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Committee on Ministry — Functions

Functions

The Committee on Ministry (COM) will serve many functions.

Mission

Provide ongoing education to the congregation regarding its mission.  This can be done through printed material, services, newsletter articles, presentations at new member orientations, etc.

Right relations

Take a leadership role in the church when it comes to issues of church ministry and covenants of right relations.

Long-term vision

Serve as a forum to discuss the quality, directions, and long-term vision of our ministry.  This includes meeting periodically with groups or their leaders who are involved in various aspects of ministry at EUUC.  For example, the Religious Services Committee, Social Concerns Committee, Covenant Groups, Religious Education Committee, Music Committee, Membership Committee, Worship Associates, Lay Ministry, Pastoral Care Team, Peace & Justice Committee, and others would meet with the COM at least every three years, but ideally every one to two years.

Conduit for concerns

Provide a conduit through which the minister and congregants may privately make known any ideas or concerns about the ministry of the church and work with the minister and other committees to facilitate solutions to identified problems.

Aid the minister

Aid the minister in carrying on an effective ministry by being available as a sounding board.  This is not meant to be a substitute for professional support, which should come from colleagues who understand the unique issues of professional ministry.  Rather, it provides the minister with a group of caring and open laypeople who will give honest and pertinent feedback and advice relative to the effectiveness of the ministry of the minister within the context of the congregation’s total ministry.

Solicit ideas and listen for concerns

Solicit ideas for enhancing the ministry of the church and listen for concerns of members as they participate in the life of the congregation.

Evaluate the ministry

Conduct a formal congregational evaluation of professional and shared ministry every three years, making a written report with recommendations to the Board of Trustees and the congregation.  In other years, the COM will ask for feedback at a variety of opportunities and in various methods, for example, by hosting a table during coffee hour, by holding a forum, by placing feedback sheets in the order of service, and by requesting emailed responses to a query.

Continuing education

Educate itself about ministry and, in partnership with the minister, support planning efforts for continuing education of the congregation for its growing understanding of congregational ministry.  To continually interpret for the congregation the nature and scope of the work of the minister, including clarification of role expectations and realistic priorities for the minister.

Evaluate the minister

Lead an Evaluation Team to evaluate the called minister annually.  The Evaluation Team will include two Board members and two COM members, including the COM chair.  The Evaluation Team, in conjunction with the minister, will consider components for review, such as the minister’s contract, the minister’s goals compared to accomplishments, required UUA forms (for interim or pre-fellowshipped ministers), the formal congregational evaluation, and other feedback from the congregation.

Conflict resolution

Facilitates resolution of conflict within the church that could have a negative impact on the ministry of EUUC.  The COM will help process concerns and complaints with an aim towards reconciliation.

Questions?

Contact: Committee on Ministry