Pollinating Administrative Capacity Across Congregations

April 21, 2026

Silhouette of large black bee against background of blue sky, yellow sun, green grass, brown soil, and yellow flower

What is Pollination?

Pollination is an expression of our shared value of Interdependence. When it comes to doing the foundational administrative work of a congregation, should we really expect each individual faith community to figure everything out for themselves – and to have all of the talent and tools they need in-house? Might we make congregational life simpler and stronger for all by collaborating and sharing talent across congregational lines? That’s pollination.

Why is Pollination a Great Idea?

Pollinating creates capacity by allowing congregations to:

Live our shared value of interdependence
Liberate energy for mission
Enhance and streamline infrastructure, programs, and services
Capitalize on existing knowledge of UU systems and norms through shared wisdom
Improve compliance and lower risk (legal, financial, reputational, etc.)
Increase the sustainability and stability of the work
Expand work opportunities that help retain talented staff

In This Section

Models of Sharing Administrative Talent
From LeaderLab

There’s more than one way to share administrative talent across congregational lines. An administrator can even “mix and match” these approaches. What might make sense for your congregation?
Challenges of Sharing Administrative Talent
From LeaderLab

Most congregations are unaccustomed to sharing staff and it can take a little getting used to. Here we address a few areas that you may find tricky. These should not be seen as barriers, but as opportunities for the kind of intention that we hope you show in all of your employment relationships.
Real-Life Experiences with Sharing Administrative Talent

Jan Gartner

From LeaderLab

We’ve collected quotes and stories from administrators who have served in more than one UU faith community simultaneously, as well as from leaders and supervisors who have experience sharing an administrative role with another congregation.
Getting Started with Sharing Administrative Talent
From LeaderLab

Congregational leaders, are you intrigued by the possibility of sharing an administrative employee, whether a generalist or a specialist (e.g., bookkeeper, communications manager)? Administrators, might serving two or more UU faith communities be a good choice for you? We’ll help you get started.