When people join our congregations, how much do we ask of them? Are we so grateful they’ve chosen us—and so fearful they might leave—that we ask little? Do we create the impression that our congregation is a place where they will be served without having to do much? That may be true for some…

There comes a time in the life of many congregations when they feel the need to take a public stand—as a congregation—on a compelling social issue, such as war with Iraq. The way in which a congregation takes such a stand is important. In most congregations there will be a group that may not be…

When members of All Souls Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church in Kansas City, MO (400 members), began having trouble finding a place to sit on Sunday morning they knew it was time to face the future. There are two solutions to crowded Sundays—expanding the building or adding a service. For All…

Should members of a congregation be hired for staff positions? Members bring enthusiasm and insights to a job that an outsider might not have. But if the relationship goes sour, the situation can be difficult. InterConnections put this question to the Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA’s)…

When a minister announces plans to take a sabbatical it can strike fear into the heart of the congregation. The prospect of being leaderless for months can be daunting. But to congregations that plan with care, a sabbatical not only gives the minister time for rest, reflection, and renewal, but…

Danvers, MA (221 members), gather for a service honoring “memory and tradition.” The service includes awards for church and community service, a naming of those who have died (including dropping a stone for each into a bowl of water), a short sermon, and a meditation period….

Q. We lose a lot of members within several years of joining. Should we be talking to these people to find out why they left? Is there an established way to do this? A. Unfortunately, many congregations lose a significant number of members within three years, says Rev. William Zelazny, District…

At First Unitarian Universalist Church, Rochester, MN (322 members), people who used wheelchairs had to be pushed up a steep hill to get into the sanctuary. And then they still couldn’t get to other parts of the building without help. It was an awkward situation. Other people worried that if they…

Many congregations struggle to find volunteers to do their financial work. If that’s your dilemma, consider hiring outside financial help….

Need a way to finance a special project? Do it one square foot or one piano key at a time. For instance: to buy a new piano, take the total cost and divide it by eighty-eight, then “sell” one key at a time….