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.
- The Settlement Handbook (PDF)
- 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
Phase Five: Discernment and Mutual Selection
- None
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
If No Match Occurs: The Second Round
- None
About the Author
-
Christine Purcell serves as the Transitions Program Manager for the Central East, MidAmerica, New England, and Southern Regions. She works closely with congregational leaders, search committees, and transitions coaches to support ministerial search processes.
For more information contact transitions@uua.org.
