Congregations in Transition

Your Minister Is Leaving! Now What?

Please know that you are not alone! Your congregational president, board chair or moderator is urged to reach out as soon as it is known that the ministry is ending.

Contact the UUA

Meeple with a UUA Chalice on its chest

The congregation’s president, moderator or equivalent should immediately contact:

  1. Your UUA regional staff. They know your congregation and its history, and will be a partner with your leadership during the process.
  2. The UUA Congregational Transitions Director at transitions@uua.org, who will help you decide what kind of ministry will be best for your congregation’s situation.
  3. Fill out the Notice of Ministerial Transition form (no earlier than six months before the departure date).

Plan a Good Ending

Purple and magenta theater curtains pulled closed.

Ending a Ministry Well

From LeaderLab
<p>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.</p>

Ending a Ministry

For Troubled Endings

Congregations who are estranged or in conflict should contact their regional staff. It’s especially important to hold good boundaries in such situations.

Reflect on the Ministry Via Exit Interviews

Cropped photo of faceless multiethnic interviewer & interviewee

Exit Interviews for Departing Ministers and Other Staff

From LeaderLab
<p>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.</p>

Exit Interviews

Determine the Type of Your Next Ministry

Be in close contact with the UUA Congregational Life Staff and Transitions Office to determine which kind of ministerial search is best for your congregation.

4 stylized aqua colored avatars of ministers in boxes with a white background.

Ministry Search Types

<p>A brief and helpful overview of different types of UU Ministry to meet your needs.</p>

Ministry Search Types

Plan Your Search

Plan a Good Beginning

aspen road

Plan a Good BeginningWelcoming Your New Minister

<p>The offer has been extended and accepted, the ministerial agreement has been tweaked and signed, now what?</p>

Good Beginning