Ministerial Review, Hold, and Settlement Restrictions

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Ministerial Hold

When a minister experiences considerable conflict or a difficult parting with a congregation or other institution, the Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) calls for a team of staff leaders (the “Review Team”) to ask that minister to participate in a process of assessment before they are eligible to participate in the search process or to accept contracts for congregational ministry, including sabbatical coverage.

The Review Team Assessment process requires the following:

  • A brief reflection (up to five pages) looking at the ministers’ part in the conflict and what they have learned;
  • A memo from UUA Congregational Life staff member most knowledgeable about the conflict;
  • Exit interviews from the Minister and (when possible) an exit interview from the Board of the congregation;
  • A draft professional and personal development plan. In some cases, the minister will be asked to do a formal assessment at one of the Ministerial Career Centers to help create such a plan.

These materials are considered confidential to the Review Team, and if necessary, the MFC. The Review Team meets, discusses their impressions of the situation, and develops any recommendations they may wish to make to the minister for additional work. This work could include requirements such as participation in a career assessment program, individual or group therapy, spiritual direction or other programs of continuing education, or a recommendation for clearance for settlement, perhaps with certain restrictions or cautions. The Review Team works closely with the UUMA to assign a mentor to reflect with the minister as they work on their developmental plan. The minister will be asked to submit a one-page report on their progress one year after being released from hold.

The minister has up to three years from the end date of the ministry to complete the essay before they are referred to the Ministerial Fellowship Committee for a fellowship review. Self-reflection, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, responsibility for one’s actions, and potential to avoid a similar situation in the future are all factors that will be evaluated.

See the Review Team page and the Rules and Policies of the Ministerial Fellowship Committee for more detail.

“On Hold”

“On Hold” means the minister is ineligible for ministerial search. Ministers may appeal hold decisions of the Review Team to the Ministerial Fellowship Committee.

“Settlement Restriction”

“Settlement Restriction” means the minister may be considered for certain parish ministry settings with the oversight of the Review Team and Transitions Office. These restrictions can include–—but are not limited to—setting, duration, percentage of full-time, required mentorship, continuing education, and therapy. Settlement restrictions can be lifted by the Review Team once no longer needed.