The Settlement Handbook

Our Association's settled ministry search process can seem long and complex. A lot happens between the announcement that a minister is leaving to the beginning of a new ministry; however, year after year we see that good process yields better ministry matches.

We offer our guide to the settled search process in two formats: a document and a companion video series which breaks the search down into phases. Important links/forms for each phase are also included on this page and in the Appendix of the PDF document.

1. The Settlement Handbook (PDF)
2. A series of brief, conversational videos about the phases of the search process with Rev. Keith Kron, our Transitions Director:

• Settlement Handbook introduction
• Settlement Handbook overview
• Settlement Handbook phase 1: concluding a ministry well
• Settlement Handbook phase 2: education and preparation for the search
• Settlement Handbook phase 3: building the search structure
• Settlement Handbook phase 4: opening up the search
• Settlement Handbook phase 5: discernment/mutual selection
• Settlement Handbook phase 6: finalizing the offer
• Settlement Handbook phase 7: beginning a new ministry
• Settlement Handbook second round: if no match occurs

Important Links

Phase One: Concluding a Ministry Well

UUMA Guidelines

Second Ministry Search Handbook

Notice of Ministerial Transition

Transitional Ministry Handbook

Phase Two: Education and Preparation for Search

Finding a Compensation Consultant

General Compensation Information

Ministerial Website Template

Regional Transitions Coach Report after First Visit (for Coaches)

Phase Three: Building the Structure to Search

Congregational Covenant

Ministerial Covenant

Congregational Survey

Beyond Categorical Thinking Program Information

BCT Request Form (Word)

Blank Congregational Record

Blank Ministerial Record

2019 UUA/UUMA Recommended Ministerial Agreement for Full-time Senior, Lead, and Solo Ministries (Word)

Contract Change Form

Sample Interview Questions for Search Committees and Ministers (xls)

Government Reimbursement Rates for Mileage

Clergy Moving Resource from Maj-Britt Johnson

A Guide to Process Observation (from UU Regional Lead Rev. Dr. Ian Evison)

GeoIndex Listing 2019-2020

Report after Second Visit (Coaches)

Phase Four: Opening Up for the Search

Regional Transitions Coach Report After Third Visit (for Coaches)

Phase Five: Discernment and Mutual Selection

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Phase Six: Finalizing the Offer

Responsible Staffing (PDF, 14 pages)

Oxford Document Management Company (background checks)

Church Mutual Insurance Company (background checks)

Phase Seven: Entering into a New Ministry

Notice of Ministerial Call

If No Match Occurs: The Second Round

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