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)
- Changes from 2019-2020 to 2020-2021 Settlement Handbook Iterations (PDF)
- If Your Settled Search Needs to be Virtual (PDF)
- 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 Ohase 7 (MP4): beginning a new ministry
- Settlement Handbook second round (MP4): if no match occurs
Important Links
Search Overview
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 (Word)
- 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 (Word)
- Compensation Worksheet
- 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 2020-2021
- 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
Phase Six: Finalizing the Offer
- Responsible Staffing (PDF, 14 pages)
- Oxford Document Management Company (background checks) (Word)
- Church Mutual Insurance Company (background checks)
Phase Seven: Entering into a New Ministry
If No Match Occurs: The Second Round
- None