by Rev. Dave Dunn
This fall I’ve talked a lot about how UUMAN and the UUA work. (See service “How Does UUMAN Work?”) I’ve talked about polity (i.e. how a denomination organizes and grants authority), covenant, values, mission and vision (i.e. our “why”; why we exist). I’ve tried to give the 10,000 ft, birds eye view of the denomination and our place within it. I’ve talked about church governance (i.e. what the Board of Trustees does) and shared ministry (i.e. what we actually do within our walls and beyond).
Again, I’ve talked about our congregation’s organization and our “why,” but I haven’t really discussed “how” we do this work together. How do apply what the Buddhists call “skillful means” carry out our work, to live our values, realize our vision and fulfill our mission? What might the best practices be to achieve this?
Among the many roles of the UUA specified in Article II of its bylaws, the UUA will “assist congregations in their vital ministries…support and train leaders both lay and professional… foster lifelong faith formation and spiritual development….”
To that end, one of the resources they’ve created is the UU Institute. Per its website, “The UU Institute is an online learning community offering trainings and other learning experiences that support members, leaders and professionals in Unitarian Universalist communities.”
Since I’ve been the minister here at UUMAN, I’ve been blessed (and you’ve been blessed) to have had skillful UUMAN Board members leading this congregation – and many of them have taken the leadership trainings provided by the UU Institute.
Many of our “Governance” leaders have taken the following courses:
“UU Board Foundations” – Leading the congregation as a system, spiritual grounding, knowing our “Why”
“Centered Leadership” – Covenant, polity, governance and ministry
But what about what we do within our walls and beyond? What trainings are available for “ministry?” Consider the following:
“Guiding the Membership Journey” – How do we welcome, include, connect and build relationships with those who walk through our doors?
“Worship for Transformation” – How can we take our worship experience to the next level?
“Covenant Calls Us In” – What is covenant and how do we live into it?
“Widening the Welcome” – Greeter training: How to go from welcoming to “radically” welcoming?
These are just a sampling of the UU Institute courses available for a nominal fee (usually $15; UUMAN will pay the cost of anyone wishing to take a course).
A healthy congregation is one where the leaders have been trained in the ways and workings of church life. They have been given the “skillful means” with which to address the unique issues and challenges that arise throughout the church year.
Many of these courses can be taken as a group or committee (e.g. Membership, Greeters, Worship, etc.)
Please check out the UU Institute. It is worthwhile training.
Nurture our spirit. Strive for Justice. Transform the world.
Dave
