Choosing or changing the name of the congregation is an important decision, for it will help shape the congregation's vision and image. Following are some considerations. What Kind of Community? Many descriptive words can describe a religious group that gathers together....

Bylaws exist to support and enhance the functioning of the congregation. Good bylaws provide good process. Bylaws are important in laying the groundwork for any organization. Although written in language to satisfy legal requirements, bylaws also encapsulate the vision, hopes, and dreams of the...

All bylaws need to be amended from time to time. Ideas and thoughts change, and new situations arise that need to be addressed in the bylaws. Bylaws should include provisions on how they can be amended.

Whether you are a new congregation, you are merging two or more congregations, or you are making changes an existing congregation; forming a bylaws task force is an important first step....

The Bylaws provide the formal structure of your congregation and allow for maintaining and changing that structure. Bylaws hold the highest level of authority of congregational guiding documents. Some state laws require that congregations have a constitution, charter, articles of incorporation or...

Attribution and Permission This exercise was originally developed by Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs in 2007 and refined by the Unity Consulting team for the UU University Governance Track in 2008. You can see Unity Consulting lead it at UU University. This exercise also appears in The Nested Bowls: The...

Annual reports, often published in conjunction with a congregation's annual meeting, provide an opportunity to report on the annual goals that are serving the mission and vision of the congregation

Establishing and maintaining Beloved Community depends on establishing and maintaining covenantal relationships. Develop a covenant as a sacred promise of meaningful and mutual relationship.

A congregation’s mission is an answer to the question, “Why does this congregation exist in the world?” Congregational leaders are constantly faced with a barrage of decisions. Without a clear mission, how can they make those decisions?

Leaders who want to engage the creativity of the congregation in a process (such as the creation of guiding documents or strategic plans) can learn to ask questions and host conversations that will facilitate group learning.

Guiding documents like bylaws, covenants, mission statements, vision statements and strategic plans are developed in consultation with the congregation as a whole so that there is a general sense of trust and ownership. The documents can then serve as guides for the board, minister, staff and lay...

Since individuals determine their own beliefs, we do not share a creed to tell us why we exist. Rather, the members of each gathered community must determine for themselves the reasons for their ministry and why that matters.

What are the basic documents that every board member should have at their fingertips? Here is a handy list to construct your own board manual.

Contact MidAmerica Region Congregational Life Staff...

Many congregations start the church year with a retreat for the Board of Trustees (including the Minister), often Friday evening through Saturday afternoon.

There are times when leaders need to take time and space to struggle with deeper questions. Generative conversations can create that kind of space

Question our assumptions, include everyone, and choose how we decide.

Embracing an innovative shared leadership model has created a happier, more vital congregation in Athens, Georgia.

What are typical job descriptions for the officers on a congregational board? Here is summary of typical roles and responsibilities....