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Committee on Ministry — Addressing Concerns

The need for resolving concerns and conflicts

The congregation’s ministry is to implement its religious mission with the full commitment of all members.  Unresolved member concerns and conflicts diminish the potential power of this ministry. 

Conflict resolution process

In order to maintain the spirit of shared ministry, the following steps are recommended to guide congregants, the Committee on Ministry (COM), other committees, and the Board of Trustees in seeking appropriate resolutions. Concerns involving potentially illegal actions need to be immediately referred to the Board of Trustees or the minister.

  1. Direct Communication — When a congregant has a concern, they should first address their concern directly with the person(s) involved.
  2. COM Consultation — If the result of Step 1 feels unsatisfactory to one, both, or all parties, or if one or some of the parties involved are unwilling, unable, or uncomfortable in taking Step 1, the issue should be brought to the COM for consideration.  It is the COM’s primary role to listen in a neutral, nonjudgmental manner, to help the aggrieved person(s) understand and articulate their concern(s) and to encourage direct communication where possible.  The COM may carry out this function in whatever manner it deems most appropriate. Usually it will designate one or more committee members to listen and to speak with the person(s) raising the issue.
  3. COM Facilitation If the COM or the COM representatives have not succeeded in encouraging direct communication between the parties involved, the COM may offer to send a representative or team of representatives to facilitate such a meeting.  In addition, if it comes to the COM’s attention that a congregant is in a substantial way harming the ministry of the church, the COM can request a meeting with that person.
  4. Board of Trustees Involvement.  If satisfaction is still not achieved by taking the above steps, the issue should be brought by the COM to the executive committee of the Board of Trustees and the minister.  The executive committee and the minister will determine if the issue should be brought to the full Board for discussion or action.  If the conflict is with any of these parties, they will be exempted from the process, if deemed appropriate.
  5. Pacific Northwest District (PNWD) Healthy Congregations Team Assistance — If dissatisfaction persists beyond step 5, the COM and Board of Trustees should seek outside professional assistance from the UUA PNWD Healthy Congregations Team.
  6. Congregational Involvement — If dissatisfaction persists beyond step 5, there exists the possibility of bringing the issue to the entire congregation.  Since such an action may have serious repercussions, the Board of Trustees must approve this action and the UUA PNWD Healthy Congregations team should be advised and involved.

Questions?

Contact: Committee on Ministry