11-10-2007, 12:02 AM
I want to explain how URF (Church) builds its chapters and how these relate to AUC, and also ask a few questions.
We now have 5 chapters in the US. Most chapter leaders hold AUC individual membership. (or should)
Some are AUC members via our original congregational membership. So they did not become individual members. They paid into our congregational dues.
As it stands, once they get their ministry off the ground, they are expected to become separate AUC congregation members. Maybe this is unnecessarily redundant?
Further, I'm not sure we can sustain that kind of requirement because this could limit our ability to fund ourselves as our chapters are always paying AUC dues. (Not that AUC dues are unreasonable)
Should we simply pay additional congregational dues for each chapter director we appoint? Would they still be considered members of our (URF) congregation?
If this is the case, I think it would be desirable for URF to raise the dues for chapter leaders and split the difference. (Right now, we don't charge a thing on our end)
I'm thinking it may help us allot (URF) to have a sort of start-up package that potential chapter leaders will purchase. This could include congregational AUC dues, a hard-copy of the "Explanation of American Unitarian Christianity", (which we will purchase from AUC), and a URF chapter application, etc. This cash requirement may also help us weed out insincere applicants.
In short, we want our growth to be rooted in the AUC and also be mutually beneficial. Besides, some day we may ask for a favor. lol.
Kenn
We now have 5 chapters in the US. Most chapter leaders hold AUC individual membership. (or should)
Some are AUC members via our original congregational membership. So they did not become individual members. They paid into our congregational dues.
As it stands, once they get their ministry off the ground, they are expected to become separate AUC congregation members. Maybe this is unnecessarily redundant?
Further, I'm not sure we can sustain that kind of requirement because this could limit our ability to fund ourselves as our chapters are always paying AUC dues. (Not that AUC dues are unreasonable)
Should we simply pay additional congregational dues for each chapter director we appoint? Would they still be considered members of our (URF) congregation?
If this is the case, I think it would be desirable for URF to raise the dues for chapter leaders and split the difference. (Right now, we don't charge a thing on our end)
I'm thinking it may help us allot (URF) to have a sort of start-up package that potential chapter leaders will purchase. This could include congregational AUC dues, a hard-copy of the "Explanation of American Unitarian Christianity", (which we will purchase from AUC), and a URF chapter application, etc. This cash requirement may also help us weed out insincere applicants.
In short, we want our growth to be rooted in the AUC and also be mutually beneficial. Besides, some day we may ask for a favor. lol.
Kenn