The Associate Minister Search Committee wants to share a brief update on the Associate Minister search and where we are in the process.
The committee, chaired by Adam Steinbach and including Leah Georges, Will Reimer, Jan Benitez, and Mimi Goings, continues its work in close collaboration with Rev. Dr. Jenny Shultz-Thomas. The search was launched in June 2025 with the guidance and support of the Nebraska Conference UCC, which helped us establish both a clear scope for the role and a realistic timeline.
Watch Adam’s update on YouTube here!
Early in the process, the committee focused on developing a position description that reflects Countryside’s current and future needs. Since then, we have received multiple profiles from the UCC, other denominations, and broader pastoral networks. We have reviewed candidates and conducted interviews, and each step has helped sharpen our discernment about the kind of pastoral leadership that will best serve Countryside in this season.
Through this process, we have gained increased clarity about the role itself. The Associate Minister we are seeking is a generalist with a strong and visible commitment to congregational care. This person will partner closely with Jenny in the pastoral life of the church, provide leadership and coordination for Congregational Care ministries, and help ensure that care, connection, and presence remain central to our life together.
Alongside that core focus, the Associate Minister will carry significant responsibility for Christian Education and Spiritual Growth—particularly with children, youth, and families—supporting and equipping our staff and volunteers as we continue building a strong, sustainable ministry of faith formation for all ages.
This clarity has also been shaped by Countryside’s work over the past year with Ministry Architects and the Implementation Team. We are grateful for the leadership and collaboration of Leah Georges, Metta West (Chair of the Board of Christian Education and Spiritual Growth), Vicki Roy, Joanna Murnan, and Tom Reilly, whose work has helped focus this role in ways that support both immediate needs and long-term vitality.
The position remains posted, and the committee continues active discernment. Our hope is to bring a candidate before the congregation by late spring, with a summer start date, so that we can begin the fall program year with a full pastoral team in place.
We will continue to share updates through worship announcements, this weekly email, and other communication channels as there is meaningful progress to report. Thank you for your prayers, your engagement, and your trust as we continue this important work together.
With gratitude,
Adam Steinbach
Vice-Moderator Elect
Chair, Associate Minister Search Committee