What Others are Saying...
Abbey is a great preacher who has what it takes to build vital urban congregations: a love of people, a passion for justice, a strong work ethic, and a knack for organizational growth. She is among the finest young colleagues I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with.
Rev. Dr. Robert M. Hardies
Senior Minister
All Souls Church, Unitarian
Washington, DC
Rev. Dr. Robert M. Hardies
Senior Minister
All Souls Church, Unitarian
Washington, DC
Abbey stands out as one of the strongest candidates for our ministry that I have had the privilege of working with as a UU theological educator.
Abbey is a shining star of talent, ability, grace, and energy. She is devoted to our Unitarian
Universalist values; she delights in and loves the work of parish ministry; she is experienced and skilled in counter-oppressive work, social justice issues, institution building, and non-profit management.
Rev. Dr. Rebecca A. Parker
President Emeritus
Starr King School for the Ministry
Abbey is a shining star of talent, ability, grace, and energy. She is devoted to our Unitarian
Universalist values; she delights in and loves the work of parish ministry; she is experienced and skilled in counter-oppressive work, social justice issues, institution building, and non-profit management.
Rev. Dr. Rebecca A. Parker
President Emeritus
Starr King School for the Ministry
I have been privileged to know the Rev. Abbey Tennis since her days in seminary. From the first moment I met her I knew I was in the presence of greatness. Abbey has excelled in every role I have watched her in - student, intern minister, acting development director, parish minister. She has so many skills that make her a compassionate, effective leader. My favorites include her wonderful sense of humor, her commitment to hard work and our faith, her inquisitive and curious mind, her love and appreciation for people and her aptitude and willingness for leadership. I wish I could live near wherever it is she ministers as I would love to be one of those lucky enough to have her as minister.
Rev. Don Southworth
Executive Director
Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association
Rev. Don Southworth
Executive Director
Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association
Abbey's eclectic musical knowledge and careful attention to worship planning make her an ideal collaborator. She has both the skillset and the curiosity for seeking out unique and diverse musical options that help to take worship to the next level. We often share musical ideas and conundrums, despite being in very different churches. Put simply: it's fun and inspiring to work with her!
Jen Hayman
Director of Music and Arts
All Souls Church, Unitarian
Washington, DC
Jen Hayman
Director of Music and Arts
All Souls Church, Unitarian
Washington, DC
Abbey Tennis understands and loves our ministry, because she knows it begins with loving the people you serve. She brings a rare depth of experience to a career just beginning, and it's a fortunate congregation that will get to blossom with her.
Rev. Dr. Wayne Arnason
Immediate Past Chair
UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee
& Senior Parish Co-Minister
West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church
Rocky River, OH
Rev. Dr. Wayne Arnason
Immediate Past Chair
UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee
& Senior Parish Co-Minister
West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church
Rocky River, OH
Abbey and I worked closely together on the Starr King School for the Ministry Board of Trustees and Presidential Search (2012-2014). I also knew her as Starr King’s Advancement Director (2014-2015). I wish it were not so rare, but Abbey's clarity, sophistication, and commitment to good governance and organizational development truly put her head and shoulders above many I’ve worked with in more than 25 years as a non-profit (and church) administrator and consultant. She quickly inspires trust and collaborates with confidence and grace. Even under stress, Abbey is unfailingly warm, poised, good humored, and— always— conducts herself with absolute integrity.
As a long time lay leader at First Unitarian Church of Dallas, and as someone who co-chaired our most recent search for a senior minister, I find Abbey’s institutional skills and depth of experience remarkable. I know her to be a person of theological depth, personal humility, and extraordinary kindness. The thought of Abbey’s future in ministry and denominational leadership gives me great comfort and hope for Unitarian Universalism.
Jenny Weil
Former Director of Stewardship, current Trustee
First Unitarian Church of Dallas
As a long time lay leader at First Unitarian Church of Dallas, and as someone who co-chaired our most recent search for a senior minister, I find Abbey’s institutional skills and depth of experience remarkable. I know her to be a person of theological depth, personal humility, and extraordinary kindness. The thought of Abbey’s future in ministry and denominational leadership gives me great comfort and hope for Unitarian Universalism.
Jenny Weil
Former Director of Stewardship, current Trustee
First Unitarian Church of Dallas
Abbey Tennis is thoughtful, articulate, inspiring and kind. She awakens prophetic imagination among those she serves, inspiring their leadership and helping them, helping us, to give the world the shape of justice. I am grateful to call her my colleague.
Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs
Chair, Capital Campaign
Starr King School for the Ministry
& Co-Minister
Unity Church - Unitarian
St. Paul, MN
Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs
Chair, Capital Campaign
Starr King School for the Ministry
& Co-Minister
Unity Church - Unitarian
St. Paul, MN
I am the immediate past chair of Starr King School for the Ministry Board of Trustees, and an active lay leader in Unitarian Universalism. I worked closely with Rev. Tennis for three years — two when she served as student trustee on the Starr King board, and one when she served as head of development at the school, coincident with a change of leadership at the school.
Over the years I have had the good fortune to train hundreds of ministers in public ministry and religious leadership. And I have worked with dozens of SKSM students, as trustees or as student leaders in other form. I have found Rev. Tennis to be among the most gifted leaders, both as a student leader and as a member of the clergy.
Upon the end of her board service I told Rev. Tennis that I consider her to be one of the most effective leaders I have encountered, religious or otherwise. I know she has extraordinary potential, and I know that she would be a real asset for any congregation or organization.
Helio Fred Garcia
Immediate Past Chair
Board of Trustees, Starr King School for the Ministry
& Executive Director
Logos Consulting Group
Over the years I have had the good fortune to train hundreds of ministers in public ministry and religious leadership. And I have worked with dozens of SKSM students, as trustees or as student leaders in other form. I have found Rev. Tennis to be among the most gifted leaders, both as a student leader and as a member of the clergy.
Upon the end of her board service I told Rev. Tennis that I consider her to be one of the most effective leaders I have encountered, religious or otherwise. I know she has extraordinary potential, and I know that she would be a real asset for any congregation or organization.
Helio Fred Garcia
Immediate Past Chair
Board of Trustees, Starr King School for the Ministry
& Executive Director
Logos Consulting Group
