Transitions
The Transitions Office provides able assistance for the following groups.
Congregational Leaders and Ministers
- The Settlement Handbook (PDF, 53 pages)
The comprehensive guide to the process to call a minister for both congregations and ministers. - Transitional Ministry Handbook (PDF, 43 pages) (Word)
The updated comprehensive guide for all transitional ministries. Includes sample contracts for both interim and consulting ministries. - The Hire-to-Call Process (PDF, 8 pages)
Provides an outline for the process of hiring a second (or third, etc.) minister with the intent to call in the future. By Rev. Dr. Ian Evison. - Joint Recommendations Concerning Ministerial Agreements (PDF, 21 pages)
Background information for all ministerial agreements and sample letters of call for settled ministries. - Benefit Transition Directions (PDF) and Benefits Checklist For Transitioning Staff (PDF) courtesy of the Church Staff Finance department
Congregational Leaders
- The Resource Guide for Ministerial Search Committees
An essential supplement to The Settlement Handbook for congregations. - Compensation Calculator (PDF)
To assist in calculating the Unitarian Universalist Association-recommended cost of ministry for any ministerial position. - Responsible Staffing (PDF, 14 pages)
Guide to and rationale behind the process of screening ministers. Also see President's Letter (PDF) and Responsible Staffing Forms (PDF). Companies that conduct criminal background checks: - Guidelines for Part-time Ministry Searches (PDF)
A brief description of what the Transitions Office can offer to congregations seeking ministers for part-time (less than 3/4 time) positions. - Watch The Interim Opportunity (Windows Media) (QuickTime). Essential viewing for congregations at the beginning of their ministerial transition period.
Ministers
- Opportunities for Ministry
An up-to-the-minute list of all congregations publicly in transition. - How to Case a Church (PDF, 59 pages)
(Finding & Getting the Church of your Choice)
The classic (3rd edition) by Peter Spilman Raible.
Who We Are
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Transitions Office (formerly Settlement) provides counsel and resources to congregations facing or planning for changes in their professional ministry and church staff, including interim ministry to serve the congregation through the transition, and advises ministers on career planning and on seeking ministerial positions. Through a Ministerial Settlement Representative in each district, the Transitions Office offers counsel and support to ministerial search committees and provides confidential information about prospective candidates. These pages contain information of assistance to ministers seeking settled or transitional positions in congregations, and to congregations themselves.
When a minister announces s/he is leaving, contact the UUA Transitions Office and the field staff in your district for consultation and assistance.
For more information contact transitions @ uua.org.
Last updated on Thursday, October 1, 2009.
