Future Ministries Task Force final recommendations

At the Special Meeting of the Parish on May 16, 2010, the congregation voted 99 in favor, 5 against, to approve the Task Force recommendation that the Reverend Thomas Shcade be affirmed as the sole Minister of First Unitarian.

At the Prudential Committee meeting of May 17, 2010, the balance of the Task Force's recommendations were presented. Here is the summary of that committee's intensive 3- month investigation into our resources, our needs, and the prospective consequences of moving from a two-minister to a one-minister leadership model:

FUTURE MINISTRIES TASK FORCE REPORT
May 10, 2010

The Future Ministries Task Force was appointed by the Prudential Committee in late February, 2010 and began meeting weekly immediately thereafter. We were asked to:
- Engage the congregation in a conversation about the transition from two ministers to one
- Evaluate the impact of Rev. Merritt’s retirement on the future of First Unitarian Church
- Prepare for a Special Congregational Meeting vote to affirm Rev. Schade as sole minister
- Compile a list of recommendations for the Prudential Committee based on our findings

The Task Force met with the professional staff and had conversations with approximately 90 congregants at Vision and Listening sessions. We also communicated via e-newsletter to inform people about the work of the Task Force as well as the Special Congregational Meeting on May 16, 2010 and the vote to affirm Rev. Schade as sole minister of the church.

Recommendations based on our findings from these extensive conversations are listed below. They are sorted into five categories with the most pressing recommendations indicated in bold print.

Our finding is that the most important aspects of the church experience for congregants are: Sunday worship, Music, Religious Education, and our historic building. It is important to note that the congregation views these areas as interdependent and essential to ensure the future of our Church.

MINISTERIAL SUPPORT
> Create a formal support group for the single minister that is not responsible for his evaluation
- Provide feedback
- Help problem solve
> Provide ongoing support to members in the wake of Barbara’s absence by formalizing the “Leaving Well” program
> Utilize the next five years to strengthen the Church and deliberately prepare for the next ministerial transition.

LAY LEADERSHIP
> Three areas identified where congregants are needed to take a more active role:
- Worship Associates (to lead and orchestrate Sunday services)
- Caring Communities (greater parish services outreach and pastoral care)
- Adult Programming Development (more lay-led programs)

For all roles, the following support is needed:
> Engage a dedicated volunteer coordinator (may be a volunteer position)
> Recruit volunteers through personal contact
> Provide comprehensive, task specific training
> Provide appropriate staff support
> Offer continuous leadership training at all levels to avoid burn-out

TEACHING CHURCH
> Engage a ministerial intern on an annual basis
- Identify roles and responsibilities
> Worship service
> Pastoral care
> Adult programming
- Provide comprehensive, task specific training
- Provide appropriate staff support
> Engage a music intern to support Will and the choir
(A necessity in order for Will to take any time off)

GROWTH & SOLVENCY
> Fully implement the strategic vision statement proposed by the Strategic Planning Committee.
- Hire a Youth Coordinator to provide programs and support to teens in the church
- Plan and work thoughtfully with the Holden Street Church
> Do more college outreach
- Continue to develop and enhance the religious education program
> New curriculum for older kids (not in Spirit Play)
- Develop additional programming for families
> Playground
> Children’s Choir
> Invite the larger community into First Unitarian
- Public concert series
- Coffee House
- Promote sanctuary for weddings
> Assume a more visible role in the community
- Social activism
> Develop, enhance, formalize adult education programming
> Review and reassess approaches to resource development
- Personal solicitation
- Fund raisers
- Increase fees charged for use of building and staff
- Targeted fund raising efforts
> Music program
> Capital campaign

ADMINISTRATION
> Engage a volunteer with HR expertise through Jericho Road
- Create clear lines of authority and communication both internal and external
- Update personnel policies
- Update job descriptions
> To meet the technical needs of the Church
> To provide adequate ministerial support
> To provide adequate lay leadership support

Thank you for your consideration of these recommendations. Members of the Task Force are available to attend Prudential Committee meetings to provide additional detail.

Respectfully submitted by the Future Ministries Task Force:

Alicia L. Lenahan, Chair
Scott Hayman
Eric Smith
Stacey Hill
Shannon Kirshenbaum
Jesse Anderson
Wendy Innis
Carrie West
Mary McAlister, ex officio
Vivian Shorteed, ex officio