The Rule of Five: A Guide to Starting a New Group, Project, or Activity
at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fort Wayne
What is the “The Rule of Five” at UUCFW?
The “Rule of Five” is the process the Board has affirmed for our congregation to encourage
the creation of new groups, activities, projects, or ministries that may be of interest to our
members or that may serve the wider world.
Any member may form a new group within the church as long as (1) the group’s general
purpose is in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the church, and (2) there are
at least five church members/friends who are interested in actively organizing and
participating in the group (the main leader must be a member).
What kind of groups can be started?
Groups might include any of the following kinds…
• Spiritual practice groups (for example, a Tai Chi group)
• Study groups (ex: a group that wanted to read and discuss books on living more simply)
• Social groups (ex: a hiking or bird watching group)
• Support groups (ex: a group who are dealing with change)
• Service or advocacy groups (ex: a group who wants to help build houses with Habitat for
Humanity or a group that wanted to advocate for campaign finance reform)
Does a group have to be an on-going group?
No, a group might be started to organize a one-time event or participation in a short-term
activity, such as a bringing a guest speaker to the church, having a karaoke party, hosting a
candidate’s forum before an election, or organizing church participation in a community
clean-up day.
What are the specific steps to forming a new group?
1. Talk to the Minister about the possibility of beginning a new group.
2. Publicize your interest in starting a new group within the congregation. Find at least four
other church members who are interested in being on the group’s organizing team.
3. Complete a “Group Application Form” (attached and on our website)
4. Meet with the Vice President of the Congregation who can answer any questions and
provide tips.
Why is it necessary to have five people to start a new group? Why can’t an individual
start a new group?
Requiring five people makes sure there is enough interest in a group from its beginning
stages. It encourages people to work together and share the task of organizing a group
instead of having a smaller number of people do everything and burn out. It also increases
the possibility that a group will continue even after its initial leader steps down from leading
the group.
Adapted from: Saltwater Church, A Unitarian Universalist Congregation: http://www.saltwaterchurch.org/
ruleoffive