Overview of the Contract to Call Discernment Process

Part of The Contract to Call Process for Ministry

The contract to call process gives both the congregation and the minister to reflect on their mission and what their vision of ministry is for the future. Can this shared ministry get them there? What have been the dynamics in the relationship thus far? How have conflict and covenant been handled?

Ministers expect that the leaders of a congregation have developed, among members, an explicit sense of common direction.

A visual outline of the steps in the contract to call process described in this section.

Congregation’s Discernment

It is important to involve the whole congregation in the entire call process. It is equally important to accurately assess the congregation’s level of commitment in supporting the minister and the ministry of the congregation at-large. At a minimum, the congregation must be ready to:

  • consider what is best for the congregation, as a whole.
  • have a vision for the future of ministry that is widely shared
  • support a minister with fair compensation.
  • continue its commitment to the minister for at least three years
  • support their current minister through the call process.

If there is any emotionally charged critique or devotion present in the process, contact your regional staff for guidance.

Minister’s Discernment

For the minister, the key question to consider before the call process starts is: “If offered a call, would I accept, and under what conditions?”

Ministers should only agree to a contract to call process if they seriously intend to accept a call (should it be offered). 

It is perfectly ethical for a minister not to entertain a request or accept a call. Ministers may not enter the process or accept a call for a variety of reasons:

  • they believe their ministry with the congregation is complete
  • they believe the call process would divide the congregation
  • the congregation’s finances are not stable
  • other personal and/or family reasons

When the Ministry’s Viability is Questioned

The discernment may reveal that minister and congregation are not a good match. When a congregation decides not to initiate the call process, they should contact regional UUA staff and the UUA Transitions Team, since such a disappointment usually leads to a parting and a search for a new minister.

Sample Call Process Timeline

Each contract to call process is unique to your congregation, so use this timeline as an example. The more important advice is to allowing enough time for thorough consideration for each step of the timeline. The task force’s goal is broad consensus supporting whatever decision the congregation makes.

Keep in mind as you plan when to begin the process that most ministers search between December and May for new positions. March 15 is the latest date for a vote to call that gives both the minister and the congregation appropriate time to enter the transitional ministry search process for an August start date if the call process does not work out. 

Sample Timeline

Month 1

The board appoints a call process task force. The task force meets with the current minister to determine whether the minister will consider a call, if extended. If “Yes,” then follow the remaining elements of the timeline. If “No,” then the ministry may continue in its current configuration, or a search process may begin. The task force should advise the board and consult with your regional Congregational Transitions Director about next moves.

Month 2

The call process task force meets to plan its process, to develop a timeline, and to assign responsibilities to its members. The task force communicates its plan to the congregation.

Month 3

A Sunday service about the call process takes place, the task force is introduced (and perhaps commissioned )and communicates about the small group opportunities.

Month 4

Small group meetings take place. The call process task force compiles presents a summary report and recommendation to the board & minister. The board and minister decide on next steps.

Month 5

The board holds a congregational meeting to vote on the decision to call the minister. If affirmative, the minister accepts or declines.

Contact regional UUA staff if the call result is not affirmative, or if the minister declines.