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The Minister/Congregation Covenant Ministry Dept, UUA |
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The Minister/Congregation Covenant Ministry Dept, UUA |
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Rev. Ken Hurto and Rev. John Weston
Covenant? You could call it a contract, and legally it is a contract, but a covenant is so much more; it starts with the premise of good faith and encourages us to stand in right relationship. As in a marriage or a divorce, the language we use can either strengthen or damage a relationship.
The covenant between minister and congregation often breaks down over details. Do you and your minister have different assumptions about evenings off, holidays, or the use of professional expenses? What would happen to the minister's family if the minister became disabled? Above all, does your minister "serve the congregation," or "serve with the congregation?"
The UU Ministers Association (UUMA) and the UUA Department of Ministry have thought through these details and produced a new document: "Joint Recommendations Concerning Letters of Agreement between Ministers and Congregations" dated June 2001. This will be available soon at http://www.uua.org/ministry/.
"My first mistake," said John Weston, "was to put one model contract on the Internet for churches to download. UU churches assumed this was the standard contract to be used by all the local franchises of corporate McUU." But congregations and ministers are not standard. You should think through your own covenant or contract so as to nurture the relationship. The new "Joint Recommendations" help you to do so.
Do you understand the tax laws surrounding ministerial compensation? Section B will guide you. Do you have a Committee on Ministry? Section E will tell you more. (Also, see GA-2001 workshop #2011.)
Finally, although John Weston wants each church to think through the issues, he has been kind to us. Instead of one standard contract, he has provided us with two models to work from. Previously, perhaps, you started with your old contract and tried to fix last year's unresolved issues. This is like using a marriage contract to fix the problems in your last relationship. Do yourselves a favor and start with the new UUA document. If you cannot find it on line, email settlement@uua.org.Reported for the Web by Mike McNaughton
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