6.1     RESIGNATION

Volunteers who desire to leave their ministry positions should attempt to give at least two weeks notice (preferably both verbally and in writing) of their intent to resign. This allows team leaders and ministry coordinators time to recruit new volunteers to fill vacant positions.

If you are experiencing some dissatisfaction or discontentment in your ministry position that is leading you to resign, be sure to discuss your concerns with your team leader or ministry coordinators. Ideally, talk with your supervisor before circumstances reach the point that you feel that resigning is your only option. Your team leader and ministry coordinator may be able to change conditions in the ministry or program you are serving in, rearrange ministry teams so you are not forced to serve with a difficult co-worker, or work with you to change your ministry description to make the duties more enjoyable.

If you are convinced that changes in your current position won’t help, perhaps an entirely different position would be better suited to your gifts, abilities, and passions. Before you give up on volunteer ministry, be sure to give it another chance. Finding the right fit in ministry can bring you a great sense of personal satisfaction, and it can be very fulfilling and rewarding to fulfill the purpose for which God created and gifted you.

6.2     DISMISSAL

Dismissal from volunteer ministry positions at Faith Community United Methodist Church is a rare occurrence. However, it may occur if a volunteer commits a serious offense.   As with other serious violations of a moral or spiritual nature, the church wants to help those who are struggling with problems and who express a sincere desire to change. Out of a spirit of Christ-centered love for all people, including those who volunteer at the church, the church may offer the volunteer (or refer him or her to seek) the following types of assistance:

• Treatment programs and centers.
• Community programs for assessment and treatment.
• Counseling programs.

Some offenses may warrant dismissal, particularly if the volunteer doesn’t express remorse or a willingness to change. These include but are not limited to:

• Theft: Including the removal of church property or the property of another individual from church facilities without prior authorization.
• Drugs/Alcohol: Possession, use, sale, purchase, or distribution on church property of alcohol or any illegal drugs or illegally possessed drugs. Also: reporting to serve in a ministry or program after having ingested alcohol or illegal drugs or illegally possessed drugs, in a condition that adversely affects the volunteer’s ability to safely and effectively perform his or her job functions, or which would imperil the safety of others. (See page 3-3 for specific guidelines concerning drug and alcohol abuse.)
• Falsifying or altering church records.
• Sabotaging or willfully damaging church equipment or the property of others.
• Insubordination involving defaming, assaulting, or threatening to assault a supervisor.
• Fighting or provoking a fight on church premises.
• Carrying concealed weapons on church property.

6.3     EXIT INTERVIEW

Faith Community United Methodist Church is committed to helping every Christian find, and be equipped for, the ministry for which God called them. So if you decide to leave an area of ministry, the church strongly desires to evaluate the circumstances surrounding why you’re ending your term of service, whether the separation is voluntary or involuntary. Exploring your reasons for resigning or the factors resulting in termination enables us to evaluate how that ministry area can be improved to make volunteer service more satisfactory.

Guidelines

Your team leader will conduct an exit interview in a private area near the end of your term of service. If you prefer, the exit interview can be conducted by the ministry coordinator or a member of the pastoral staff.

Information you share will be kept in strict confidence by the church; nothing will be included in the record that identifies you personally.

In conducting an exit interview, the team leader of your ministry area will use an exit interview checklist (see page 7-21) to provide structure for the discussion. Some of the items that may be discussed include:

• The reasons for the separation.
• Plans for the future service and updating your contact information.
• Equipment / key return.
• Your interest in serving in another area of ministry.
• Your suggestions and comments to improve the area of ministry you’re leaving.