Congregation Exit Interview
To be conducted with the lay leadership of the congregation by a member of the Congregational Life staff group (regional staff) or designee.
Introduction
This interview is a tool for reflection and increasing self-awareness of the congregation at the end of this ministry.
Regional staff will provide written copies of the report to the board chair (or designee), the departing minister, and the UUA Transitions Team.
Regional staff will also share the report with the interim minister(s), and the newly settled minister(s).
The transition interview provides an occasion for a representative of the region to check in with the leadership of the congregation. It is a good time to establish whether:
- the congregation has checked whether it follows its by-laws regarding such matters as termination, call, and committee on ministry, and whether its by-laws serve them well (experience of field staff and the UUA Transitions Team, for example, suggests that a call of a minister should require at least a 90% vote and for dismissal 30% should be sufficient)
- the congregation has thoughtfully considered the appropriate pace and process for its
search process - the congregation understands the roles of the Congregational Transitions Director (the person in the Congregational Life staff group with the nationwide transitions portfolio) and the Compensation Consultant and has planned to meet with them at the appropriate point in its process, and/or
- the congregation needs any other assistance.
| Information | Filled in by Interviewer |
|---|---|
| Date of interview: | |
| Congregation: | |
| City & State/Province: | |
| Name of departing minister(s): | |
| Date of minister’s departure: | |
| Name of interviewer: | |
| Board chair or alternate contact person: | |
| —Email: | |
| —Phone: | |
| Number of persons participating: | |
| Name of each participant and their role in leadership (list): |
Transition Interview Questions
- What went well during this shared ministry?
- What were the biggest challenges during this shared ministry?
- What did you learn during this shared ministry?
- Why did the ministry end?
- How was conflict handled during this shared ministry?
Some examples: boundaries, healthy relations policies/processes, identity-based bias/conflict, bullying (and tolerance for bullying), covenant, unspoken expectations, or issues with trust, power, or authority - How was the ministry shared between the minister, staff, and lay people?
- How did identity bias (gender, sexuality, ableism) contribute to challenges the minister
experienced? - Were there any cultural shifts in the congregation during this ministry?
Some examples: inclusion, generosity, trust, and justice focus. - What are your hopes for the future of this congregation’s ministry?