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. Changes from 2019-2020 to 2020-2021 Settlement Handbook Iterations (PDF)
3. If Your Settled Search Needs to be Virtual (PDF)
4. A series of brief, conversational videos about the phases of the search process with Rev. Keith Kron, our Transitions Director:

• Settlement Handbook Introduction (MP4)
• Settlement Handbook Overview (MP4)
• Settlement Handbook Phase 1 (MP4) : concluding a ministry well
• Settlement Handbook Phase 2 (MP4): education and preparation for the search
• Settlement Handbook Phase 3 (MP4): building the search structure
• Settlement Handbook Phase 4 (MP4): opening up the search
• Settlement Handbook Phase 5 (MP4): discernment/mutual selection
• Settlement Handbook Phase 6 (MP4): finalizing the offer
• Settlement Handbook Phase 7 (MP4): beginning a new ministry
• Settlement Handbook second round (MP4): if no match occurs

Important Links

Search Overview

• UUMA Guidelines
• Second Ministry Search Handbook

• If Your Settled Search Needs to be Virtual

• Visual Guide: Search Cycle Newsletter Sign Up for Ministers

Phase One: Concluding a Ministry Well

• Notice of Ministerial Transition
• Transitional Ministry Handbook
• Minister Emeritus/a Policies
• Board Checklist for the Settled Search

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)
• Visual Guide: Initiating a Search & Logging into the MinistrySearch System

Phase Three: Building the Structure to Search

• Congregational Covenant
• Ministerial Covenant
• Congregational Survey
• Beyond Categorical Thinking Program Information
• BCT Request Form
• Blank Congregational Record
• Blank Ministerial Record
• Visual Guide: Steps to Completing the Congregational Record
• Visual Guide: Sharing Files Confidentially via Google Docs and Dropbox
• Joint UUA/UUMA Recommended Ministerial Agreement for Solo/Senior Ministries (Word)
• Contract Change Form
• Compensation Worksheet
• Sample Interview Questions for Search Committees and Ministers
• 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 2020-2021
• GeoIndex Listing 2021-2022
• Report after Second Visit (Coaches)

Phase Four: Opening Up for the Search

• Visual Guide: Completing the Ministerial Record and Expressing Interest in Congregations
• Regional Transitions Coach Report After Third Visit (for Coaches)

Phase Five: Discernment and Mutual Selection

• Visual Guide: Release of Ministers’ Names

Phase Six: Finalizing the Offer

• Responsible Staffing
• 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

• None