Leadership Resource Library
LeaderLab Resource Collection
Leadership Resource Library
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Sparking Creativity: Creating Abundance
Every congregation I go to has a list of things they have to do or want to do that they just can’t do because they don’t have the resources – money, volunteers, energy, space, whatever it is. Maybe it’s time to change your framing so that you can create abundance.By Megan Foley | 9/11/2019 -
Sparking Creativity: Yes We Can If...
When thinking about needed or wanted change, congregations can sometimes feel stymied. And, let’s face it, human systems like religious communities don’t tend to like to change. In a way, we need to trick the system in order to allow in energy and creativity.By Megan Foley | 9/11/2019 -
Communicating Changes to Bylaws
Bylaws changes require approval by the congregation in a meeting of the whole. Like any significant change, changes to bylaws should be communicated as clearly as possible with lots of opportunity for questions and comments.By UUA Congregational Life Staff Group | 9/11/2019 -
Worship Associates Training Sample (West Shore)
This worship associates training model was developed by the Revs. Wayne Arnason and Kathleen Rolenz (authors of Worship that Works) during the time they serve West Shore UU Church in Rocky River, Ohio.By Wayne B Arnason, Kathleen Rolenz, West Shore UU Church, Cleveland, OH | 9/3/2019 -
Employee or Independent Contractor?
Each individual you compensate is either an employee or an independent contractor. This is a critical legal distinction, with implications for benefits, taxes, and more.By Jan Gartner | 8/13/2019 -
Showing Films in Congregations
Planning to Show a Film? You are legally and ethically required to follow public performance laws.By UUA Congregational Life Staff Group | 8/13/2019 -
Sharing Photos or Video with the UUA
Your UUA staff loves to use photos from our congregations on the UUA website! Here's how:By UUA Information Technology Service Staff Group: Web Team | 8/13/2019 -
Sample Photo and Video Permission Form
Congregations and other Unitarian Universalist (UU) organizations should adopt a permissions policy for photos and video. Here is a sample.By UUA Congregational Life Staff Group | 8/13/2019 -
When Thinking About Fundraising, Think "Pockets"
Giving to the annual operating fund is the “monthly expenses” pocket, giving to the capital campaign is the “home renovations” pocket. What other pockets of giving do we see in congregations?By Renee Ruchotzke | 8/13/2019 -
Personnel Committee
Personnel Committees operate like Human Resources departments in that they don't hire, manage or supervise staff. Instead they advise on best practices.By UUA Congregational Life Staff Group | 8/12/2019 -
The Unique Finances of Your Minister
You’ve probably heard that there are special tax rules for ministers. Most church leaders don’t need to be experts on ministerial compensation, but it’s important to understand the basics of how payroll and taxes for the minister differ from other employees. ...By Jan Gartner, UUA Ministries and Faith Development: Office of Church Staff Finances | 8/6/2019 -
Staffing and Interdependence: When a Staff Member Changes Congregations
When a staff member changes congregations, these values and suggestions can help uphold sound processes and healthy relationships.By Jan Gartner, Jonipher Kūpono Kwong, UUA Ministries and Faith Development: Office of Church Staff Finances, UUA Congregational Life Staff Group | 8/4/2019 -
Assess Your Hospitality Using Secret Seekers
Almost all of our visitors come hoping that they will find their spiritual home. They have not just wandered off the street and into our sanctuaries, they have done their homework: They know what Unitarian Universalism claims to be, and are now seeing if a particular...By Pacific Western Region of the UUA | 8/2/2019 -
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee assists the board and financial officers (i.e. the Treasurer) in monitoring and managing the congregation's financial resources by providing reports and making recommendations. The authority to make decisions from this information rests with the board.By UUA Congregational Life Staff Group | 8/2/2019 -
Money Matters Resources
Consulting, Publications and Connects for Congregational Finance staff and leaders.7/29/2019 -
Endowment Funds
Endowments need special handling to ensure transparency, accountability and impact.7/29/2019 -
Money Matters: Financial Management for Congregations
As organizations largely staffed by volunteers who may not have a business or accounting background, congregations will want to establish systems, policies and procedures to reinforce financial health and vitality.By UUA Congregational Life Staff Group | 7/29/2019 -
Embezzlement
Embezzlement from congregations is not unusual, and it almost always occurs when one individual has been granted such a high degree of trust with no safeguards.By Kim Sweeney | 7/29/2019 -
Audits
Rarely can congregations pay for a full-blown audit of the church books by a CPA. An alternative is a management review of the congregation’s cash management procedures, which can be done by any other accountant or experienced church bookkeeper.7/29/2019 -
Tax Exempt Status
UU Congregations are churches, and exempt under U.S. Tax Law. There may be advantages to seeking 501(c)(3) such as sales tax exemption.By UUA Ministries and Faith Development: Office of Church Staff Finances | 7/29/2019
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About the Author
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The regional Congregational Life staff are congregations' local connection to the UUA. All of the program Congregational Life staff have expertise in most aspects of congregational life and each also has a few program areas of expertise. See the UUA Congregational Life Staff...
For more information contact conglife@uua.org.
