Local church leaders can learn about congregations and current practices to strengthen their work by receiving weekly newsletters from the Alban Institute, a center which specializes in congregations. Sign up at www.alban.org For further study see the Congregational Resource guide at http://www.congregationalresources.org/ (This is a joint project of the Alban Institute and the Indianapolis Center for the Study of Congregations.)

Advanced faith exploration and education for church members and leaders is available across the church through many Lay Ministry Education Programs [PDF] listed here, and both in person and online from many of our UCC related Seminaries.  Many of these programs also provide some training for those considering authorized ministry.

The Leaders Box
This classic resource, updated for today's needs, provides guidance in many of the "nuts and bolts" of church life.

Any Body, Everybody, Christ's Body
This curriculum helps congregations become A-2-A: Accessible to All. A congregation may choose to become an A-2-A church upon finishing the study. For more information and to download the resource see www.uccdm.org

Called to Care: A Resource for Lay Caregivers
Called to Care is a program designed to train and equip congregational caregivers for ministries of visitation, support, and community service. For more information visit the Called to Care webpage here. Click here for a handbook for use by caregivers, which can be printed for your use (also available for purchase from United Church of Christ Resources).

Making Our Churches Safe for All 
Help for congregations developing covenants and practices to protect children and others who are vulnerable to abuse or mistreatment.

Liturgy of Departure for Service Members [PDF]
Many of our churches have had members called to active military service, including persons in the Reserves and National Guard. Churches have asked us for a liturgy that would help them provide a meaningful farewell to those who are departing, especially those who are leaving for combat zones.

Mission Discernment
The search for the meaning and purpose of life is not only a personal one, but happens in communities as well.  Each congregation has its own calling. This on line course is a resource for congregations to discern, articulate and grow in God's purpose.

Considering a New Church Covenant in the United Church of Christ: A Process for Exploring, Developing, and Affirming New Relationships [PDF]
This booklet describes a process of mutual exploration which will help a non-affiliated church explore the United Church of Christ along with a UCC association. The goal of the exploration process is to decide whether to enter into a formal covenanted relationship.

Shared Ministry:
For congregations which are considering linking or sharing some programming or staff, these documents can introduce you to some of the issues and options. GEMS  (Gods Ecumenical Ministry Shared) is particularly written for churches of different denominations considering shared ministry. Getting Together: Models and Processes for Local Church Cooperation  describes five different models to consider (Yoked, Cluster, Federated, Union and Consolidated) and some characteristics and ways of collaborating.

Pastoral Relations Committee Guidebook [PDF]
This manual gives assistance to churches forming and using Pastoral Relations Committees. These committees can be used to enhance communications and understanding of the pastoral role. Additional information can be found in the Leaders Box under "Positions, Officers and Organizations”.

Pastor Emeritus/Emerita Recognition  While it is unusual in the life of a congregation, there may come a time you are considering granting this recognition to a retiring pastor. This document helps you consider the issues in this process.

Pastoral Staff Configuration:  Are you considering adding a staff member, or reconfiguring staff duties? This document will help you consider your needs.

Pastoral Evaluation: Regular evaluation is important, but the process for ministry is unlike other organizations. Consider consulting a book on the topic.
We recommend: When Better Isn’t Enough: Evaluation Tools for the 21st- Century Church by Jill M. Hudson, available from UCC Resources from Alban Institute: Holy Clarity: The Practice of Planning and Evaluation by Sarah B. Drummond, Completing the Circle: Reviewing Ministries in the Congregation by David McMahill.

Considering a New Church Covenant in the United Church of Christ: A Process for Exploring, Developing, and Affirming New Relationships [PDF]
This booklet describes a process of mutual exploration which will help a non-affiliated church explore the United Church of Christ along with a UCC association. The goal of the exploration process is to decide whether to enter into a formal covenanted relationship.

Shared Ministry:
For congregations which are considering linking or sharing some programming or staff, these documents can introduce you to some of the issues and options. GEMS  (Gods Ecumenical Ministry Shared) is particularly written for churches of different denominations considering shared ministry. Getting Together: Models and Processes for Local Church Cooperation  describes five different models to consider (Yoked, Cluster, Federated, Union and Consolidated) and some characteristics and ways of collaborating.

The Leaders Box
This classic resource, updated for today's needs, provides guidance in many of the "nuts and bolts" of church life.

For congregations which are considering linking or sharing some programming or staff, these documents can introduce you to some of the issues and options. GEMS  (Gods Ecumenical Ministry Shared) is particularly written for churches of different denominations considering shared ministry. Getting Together: Models and Processes for Local Church Cooperation  describes five different models to consider (Yoked, Cluster, Federated, Union and Consolidated) and some characteristics and ways of collaborating.

Constitution and Bylaws suggested format (pdf) This format can be used by those church which want their documents to correspond roughly to the format and some of the content of the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.