UUFR Lead Minister Search

The Search Team is excited to announce the candidate for UUFR’s next Lead Minister is The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Stevens!

Questions or comments? Email us at:

About Elizabeth

The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Stevens (or, as she says, "please just call me Elizabeth") is the candidate for UUFR's next settled lead minister.Elizabeth brings over 25 years of ordained ministry within Unitarian Universalism, including two settled ministries. For the past 14 years she has served as the lead minister of the UU Church of the Palouse in Moscow, Idaho.During her time in Idaho, she supported a thriving and growing congregation, guided her community through significant external challenges with resilience and care, and helped lead a successful $2.6 million capital campaign and building project.Elizabeth also contributes to Unitarian Universalism at the national level through leadership in the UUMA and providing training on conflict, trauma, and healthy congregational systems.

We invite you to learn more about Elizabeth:

Meet Elizabeth
April 18-26

Elizabeth will visit Raleigh April 18 - 26 in a period called Candidating Week. She will lead worship on April 19th and 26th.
This is an important opportunity for the congregation to:
- Hear her preach
- Ask questions
- Engage in group discussion
- Envision a future ministry partnership with her

Candidating Week will provide many chances to meet Elizabeth. Use the link below to view the schedule and sign up.

Congregation Vote
April 26

In Unitarian Universalist congregations, a strong affirmative vote (typically around 95%) is needed for a minister to accept a call, reflecting the importance of mutual trust and shared commitment.On April 26th, after services, the congregation will vote whether to call Elizabeth to settled ministry.
Your participation, discernment, and voice are important!Minister Call Vote:
Sunday April 26
Following 2nd service (approx. 12:45pm)All members are eligible to vote. Ballots will be available at both the first and second services that morning.If you are considering membership and would like to participate, please complete your membership registration by Sunday, April 12. You may do so by stopping by the office or completing the membership form online: https://uufr.breezechms.com/form/7f55d8For those unable to attend on April 26, absentee ballots will be available in the office beginning April 12.

Congregational Reports & Survey

The congregation's hopes and inputs were critical guides to the Search process
In Fall 2025 we received over 300 responses to our survey. Additionally, over 200 congregants participated in small group Searching Circles.Below are the links to the Survey Report and Searching Circle Reports which aggregate and summarize the views shared by the congregation. Thank you all who participated and gave us this crucial guidance in finding the best lead minister for UUFR.

Learn More About the Search

Visit UUFR’s website for more info about our Lead Minister Search process, timeline, and the Search Team.