Developmental ministry is an opportunity for congregations, once they have completed interim ministry, to delve deeper into areas of congregational life that require specific attention, or cultural shifts, prior to the calling of a settled minister. Developmental congregations recognize that they have specific areas that they need to improve, and that they want a specialist to help them do that. Congregations will need to apply to be accepted into the program, and will be required to pay a fee to help offset the costs of additional staff work with their congregation. It is not an alternative to search or interim, but something to follow after that work.

For congregations in search for a three-quarter-time or more minister through the UUA system, one of the resources is available to you is a Ministerial Settlement Representative who will accompany your search committee along the journey. The appointment of an MSR for your congregation is made by the UUA Transitions Office, but in case you need the contact information for those serving MidAmerica, we list it here.

Former Central Midwest District Congregations:
-          Rev. Emmy Lou Belcher, [email protected]

Former Heartland District Congregations:

-          Rev. Barbara Child, [email protected]

Former Prairie Star District Congregations:
-           Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs, [email protected]

The change of ministers in and out of a congregation is a time where lots of things are in motion, with lots of questions being asked, and lots of uncertainty in the air. As a minister, deciding when it’s right to leave and how best to do that; as a congregation, sorting out what are the next steps, and how do we say goodbye and move forward. It’s a time when everything can appear up for grabs, and most congregations and ministers are looking for support and answers.

Don’t worry — you’re not alone, and we’re here to help you. The MidAmerica Region has created and collated resources for you. Lisa Presley is the MA staff person who oversees the ministerial transitions for MidAmerica, and she works in tandem with Keith Kron, the Director of Transitions for the UUA. Keith is also helped by several Ministerial Settlement Representatives—trained individuals who partner with your search committee on the road of ministerial succession. The resources on this page, and on the UUA Transitions page, will help you know how to start, and we’re always ready to answer specific questions for you, too. The answers are often a variation on common themes—the “usual” knowledge which might then need to be tweaked a bit for your congregation’s culture, and your unique situation.

NEW RESOURCES!

Need information about Compensation and Benefits for your minister and/or church employees? Go to  Meet Your Compensation Consultants

Look to the column on the right: you will find links to short (2-5 minute long) videos that answer many of the basic questions about ministerial transition. Below that listing are links to other sites and the most useful documents.

Get your new employees off to a healthy, happy start every time! Learn about formal administrative onboarding (the legal hoops) and proven practices for welcoming and orienting staff. We’ll also share resources and preliminary steps for establishing strong ongoing staff support through professional development, performance management, and team-building. Presented by Jan Gartner and Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley

Participants: Jan Gartner, Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley

Filmed: June 23rd, 2016 in Columbus, OH

Watch the Video

© 2016 Unitarian Universalist Association except where otherwise noted. Contact The UUA Web Team for information.