Exit Interview Practices for Other Ministerial Positions

Part of Exit Interviews for Departing Ministers and Other Staff

Cropped photo of faceless multiethnic interviewer & interviewee

When a ministry ends, congregations and ministers benefit from reflection on the course of the ministry with the congregation. Settled ministers go through an exit interview process usually overseen by congregational life staff.

Not only do the congregation and minister benefit from the evaluation and self-reflection, but ultimately other congregations and ministers benefit. Evaluations shared with the UUA allow our faith to share learnings from a particular ministry to assist our congregations, our ministers, and our faith.

Other types of ministers have differing processes:

  • Assistant or associate ministers are evaluated according to their congregation’s policies and procedures. The congregation is encouraged to share these with the Transitions Team and Regional Staff.
  • In interim ministers, the leadership and minister complete a joint evaluation at 6, 12, and 24 months. These are shared with the Transitions Team and Regional Staff.
  • In developmental ministry, the leadership and minister complete an annual joint evaluation of the developmental ministry. This is shared with the Transitions Team and Regional Staff.
  • Contract ministries that are less than half time may arrange their own evaluation process and can opt to share with the UUA. Regional staff may opt to conduct exit interviews with contract ministries that are half time or greater, or if there is a conflicted ending.