Covenant between our Minister and the Congregation

Drafted by: Carl Virgin, Goldie Terrell, Glenn Skutt, and Rev. Christine Brownlie
Presented to the UUFNRV congregation on Sunday, November 24, 2002

We, the members and the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the New River Valley, agree to treat each other fairly and respectfully. We are committed to improving the quality of our lives and of the larger community by supporting one another's self-development, spiritual growth and the use of our skills and talents in fulfilling and responsible ways.
Congregants to Minister:

Minister to Congregation:
I will share responsibility with the minister for the health of the congregation.

I will use my talents and skills to nurture the health and growth of the congregation to the best of my ability.
I will respect the minister's responsibility to put the health and well-being of the congregation ahead of my own convenience or personal desires.

I will respect the individuals in the congregation and express appreciation for their contributions of time, energy, financial support, and ideas.
I will be responsible for nurturing my own spiritual growth and acknowledge the ministry as an important resource for this development.

I will encourage and challenge the congregants in their own spiritual growth and foster a sense of community in the congregation.
I will treat the minister and the minister's family with dignity, respect, and consideration.
I will continue my own exploration of my spiritual and personal journey, striving to be an example for the congregation.
I will respect the personal time of the minister and the minister's family.
I will represent the congregation's values and our liberal faith to the larger community.
I will offer the minister encouragement, support, and honest feedback.
I will clarify in my public statements when I am speaking for myself as an individual and not as a representative of the congregation.
I will support and encourage the minister to exercise a responsible freedom of the pulpit. I acknowledge that the minister has the right to express a personal view in the larger community.
I will respect the right of the individuals of the congregation to hold and express their own beliefs and opinions.
I will assume responsibility for unresolved issues between myself and the minister by speaking honestly with the minister, by seeking advice from the Committee on Ministry, or by following the appropriate procedures as set forth in the Conflict Management Policy.
I will address issues and concerns I have with congregants honestly and compassionately.
I will help to promote and provide for the fair compensation of the minister.
I will listen to congregants' concerns and needs with an open mind and heart, recognizing the importance of appropriate boundaries. I will be aware of my own limitations and seek support and guidance from other professionals when appropriate.


I will take care of myself, recognizing the importance of rest and recreation.