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What We Do
The Committee on Congregational Ministry
1. Watches over and promotes the spiritual health and ministry of the congregation as a whole
2. Promotes the well-being of the minister and his or her relationship to the congregation
3. Assists UUCE members and friends in managing conflict in the spirit of promoting Right Relationships.
Examples of issues and concerns that may be brought to the committee include situations when a person or group feels unsafe or has an unresolved conflict with a church member, staff, friend, guest, or group. We listen, we facilitate, and we support.
Background on the Committee on Congregational Ministry
At the suggestion of interim minister Rev. Jeanne Mills, the COCM was formed in 2006 as a merger of the former Committee on Ministry and the Safe Congregation Committee. It is based on the model presented in Robert Latham’s book, Moving on from Church Folly Lane: The Pastoral to Program Shift. The committee serves the entire congregation in developing and executing procedures for conflict management rather than just acting as a liaison to the minister. At the same time, it preserves the safe congregation measures that were already in place.
From the Kerfuffle Procedures
Purpose
Conflicts inevitably occur, even when all involved believe themselves to be “in good faith” with others. The Committee on Congregational Ministry encourages individuals to resolve an upsetting situation themselves through direct discussion with the other party. However sometimes a person wants support to do this and the COCM is available to assist in resolving conflicts, and thus nurture the health of our church community. **If the concern is personal safety, e.g., physical, psychological or sexual harassment or abuse, the Safe Congregation Policy has very specific procedures that will take effect.
Process
Any member or friend can contact the COCM chair, or any member on the committee about a personal conflict, or issue they believe affects the well-being of our church community. Everything communicated is kept in strict confidence within the committee. We base our support on the covenant of right relationships (see below) and employ the Non-Violent Communication approach. Contact can be by phone, email, a written letter left in the office, or in person. We will actively listen and support resolution -- these are opportunities for examining and better understanding what we value, need, and desire for our mission as a community.
"May the warmth of complexity shine on your face.
May the winds of good change blow gently at your back.
May your feet find the roads of authenticity.
May the web of change begin!"
~ John Paul Lederach, Beyond Intractability
Committee on Congregational Ministry Covenant
• speak truthfully and respond with care and compassion
• respond thoughtfully, seeking first to understand, then to be understood
• speak directly to any person with whom I have a concern, rather than complain to others
• understand that there will be differences among us & accept and care for others despite these differences
• refrain from judging other people's motives
• test my assumptions and examine my motives
• honor my responsibility for upholding the spiritual principles and traditions of our community
• cherish the health of the congregation above individual agendas