Dismissal and Termination of Call
Ministerial transition is a reality of both congregational and ministerial life. Most often, ministers and congregations come to a mutually satisfying end of the ministry, but other times the parting is difficult. Congregations are advised to have general bylaws provisions that determine both the process for a minister opting to leave and the method by which the congregation may dismiss the minister. At a congregational meeting a simple majority should be enough to dismiss a minister. More specific details can be covered in the minister's letter of agreement.Sample Provisions
Example 1: The Minister shall give at least ninety (90) days notice in writing to the Board of his/her resignation or retirement. Dismissal of a Minister shall be at a Special Congregational Meeting called for that purpose. This meeting shall be called by the Board only upon the written request signed by at least twenty percent (20%) of the voting members. Notice of the meeting shall be only by letter sent to the Congregation. No notice shall be placed in the official Church newsletter or read from the pulpit. The Minister shall be invited to speak at this meeting. Dismissal shall be by a majority vote of voting members present and voting. The Minister's compensation shall continue for a minimum of ninety (90) days after the date of dismissal in exchange for such service to the Church, consistent with the duties of the minister set out herein, as may be directed by the Board.
Example 2: The contractual relationship between the Minister and the Church may be dissolved by either party for any reason upon three (3) months written notice. Such provision shall be incorporated in any contractual agreement.
Example 3: The minister may be dismissed by a majority vote of the qualified members of the church present at any meeting legally called for that purpose, quorum for such a meeting to be constituted by forty percent (40%) of the voting members rather than twenty percent (20%) of the voting members as called for other congregational meetings. In the event of the minister's dismissal, his or her salary and allowance shall be continued for three (3) months after the date of dismissal. Should the minister offer his or her resignation, three (3) month's notice must be given at the time the resignation is made, except as the governing board may allow an interval of less time.
Additional examples of ministerial dismissal provisions >
For more information contact growthresources @ uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
