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 our UUA's Transitions Program Manager as a member of the Congregational Life field staff team. She works closely with congregational leaders, search committees, and transitions coaches to support ministerial search processes.
For more information contact transitions@uua.org.
