The ending of a ministry is an opportunity for reflection and learning. The exit interview practice enables congregational leaders, ministers, and regional staff to assess the ministry of both the congregation and the minister during their tenure.The experience is both pastoral and educational.

Congregations and ministers that take the time to conclude a ministry well, to express gratitude and good wishes, set the tone for the next ministry partnership.

We in the transitions office offer resources to assist congregational leaders, search teams, ministers, and regional staff throughout the search process, from planning for a departure to onboarding the new minister. Meet Our Transitions Staff!

When a professional leaves their position, it’s important to set their successor up well. A covenant between the outgoing and incoming professionals is one piece of a healthy transition, creating shared understandings and paving the way for the new staff member to fully embrace their role.

Congregations larger than 150 members (or so) usually use some sort of Congregational Management software. Here are some guiding considerations in choosing from the many options that are available.

In recent years, more congregations than ever before have chosen the contract search process over other types of ministry search, for several reasons.

Engaging essays from Unitarian Universalist leaders in the field show creative ways to transform and “upcycle” the main ingredients of our congregations into something relevant, innovative, and new.

Tip: When recording a Zoom meeting that will be shared publicly, we recommend that you not include participants' names. By default, when recording a Zoom meeting, Zoom includes the names of the participants in the lower left of each participant's video/image box. This can become a security issue,...

With so much personal, financial, and other important information able to be accessed online, it's more important than ever to use best practices for your digital security.

The UUA Office of Church Staff Finances provides Compensation Consultants and (new in summer 2024) Treasurer Support Team are available to help congregational leaders with needs related to compensation and finances.

Hiring new staff is a task that most congregational leaders have little to no experience doing or have done so in a business environment. How might we conduct job interviews in a way that incorporates our shared values? What kind of diversity do we want on our search team?

Planning a event grounded in our values but that may attract controversy or put attendees with marginalized identities at risk? Here are some tools for discernment.

A troubled world calls for us to make sure our congregations prepare for or prevent various threats with training, policies, and procedures ahead of time.

Your UUA leadership wants you and your congregation to meet this moment as democracy and basic freedoms are under threat, and offers these timely, curated resources.

The UUA offers rich resources for our member congregations! If you are looking for help for your congregation, but don't know where to start, you can start here!

Does your leadership role entail responsibilities related to supporting staff or budgeting for staff? The UUA Office of Church Staff Finances has a wealth of personnel-related resources available.

Resources for congregations to prevent and address issues pertaining to the safety of our people (staff, volunteers, leaders, congregants, guests, children, youth, vulnerable adults, etc.), places (congregational buildings, grounds, campus, etc.), and things (finances, data, property, etc.).

Every leader needs basic skills such as communication, systems thinking, spiritual grounding and an understanding of the dynamics of conflict. Effective Leadership Development teams focus on recruiting and relationship building.

Governance is a form of facilitation: these resources include board foundations, governance models, and how to effectively use your policies and procedures.

Need help with managing the fiduciary responsibilities of the congregation? Find guidance on governance and safety, training for board members, and tips and tools for fundraising, including stewardship and legacy giving.