Ministerial Formation Network

The Ministerial Formation Network (MFN) is an innovative and collaborative UUMA/UUA program designed to support every aspirant and candidate for our ministry no matter where they live, go to school or what their background and plans for ministry might be. The MFN offers discernment support, collegiality and supplemental education as a benefit of UUMA membership. At the heart of the MFN is individual or group companioning – without a layer of evaluation. There are 1:1 Vocational Advisors and Discernment groups, both of which offer practical information, spiritual connection and collegial care from experienced ministers. Participants in the MFN also have access to specialized learning opportunities on a range of topics beyond the training of theological schools and field work. Aspirants and candidate members in the MFN are also invited to relationship-deepening retreats with peers and mentors.

Enrollment in the MFN happens automatically when a person joins the UUMA as an Aspirant or Candidate in the UUA’s ministerial credentialing program and continues until one achieves Preliminary Fellowship, withdraws or opts out. Regular mailings and invitations are sent out to announce MFN programs, and orientations are held regularly to introduce participants to the full array of MFN and UUMA offerings.

Participants can choose to receive support for their formation from either a discernment group (starting September or January)​ or from an individual vocational advisor (opt in happens year-round – please request a VA using this form). Discernment groups meet monthly with a clergy facilitator and ask for a 10 month commitment to regular attendance. Vocational advisor matches are based on the needs and support goals of each aspirant or candidate member for an 8-10 month period, renewable upon mutual agreement. MFN participants may shift between groups and 1:1 work over time as one moves between classes, field work, internships and learning in each life season. The UUA’s Ministerial Fellowship Committee strongly encourages MFN involvement throughout one’s preparation process.

REGISTRATION CLOSES September 20, 2023 for Fall Discernment Groups. If you are interested in starting with a group in January 2024, please email to join the waiting list.

A special UU WellSpring for Seminarians group is also starting in January – please email for a full description and program details. This special collaboration will offer up to 12 aspirant/candidates a chance to participate in this high commitment, content rich experience. Folks who are attending non-UU theological schools or who are new to UUism are especially encouraged to apply.  While the MFN is subsidizing most of the cost of the program, there is a $50 per person fee in addition to several books to read as part of the program, and stipends available, please reach out for details.

Our retreat program offers a variety of virtual and multi-platform offerings throughout the year.  We seek to create memorable and meaningful opportunities for discernment, collegiality, and learning for those who are preparing for a life in ministry.  Click here for themes, dates, and registration. 

Upon membership in the UUMA, Aspirants and Candidates are encouraged to join UUMA Chapters and Groups based on geography and/or identities. Involvement in the UUMA can require making choices among the many wonderful options for collegiality! During one’s time in the MFN it may require setting priorities to balance when and how to get support and build connections. Vocational advisors, discernment groups, and conversations with UUMA leaders may be helpful along the way. UUMA staff and members are here to help you find the best tools for each phase discernment throughout your life in ministry. Reach out anytime!

The MFN offers a number of Formation Conversations throughout the year and we encourage MFN folks to take advantage of the many Collegial Conversations open to all members. 

Reach out if you have an idea for a program!  

The Rev. Michelle Favreault serves as the Manager of the MFN and is responsible for programs and leadership development, collaborating with our wide network of clergy volunteers. She works closely with the Director of Ministries for Collegial Care for the UUMA, Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and the Ministerial Credentialing Director of the UUA. Support is provided by the UUMA Collegial Care Assistant, Rev. Jan Taddeo.

Many UUMA members have roles within the MFN. Ministers in preliminary (with at least one renewal) and full fellowship serve as individual Vocational Advisors, Discernment Group leaders, program facilitators and UUMA Chapter Liaisons.  We are fortunate to have volunteers working in a wide-range of ministry settings and MFN participants often have the chance for mentorship from clergy serving in various community ministries including chaplaincy programs, non-profit, education and institutional settings as well as folks called to parish ministries with general and specialty callings as pastors, preachers, teachers and activists and artists (and more!). 

If you are interested in being a Discernment Group Leader, Retreat Facilitator or Chapter Liaison for the MFN, please contact Rev. Michelle by email.  To serve as a Vocational Advisor, please add yourself (or update!) our Mentor Database so we know of your availability and interest.

The MFN is funded by grants from the Panel on Theological Education, the St. Lawrence Foundation, the Fund for Unitarian Universalism, the Stevens Fund and by a portion of the UUMA budget.  We are very grateful to the generosity of our funders. There is no fee for MFN participation, as all members support the program by paying their dues to the UUMA.

Please reach out to Rev. Michelle Favreault, MFN Manager.

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