Opportunity for Ministry

Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Seeking Half-Time Contract Minister

Start Date: March 1, 2026 (flexibility to start earlier or later)

Position Highlights
Reports to: Board of Directors of Bull Run Unitarian Universalists (BRUU)
Time Commitment: 50% time
Term: 12-month contract (renewable by mutual agreement)
Compensation: Salary range $40-45K, and benefits subject to negotiation

Who is BRUU
Bull Run Unitarian Universalists (BRUU) is a vibrant, lay-led congregation located in historic Old Town Manassas, Virginia. As a “safe community for seeking and service,” BRUU welcomes people of many theological perspectives—humanist, theist, agnostic, atheist, and beyond—united by shared commitments to compassion, justice, and the free pursuit of truth. We are an intellectually engaged and spiritually nourishing community that values inclusivity, social action, and the creative interplay of worship, fellowship, and service. Currently in a period of transition and renewal, BRUU seeks a ministerial partner to guide us in deepening our spiritual life, strengthening right relations, and helping to sustain our mission within the broader Manassas and Prince William County region.

Purpose / Role Overview
BRUU is seeking a half-time minister who will coordinate with lay leadership, staff, and the congregation to deepen our spiritual life, promote intellectual and ethical engagement, honor our commitments to justice, equity, inclusion, and compassion, and help us grow as a welcoming, high-energy congregation in our community. This minister will help the congregation move forward with transparency, mutual trust, clarity of roles, and shared ministry. Like all good congregations, we are ideally seeking a minister who can walk on water and tell a joke while they’re doing it (really, the latter is more important!).

Responsibilities
Worship & Preaching: Plan and deliver sermons (2 per month). Work with worship teams, lead special services (holidays, rites of passage).
Pastoral Care & Community Presence: In coordination with the Pastoral Care team, provide pastoral care (visits, counseling, grief support). Be present in congregational life and welcoming to newcomers. Support the congregation in their ongoing efforts to positively impact the community.
Leadership & Collaboration: Work with lay leaders, committees, and staff to support BRUU’s programs, improve communication, and support governance clarity.
Justice, Equity, and Inclusion: Support justice and inclusivity efforts. Model anti-racism and equity practices.
Healthy Community: In coordination with the Healthy Community team, model and teach the meaning of being in covenant and maintaining right relations.
Administrative Coordination: Coordinate with the board, attend meetings within limits of half-time role, prepare reports as agreed upon.

Core Competencies
– Demonstrates warmth, empathy, and active listening in interpersonal interactions; effectively builds relationships, motivates action, and communicates with clarity and compassion while maintaining professional boundaries.
– Guided by rich personal spiritual practice and able to support the spiritual growth of congregants across diverse pathways and traditions.
– Committed to BRUU’s mission and values, including spiritual growth, diversity, justice, and inclusion.
– Models integrity, confidentiality, and transparent communication in all interactions.
– Skilled in collaboration and conflict resolution, with experience (or willingness) to build and sustain programs that nurture a healthy and resilient congregation.
– Possesses a balanced and reflective personality, demonstrating self-understanding, emotional maturity, and a genuine love of ministry.

Specific Position Prerequisites
– Have obtained an M.Div and satisfactory completion of an approved clinical pastoral education (CPE) program or equivalent.
– Ordained or credentialed UU minister (or on path) or equivalent spiritual leader.
– Must pass a background check.

What qualities do we need in our new half-time minister?

BRUU garage band on float in Manassas Christmas Parade, 2025