Suggestions for Ministers, at SWUUMA retreat, February 1996

1. Initiate regular meetings - 1/2 hour weekly.
2. Go over future calendar events, clarifying who is in charge of what.
3. Consult DRE about pastoral concerns. She/he knows parents, teachers and children well.
4. Ask how you can support the RE program
5. Lend your authority to encouraging recruitment and work of teachers.
6. Lend your authority to the importance of generous funding for salaries and curricula.
7. Read your church's RE prospectus. Know what is offered so you can reply to inquiries.
8. Read one or two curricula a year. You may find sermon illustrations. A reference to ideas being studied by children or youth will strengthen parents' desire to promote regular attendance.
9. Help identify and encourage the best possible Advisors to Youth. Look for people over age 25, who are mature enough to have made some life commitments - to a job, or school or relationship.

1. Give high priority to regular meetings with the minister. Make time.
2. With the minister, set some goals for the RE program.
3. When planning future events, be sure you understand beforehand what you are in charge of Say "no" if workload exceeds your paid hours, unless willing and able to volunteer extra time.
4. Be clear in your own mind about work that is paid and work that is volunteer.
5. As part of the professional staff, you are part of a team that must present a united front in order to build a healthy church. If you have a difference of opinion with the Minister, take it directly to him or her. If the difference becomes serious and you feel you are not being heard, ask for a mutually chosen outside mediator to help resolve the difference. Do not discuss differences with church members: it is divisive and disruptive to congregational life.
6. Expect to be fairly reimbursed for your services. Ask the Minister for support in this, before budgets are set.