Congregations in Transition

Contact the UUA Plan a Good Ending Schedule an Exit Interview Determine Type of Next Ministry Plan Your Search Plan a Good Beginning

When Your Minister Leaves

Please know that you are not alone! Your congregational president, board chair or moderator is urged to reach out as soon as it is known that the ministry is ending.

Contact the UUA

The congregation’s president, moderator or equivalent should immediately contact:

  1. Your UUA regional staff. They know your congregation and its history, and will be a partner with your leadership during the process.
  2. The UUA Congregational Transitions Director at transitions@uua.org, who will help you decide what kind of ministry will be best for your congregation’s situation.
  3. Fill out the Notice of Ministerial Transition form (no earlier than six months before the departure date).

Plan a Good Ending

Congregations and ministers that take the time to conclude a ministry well, and to express gratitude and good wishes, set a positive tone for the next ministry partnership. For more, see Ending a Ministry Well.

For Troubled Endings

Congregations who are estranged or in conflict should contact their regional staff. It’s especially important to hold good boundaries in such situations.

Reflect on the Ministry Via Exit Interviews

The ending of a ministry is an opportunity for reflection and learning. The exit interview practice enables congregational leaders, ministers, and regional staff to assess the ministry of both the congregation and the minister during their tenure.

Determine the Type of Your Next Ministry

Be in close contact with the UUA Congregational Life Staff and Transitions Office to determine which kind of ministerial search is best for your congregation.

4 stylized colored avatars of ministers in boxes with a white background.

Not Sure Which Ministry Type Is Right for Your Congregation?

Not sure which ministry type is right for your congregation? Compare settled, interim, contract, developmental, and other ministry options before beginning your search.

Explore Ministry Search Types

Plan Your Search

Once you have identified the appropriate ministry type, review the corresponding guidance and search resources:

Plan a Good Beginning

Give a new ministry a good beginning by attending to details as an employer, scheduling a start-up, and planning an installation (for called ministers). See Plan a Good Beginning for Your Minister for advice on welcoming your new minister.