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).

Housekeeping Tips for a Warm Welcome

• The minister’s office should be clean and empty before the settled minister’s arrival. Consider a fresh coat of paint in a color chosen by the new minister.
• Having an updated photo directory ready for the minister’s arrival will help them to get to know the members and friends of the congregation. Most church management software (ChMS) systems have this capability, but even a pdf file of a paper directory would be helpful.

Being a Good Employer

The UUA offers a plethora of resources and caring support to help your congregation be a good and faithful employer.

See Congregations as Employers for more detail.

Once the Minister Starts

Most ministers arrive in the area before their start date to settle in a bit, if possible. After the official start date, the minister starts to focus on fostering relationships and building trust, the cornerstones of a successful ministry.

There will be a lot to pay attention to in the first year, and Plan a Good Beginning for Your Minister will guide you.