# Affiliation with Community Ministers
1. Purpose
This guidance supports the creation of clear, accountable, and mutually beneficial relationships between Foothills Unitarian Church and Unitarian Universalist ministers serving in community-based settings outside of congregational roles.
It clarifies the nature of "affiliation," including expectations, boundaries, and structures, ensuring these relationships uphold:
- Our commitment to shared ministry
- Clarity in ministerial roles and accountability
- Integrity with the UUA’s Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) standards
- Our congregational values of inclusion, justice, collaboration, and transparency
This guidance honors the sacred work of community ministers and protects the wellbeing of our congregation and staff.
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### 2. Organizational Guidance
#### What is a Community Minister?
A community minister is a UU minister in Final or Preliminary Fellowship whose primary ministry takes place outside the congregational context (e.g., chaplaincy, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, spiritual direction, therapy).
**Affiliation** is a formal, covenantal relationship between the minister and the congregation, affirming this work as legitimate ministry and establishing expectations of mutual support.
Affiliation does *not* imply staff status or employment by the congregation.
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#### Steps for Establishing an Affiliation
1. **Initial Discernment**
- Community minister reaches out to the Senior Minister to express interest in affiliation.
- Senior Minister engages in initial discernment to assess alignment with our values, community needs, and capacity.
2. **Collaborative Discernment**
- If initial alignment is clear, Senior Minister may convene a discussion with with key leaders (e.g., Executive Team, Board Chair).
- Education and transparency are prioritized, especially if the congregation has not previously affiliated with a community minister.
3. **Development of an Affiliation Agreement**
- All parties (parish ministers, community minister, and Board representatives) co-develop a written agreement that includes:
- Roles and boundaries
- Mutual commitments and benefits
- Scope of participation
- Fee schedules for additional services
- Support for fellowship renewal
- Plan for annual review
4. **Board Approval**
- The final draft of the Affiliation Agreement is presented to the Board of Trustees for formal approval and minuting.
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#### Required Elements of an Affiliation Agreement
1. **Role & Boundaries**
- Community minister is not staff.
- No supervisory or pastoral care authority over congregants.
- All ministerial activities in the congregation occur in coordination with parish ministers.
2. **Gratis Services**
- May include preaching once/year, newsletter contribution, or adult education.
- Should reflect the community minister’s gifts and schedule, and remain limited.
3. **Compensated Services**
- Additional preaching, pastoral care, or education work beyond agreed gratis services should be compensated.
- Agreement includes a basic fee schedule and notes that other services must be negotiated in advance.
4. **Relationship to Staff**
- Community minister is not a supervisor.
- May or may not receive office support or access—this must be specified.
- Collegial relationship with parish ministers per UUMA guidelines.
- Conflict handled through appropriate channels (e.g., Committee on Ministry or UUMA Good Offices).
5. **Congregational Support**
- May include access to office space, mail delivery, listing in directories, opportunity to officiate rites for non-members.
- Congregation commits to forming or participating in the minister’s Committee on Ministry.
6. **Congregational Engagement**
- When possible, identify ways congregants can engage in the minister’s community-based work.
- May include volunteer opportunities, shared plate offerings, or joint advocacy work.
7. **Recognition of Ministry**
- Agreement explicitly affirms the work as a form of valid, recognized Unitarian Universalist ministry.
- If ambiguous, consult MFC rules or contact UUA Ministerial Credentialing Office.
8. **Review & Renewal**
- Agreement reviewed annually by the Committee on Ministry or designated body.
- Adjustments made based on congregational needs, minister’s role, or fellowship requirements.
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### 3. Related Content
#### Bylaws and Policies
- Board Policy:[ 3.1.5 Honoring and Recognizing Religious Professionals](https://211134-bookstack.peaknetworks.cloud/link/1239#bkmrk-3.1.5-honoring-and-r)
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**Previous Version:** None (new guidance)
**Effective Date:** 05/19/2022