job openings in the Michigan Conference you can also search “MI” on the opportunities page of the United Church of Christ

For questions related to a church or to have your profile sent: email Associate Conference Minister Rev. Lawrence Richardson

Current List of Searching Churches

Pastor-Church Relations

One of the healthiest ways a church can support the leadership of its pastor and ensure healthy communication between the pastor and the local congregation is a Pastoral Relations Committee.

Here are some resources for forming and maintaining an effective team, including a discussion guide written by Conference Minister Lillian Daniel to enhance relationships between pastors and congregations.

The UCC also provides guidance for the roles and responsibilities of individuals serving as  as members of a Pastoral Relations Committee.

Discussion Guide for A Sure Foundation UCC Resource: A Sure Foundation

You may also find this free downloadable guidebook and the following books helpful:

Completing The Circle: Reviewing Ministries in the Congregation by David R. McMahill

When Better Isn’t Enough: Evaluation Tools for the 21st-Century Church by Jill M. Hudson

Evaluating Ministry: Principles and Processes for Clergy and Congregations by Jill M. Hudson

Pastor Search

Because our core mission is to equip the clergy and the churches of the Michigan Conference UCC for faithful leadership, we support, coach and offer resources to churches that are experiencing transitions in pastoral leadership. 

We can also answer questions from clergy seeking a called or an interim ministry position in Michigan. 

If your church is experiencing a transition in leadership, or if you have questions about the search and call process in Michigan, please contact Rev. Lawrence Richardson, Associate Conference Minister for Church Vitality and Transition

Search and Call Overview

A Guide to Pastoral Search and Call

 

START HERE:  A Guide to Pastoral Search and Call

A resource in support of the covenants that bind together the ministry of Pastors and their Congregations.

Profiles for Clergy and Churches (Curriculum Vitae or Résumé)

  • Clergy use the online profile system recently launched by the United Church of Christ to search for a church call. Watch this video to learn more about how this system will be used by your church’s Search Committee.
  • Churches need to know that completing a Church Profile will be a major task for your Search Committee.  Meeting with Conference Staff will help facilitate creating your Church profile. The outline for this document is available for download in both Word and PDF formats.
  • Once your church’s profile is complete, you will list your church’s opening on the United Church of Christ’s Online Opportunities Listings.

Sample Call Agreements (Contracts) and Compensation Guidelines

Your church’s first task during a pastoral transition will often be to hire an interim minister.

When your church has narrowed to a final candidate, consult these documents:

National Setting Ministerial Compensation Report May 2023

Interim Ministry

If you have questions, please contact Rev. Lawrence Richardson

Profiles

Michigan Clergy Salary, Compensation Guidelines, and Openings

Other Local Church Staff Openings

Michigan Conference policy for other local church and Conference positions is to post them on our Facebook page with the header JOB OPPORTUNITY

You can use the search feature to find all postings.  Search  JOB OPPORTUNITY on the Michigan Conference Facebook page for all current available positions and contact information for local churches.

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