Large Congregations Resources
Here is a selection of links to web sites that are especially valuable for the leaders of large congregations. The Unitarian Universalist Association does not endorse the sites behind these links. They are offered by the Director for Large Congregations as an aid to congregational leaders.
Access the Large Church Library comprising papers by various authors on valuable topics for the leaders of large congregations. You may also access a recommended reading list of books that are especially valuable for the leaders of large congregations.
General Resources
- The Alban Institute
The Alban Institute is an ecumenical, interfaith organization founded in 1974, which supports congregations through publishing books and periodicals, consulting services, original research, and educational seminars. Alban publishes the bi-monthly magazine Congregations.
- Congregational Resource Guide
An effort of the Alban Institute in partnership with the Indianapolis Center for Congregations, the Congregational Resource Guide (CRG) exists to help congregational leaders connect with resources that will enable them to face challenges and foster vitality in their communities of faith.
- Indianapolis Center for Congregations
The Indianapolis Center for Congregations is dedicated to helping Indianapolis-area congregations find solutions to their pressing practical problems. We connect congregations with excellent resources—both local and national. The Center also shares what we learn from our experience in Indianapolis with congregations across the country.
- Large Congregations: Ideas, Experiences and Reflections (video)
A presentation at the 2006 UUA General Assembly by the Rev. Dr. Gilbert Rendle
"The book" is still being written about large congregations, which are fundamentally a phenomenon of the last generation. What's clear is that size matters—and one size doesn't fit all. The Alban Institute has studied the unique characteristics and needs of large congregations. What has been learned to date?
- Net Results
Net Results offers practical insights and methods through a monthly journal (Net Results), workshops and consultations for congregations, national conferences, and online seminars.
Covenant Groups and Small Group Ministry
- Covenant Group News
Covenant Group News is an email newsletter for Unitarian Universalists interested in small group ministry, edited by Bob Hill, the UUA District Executive for Southwest District. This web site includes subscription information and a complete archive of past issues.
- UU Resources for Small Group Ministry
Hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Community Church in Augusta, Maine, this web site features articles and other resources by Glenn Turner and Calvin Dame, two leading Unitarian Universalist experts on small group ministry.
Leadership and Governance
- Carver Governance
Policy Governance® is a specific set of concepts and principles and their application to the servant-leadership of boards and the board-management partnership.
- The Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership
The Greenleaf Center's mission is to fundamentally improve the caring and quality of all institutions through a new approach to leadership, structure, and decision-making. Servant-leadership emphasizes increased service to others; a holistic approach to work; promoting a sense of community; and the sharing of power in decision making.
- The Leadership Network
"The Leadership Network mission is to accelerate the emergence of effective churches by identifying, connecting and providing resources for innovative leaders. One way we achieve our mission is by creating unique connection experiences for leaders of large churches (congregations with 1,000 or more in average weekend worship attendance) who are pioneers and early adopters."
Ministry
- How to Minister Effectively in Family, Pastoral, Program, and Corporate Sized Churches
by Roy M. Oswald, Senior Consultant, The Alban Institute. An online "reprint" of an Action Information article about styles of ministry in different sized congregations.
For more information contact largecongregations @ uua.org.
This work is made possible by the generosity of individual donors and congregations. Please consider making a donation today.
Last updated on Thursday, May 12, 2011.
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