The First Place to Go for Information
February 15, 2007
Q. The following question is from a participant on a Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) sponsored email list on leadership, UU-Leaders:If I don't ask, I'll never find out. Many of you have quoted various UUA guidelines for everything from pledging, to ministerial salaries, to what makes a "program church." How do I access UUA guidelines for congregations?
A. The first source should be The Congregational Handbook. It was revised in 2006 and is only available online, although the 1995 print edition may still be available in your church office.
Susanna Whitman, the UUA's growth services program manager and co-editor of the book with Margaret Beard, former UUA director of new congregation and growth resources, says that compiling the latest version of the handbook took three years. "Making it available online is the best way to keep it updated," she says. "The online edition also includes many links to other resources."
"If you're in a congregation and you have an issue that concerns you," says Whitman, "the question is always where should I go to find out about this? The handbook is a good first place for people to start, in addition to contacting their district staff."
The handbook has guidelines on everything from tracking newcomers to fundraising. Just a few of the other topics include ministerial relations, teacher recruitment, volunteers, youth programs, property insurance, and leadership retreats. The handbook describes the role of various church committees, how to hire a new minister or religious educator, how to do a self-study of your congregation, and how to develop a religious education department. The book also lists non-UUA resources available to congregations.
The new handbook also reflects the UUA's increased focus on growth and anti-oppression work, including a section on identity-based ministry.For more information contact interconnections @ uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
