The Nature of Life is Change - Unityav.unityonline.org/en/association/publications/contact... · 2009-09-14 · transitions. William Bridges, author of Managing Transitions, talked

Vol. 41, Issue 4 Sept-Oct-Nov 2009

Association of Unity Churches International

PLUS: Are We Ready for a New Minister? and A Transformation Experience

Creating a Healthy Transition PAGE 8

Transforming Organizations PAGE 14

Transformation: The Seed of Divine Impulse PAGE 19

The

is Change

TheNature of

Church is always in a state of dynamic transformation

PAGE 16

is ChangeNature of

Church is always in a state of Church is always in a state of dynamic transformation

Life

ContentsAssociation of

Unity Churchesi n t e r n a t i o n a l

7 FulfillingOurMissionIntroducing our Association’s new Member Services Coordinator

8 CreatingAHealthyTransition byTempleHays / A ministry grounded in its

purpose and vision.

10 ATransformationExperiencebyWendyCraig-Purcell / Our ministry’s journey.

12 What’sInAName?byKathyHearn,D.D.andJudyMorley,Ph.D. / How the Religious Science organization changed its identity.

14 TransformingOrganizations byBrianJ.Robertson / Rethinking organizational

structure.

16 TheNatureofLifeisChangebyDonLanskyandPatriciaGuilinoLansky / A look back and forward

18 WhentheMissionIsAttheCenteroftheMinistryby Barry Vennard / Working with transitional ministries

19 Transformation:TheSeedofDivineImpulseby Kyra Baehr / Building a church

Features

Sept-Oct-Nov 2009

2

Published by

Editor-in-Chief James TrappSupervising Editor Lisa WittmanManaging Editor Barb QuinnProduction Editor Cheryl Vestal

Writers and staffBets Kirby

Barb QuinnBernadette Swanson

Lisa Wittman

GraPhic desiGnJoanna CarrellCheryl Vestal

John Lombardo, Staff Photographer

advertisinGAdvertisements will be considered that are affiliated with Unity ministers or ministries, or from vendors who provide items for Unity ministers or ministries. All advertising is subject to the publisher’s approval. Contact is not responsible for claims or performance related to the products and services of our advertisers. Please direct any questions to the advertiser.

For more information about advertising in Contact magazine, contact Cheryl Vestal at the Association of Unity Churches International: [email protected] or 816.434.6835.

editorial PurPoseTo support thriving ministries by providing timely, practical information for ministries and individuals.

For a free subscription, contact Cheryl Vestal at the Association of Unity Churches International: [email protected].

www.unity.org • Sept-Oct-Nov 2009

4 LetterFromtheEditor

5 President’sLetterby James Trapp / Transitions are inherent to the evolutionary process.

6 NewsFromOurChair

24 NewsfromUnity®

26 PerspectivesAre We Ready For A New Minister?

28 RegionalNews

30 BookReviewby Richard Mekdeci / The Third Jesus: The Christ We Cannot Ignore

31 CalendarofEvents

31FinancialStatement

32 Technologyby North Krimsly / Creating a business continuity plan

34 WebHighlightOne website for the Unity movement

35 Outreachby Scott Lindquist / Growing your church one person at a time

36 FromThePublisher’sBookshelf

37 ResourcesYouCanUse

Volume 41 • Issue 4

In Every Issue20 ADivineDesign

byAlanRowbotham / Planning for retirement

21 ASurprisingBenefit byJohnConnor / Comfort can come in many

forms

22 ASignificantTransitionbyLisaWittman / 2009 Unity People’s Convention

23 TheMinister’sComplacencybyShawnMoninger / Changing thoughts, changing lives

25 GodCallsTheButterfly byStephanieSeigh / The art of change

38 NewMinistries—FromCreationtoCommitmentbyRobinFerguson / Starting a new ministry

83Sept-Oct-Nov 2009 • www.unity.org

Cetter From the Editor

Change is something we have become accustomed to in this 21st Century, but it doesn’t necessarily mean we’re comfortable with it. A wise minister once said, “I love change! Let’s change everything—bring it on, I’m ready!” He then added, “As long as it’s my idea.”

Oftentimes, this is the crux of the issue of dealing with change. We feel out of control, out of the loop, out of sync. We can

envision a world of change that happens with ease and grace, and keep that ever before us. In the meantime, what happens when we find ourselves in the muck? I’ve heard it described as the “goo” stage.

This analogy refers to the experience of the caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Along the way, the former body of the caterpillar must become soft and pliable in order for it to take on a new form. It’s

a messy, yet necessary and beneficial, state that can’t be rushed through or skipped past. It’s the goo stage. Stephanie Seigh’s article talks about the butterfly further.

This issue is all about various types of transitions. William Bridges, author of Managing Transitions, talked about transition as the process we personally go through in order to accept and assimilate change. You’ll find stories from people like you, in ministries perhaps not so different from yours, about how to live through the goo stage.

As we live into the current state (of course, this isn’t quite right because it implies arriving at something to stay) of our world, I affirm that your transitions, of all kinds, unfold with ease and grace, in a universe of unlimited possibilities. And most of all, that the journey into goo is a part of the journey that enriches us and brings us ultimate joy and new freedom, just like the butterfly.

Change, Transition, and Goo

4 www.unity.org • Sept-Oct-Nov 2009

ChangePresident’s Letter

James Trapp, [email protected]

“What’s very dangerous is to not evolve” according to Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com. While he was not specifically talking about spiritual evolution, he very well could have been.

If we are not individually, collectively and organizationally evolving, or are resistant to new ideas, the likely result is stagnation. In the case of organizations such as spiritual communities, it could very well mean extinction.

Transitions are inherent to the evolutionary process. In an organization’s evolution, one of the greatest challenges is not so much ushering in what’s new, but letting go of the old and getting through the neutral zone (see William Bridges’ Managing Transitions). The neutral zone requires that we unlearn and release old ways so there is space for the new to emerge. Like personal growth, we must let go of old identities that no longer serve us if transformation is to occur. Invariably, resistance arises because there is an unconscious tendency to hold on to what is known and familiar. Close examination of this phenomenon reveals what is usually behind it—the fear of loss. People may embrace the new vision and agree that it has great value, but it’s the letting go that is usually the stumbling block.

One way to make the letting go transition easier, and thus lessen the resistance, is to describe and directly address the ending. It is important to define what’s over and what’s not. In addition, it is helpful to anticipate the likely impact the change will have on people affected by the change.

If a change has already occurred, one can quickly find out what the loss is by asking “what is different now that this change has taken place?” Or “what did you have to give up as a result of the change?” This provides the opportunity to demonstrate understanding and make the appropriate decisions. This may include compensating for the loss by replacing it with something that will restore the balance. For example, if a tradition within the spiritual community is being dropped, replace it with an exciting new program that may well be the start of a new tradition.

Another way to help move through the change process is not only to talk about it, but have a ritual that visually marks the ending. It might be setting ablaze a policy manual that is no longer relevant through a burning bowl type ceremony.

Transitions, whether personally or organizationally, do not happen without some discomfort or disruption. Change is a natural part of evolution. If we recognize that people are most concerned with what they are losing and appropriately identify and address the perceived loss, it will ease the transition process and avoid the danger of not evolving.

The Evolution of


talk, and never being a victim of life. We practiced the presence by truly beholding the Christ in the other person, even when we didn’t agree. We have been working on ourselves for a long time, and now we are to put feet on our prayers.

We are evolving as a movement and our work must expand to encompass the transformation of our planet. We must move beyond just seeing the Christ in others to knowing we are one in the Christ and whatever happens to one happens to us all. We live in wisdom when we see ourselves in all and all in ourselves. We are breaking out of the ego cage of “I” and “mine” and becoming truly free to create what we truly want—an enlightened world. We are ready after more than 100 years to demonstrate Spirit-led leadership and get Unity known throughout the world for our good works. This is our challenge, to move divine love out of the walls of our churches and organization and into the awareness of all people everywhere. Let the world know us by our works and demonstrations of the truth we teach.

We are circles of Divine love rippling out around our planet, transforming the world.

You are loved.

A World in Need of

News from Our Chair

by Julie J. Montague

Gandhi once said “Our work is our prayer.” I have thought of those words often as I begin to take on the job of Chair of our Association’s Board of Trustees. What is our work? Is it our prayer for the world? What is the work of all Unity truth students everywhere, in churches, regions, international associations, alternative ministries and at the home offi ce? I believe our work is Transformation. Awareness, transitions and transformation are the raw materials of spiritual evolution and growth. The Fillmores’ teachings were all directed toward this end. It was their work that was their prayer.

I have heard that Unity is all about personal transformation and if you have been around Unity for any length of time you have probably heard a sermon, or attended a class or workshop that has in some way transformed your life. What we teach transforms most people’s way of perceiving Jesus, the Bible, and their relationship with God. We teach everyone is divine and has the Christ presence within, but are we actually demonstrating it? In the old days we healed each other with “truth treatments.” People demonstrated prosperity when there was a need, by knowing abundant God as our source of divine ideas. We constantly were asked to become aware of “our part” of whatever circumstances we found ourselves Personal responsibility for our consciousness was part of walking our


Fulfilling Our Mission

• Providing ministers and ministries a comprehensive employment network.

• Maintaining the churches tax-exempt status and retirement fund options.

• Creating opportunities for networking, sharing ideas, and community support through the People’s Convention.

• Providing minister and board support.

• Developing a wide range of youth and small group curriculum and much more…

As the Member Service Coordinator Kris will help develop relationships and offer support by connecting with members. Through community care calls, Kris, the Association board members, and key leaders, will be connecting with ministry leaders in order to open the lines of communication, create clarity in what is happening at all levels of our organization and provide support through prayer and information.

“During our community care calls we will connect our hearts, listen and share information.” Kris explains, “We are in the process of co-creating a new way of being in relationship within our Association. I am here to hear what is needed to support ministries, and help ministry leaders to know about the many ways in which we are here to serve you.” Kris has been involved in Unity for 21 years and began working at the Association home office in June of 2006. Her education includes an undergraduate degree in communication, as well as completion of the Unity Institute ministerial education program.

For an overview of our current Association programs and a list of services with contact names, numbers and email addresses visit our website at: unity.org/tools. You can contact Kris by email at [email protected] or call 816.434.6871.

KrisPreud’homme

As part of our Association fulfilling the home office’s mission to support vibrant, diverse, spiritual leaders and communities, a new position has been created called Member Services Coordinator. Kris Preud’homme has joined the communications circle and is filling this role which is helping create greater connection and communication among ministers/ministries and the Association home office.

“It is truly the desire of our Association’s home office staff to help Unity ministries and leaders thrive with outstanding products, service and support,” says Kris. “There are many ways in which our Association home office is either already serving or able to serve your ministry.” Some of the ways in which the association is diligently working to support our movement include:

• Creating a clear mission, vision and strategic plan so that our Association’s resources are focused and effective.

• Sharing current best-practices in how to help ministries thrive through growth-oriented programs like the Transformation Experience, Thriving in Unity, Practice of Thriving, Peacemaking and more.

• Providing resources for marketing and developing your ministry (available for free on the internet at www.unity.org/marketing).

• Preparing and credentialing leaders through field licensing and ordination.

Association of Unity Churches International


Creating a

by Temple Hayes

One of the core values of Unity is for each of us to set our intentions much higher than we could possibly imagine when we are walking through change, to give God and the universe a dynamic request so the vibration and energy is one of creation, excitement, and enthusiasm.

I was honored to serve with minister Alan Rowbotham for two years (2003-2005) as he prepared along with his beautiful wife and co-minister Kathryn to retire from First Unity Church in St. Petersburg (Florida) after 13 years of love, dedication and service.

As the time grew closer for Alan to leave, I found myself listening to so many of my colleagues sharing with me what I would need to be prepared. “Get ready,” they would say, “the church will lose a lot of people when Alan leaves and you will lose a lot of supporters at the same time.” At the time, we had an average Sunday attendance of 325-375. I am happy to share that, as of this writing, we have a weekly average attendance of 550 adults each Sunday, a dynamic children’s program, a

campus of thriving classes throughout the week and a community base of 2500 people coming to various activities we have at our WINGS Bookstore.

Here is how we did it:• Alan and I were both clear that we

were serving First Unity for a “period of time” and that the church did not belong to us…we both would give it all the love and efforts we could, yet we would always be certain to build the consciousness so the people would understand that it was their community. Great leaders build a community of empowered people living and experiencing the Unity message.

AtypicalSundayservice at First UnityCampus.

Healthy


• While I served with Alan, I taught all the new membership classes, led the chaplain trainings and spoke at as many Sunday services as Alan did. We did not let people know which minister was speaking. This strategy allowed the congregation “the period of time” required to get to know me as their minister. Great leaders share with others and do not allow the ego to insist upon holding on.

• The greatest blessing was a counselor, who specialized in grief, advising me to point the congregation to the future and never look back. She said, “Give them a vision and keep them focused on what God can do.” Great ministries have a visioning process which needs to occur every 3-4 years.

• In June 2005, we led the congregation through a visioning process and received feedback on what the people wanted in a church and campus. The items varied from a retail bookstore on a major highway, to an article in the USA Today newspaper, to a new platform in the sanctuary, a larger choir, video podcasts and many other items including the chaplain ministry and the teachings of healing. All of these have come true within this four-year period. Great ministries show the congregation how to manifest by using spiritual law.

• The staff was empowered to create and build their own teams. They were encouraged to build their own visions for their departments. They continue to grow, going to conferences and working with the Unity principles so they can reach for their own dreams. Their creativity is not only welcomed, it is respected with a leadership style that allows room for them to become more self-actualized. They are also clear that they are valued, loved and appreciated.

Great leaders know their strengths and weaknesses and have strong people helping them in areas where the leader is lacking. No one knows how to do everything. Great ministers are willing to work on their control issues…when ministers control, they cannot build great works within a community.

• The chaplains, licensed teachers, and prayer team held the consciousness throughout the transition and were encouraged to hold a loving and compassionate space for people who were uncomfortable with change. Great ministries pray and play.

• A transition team with several dedicated members focused on the process of the transition before Alan retired, with monthly meetings of prayer and discussion after I became senior minister. The team consisted of three staff members, three board members and three members of our congregation. All of them were dedicated to listening to Spirit and trusting the process. Great ministries prepare proactively rather than defensively.

• I met often with our creative arts director, Laura Watts, and we created a different order of service each week and established the mantra, “come next week, you never know what you are going to get.” Great ministries eliminate sacred cows and thrive with new and different ways to share God.

I feel fortunate as a minister to be part of this amazing spiritual community and like so many of you, I am committed to the world knowing what Unity is and what Unity can do in the lives of individuals, families and communities. It is important in this fast-paced universe that our churches are the most significant part of an individual’s week and the message reflects inspiration, healings and tools to live a better life.

Our church is a model which reflects the teachings for this great Unity movement. We want people to see the principles of Unity in action through the energy, healings and accomplishments of our church and collective consciousness.

Temple Hayes is an ordained Unity minister and international motivational speaker. Temple is currently CEO of First Unity Campus, a New Thought center, in St. Petersburg, Florida, that transcends religious denominations, embraces all ethnicities, and reaches beyond national borders. For more information, please feel free to contact her at [email protected].


by Wendy Craig-Purcell

At The Unity Center in San Diego, California, our journey began in September, 2004, when our board of advisors made the decision to move into the area of spiritually-motivated social action by launching “Americans for a Department of Peace” within our congregation. It was a bold and good step for us. And though we felt it was absolutely ours to do, we suspected it had the potential to cause some upset—if not actual confl ict—in our community and we wanted to be on the front end of dealing with anything negative that might arise.

At the same time, we also felt that our ministry was about to be taken to a whole new level of work in the world that would require us to be structured, organized, staffed and led somewhat differently than we had been up to that point.

So, we began by taking the proactive step to bring in Gary Simmons, the Association’s assistant VP of Integral Operations, to help us prepare the fi eld in advance and ensure a strong culture of peace for the work we were going to do. Since most of Gary’s work up until that time had been focused on peace-building in reaction to some confl ict, we worked with him to modify the program to fi t our unique needs.

Attending the workshop that Gary presented were two of our members who each had a strong professional background in organizational change and development as well as in integral theory: Cindy Henson and Mark Weaver. Over the course of the next two and a half years, building upon the work we began with Gary, we (Cindy, Mark and I) worked together to design and roll out a plan to reorganize and restructure The Unity Center for its next levels of growth.

Our participation included: • Exposing the entire congregation to the Thriving Ministry

Model® and the Integral Approach to church evolution.• Creating an “evolutionary council,” representative of all

perspectives in our membership, to help co-create our development path forward after Gary’s presentations. This council compiled a detailed report of all existing ministries which was shared with the community. They also conducted deep “focus group” conversations with fellow members and then acted as the conduit to and report back how Spirit was moving in the hearts and minds of our membership.

Experience• We defi ned goals to align with what

was moving in our midst. These included expanded lay facilitator/leadership training; an expanded small group ministry in our “Sacred Circles” program; the implementation of a new data/membership software system to better observe and measure our evolution; staffi ng changes; and new programs to engage members more fully.

“Why” and “How” MatterLooking back, here is some of what we found: the “why” and “how” you go about beginning the process of organizational transformation matters a lot. So does the “who.”

For some time before we began our journey, I had been sensing that we needed to do some deep internal growing and changing. Though nothing was broken, I knew something new (and big) was coming and that the structures we had in place could not support what was coming. The board was in full agreement. We were clear that transforming and re-organizing our church from an integral model (rather than from a piece by piece, program by program, approach) was our next step and we were committed to the work ahead of us.

We knew that having the right people on board was essential. The minister must sincerely (and fully) be committed to the process—not merely willing, and defi nitely not just “talked into it.” He or she is going to be the lead infl uencer. The “face” and the “voice” of the change.

But the minister’s commitment alone is not enough. The board needs to be on

TransformingA


board, too, and ideally, the staff and key leaders as well. Professional outside help in the form of the “right” consultants and facilitators is also absolutely necessary. We were blessed to have Mark and Cindy as members of The Unity Center. (The use of carefully screened professional “consultant-guides” who are at home in New Thought ministries is a key part of the Association’s Transformation Experience pilot program.)

A Recipe for CommunicationUp-leveling your (and your ministry’s) communication skills and methods is also vital. For the journey to be successful and meaningful to your spiritual community—especially those who are not directly involved in the transformation process— they must be kept informed. You must regularly and frequently share with them the progress that is being made. (It was not until Mark told me, “It will take telling them 28 times before they have heard you the first time,” that I got just how redundant we had to be in our communications.) Be sure to “connect the dots” for them. You’ve got to link the small, incremental steps and progress you have made with the big over-arching picture you’re toward which you are working. Remind them where you began, where you are now…and keep reminding them where you are headed and why. You also will be the cheerleader for the changes.

Outcomes and Sustaining EnergyThough there are still areas of growth, change and re-organization we are working on (I suppose there always will be), here are some of the positive outcomes we’ve seen to date: • More engagement, ownership and pride-

of-work from our staff

• A greater, deeper experience of ourselves as a true community connected not just to the minister and the message, but to one another

• A much stronger feeling in the community that as a community we are especially being called to make a global difference

• An even higher caliber of people who have greater talents and skills stepping forward wanting to contribute their gifts

• Members feeling more deeply heard than ever before

• Continued enthusiasm, momentum and high energy

• An organizational structure with systems and processes much more capable of handling our growth and expansion

In closing, let me say that any major organizational change is difficult because it—and all it entails—is added on top of the normal day-to-day activities of the organization. Consequently, it is easy to begin such a process with a lot of energy and enthusiasm but not so easy to sustain that positive initial energy and momentum over the long haul. This journey is not for the faint of heart. No matter how long you think it will take; it will take longer. (Trust me!) No matter how many times and how many ways you’ve communicated, someone will say they didn’t know what was going on. (Trust me!) And, no matter how much work you think it will be; it will be more than that. (Trust me!)

However, it is worth it for many different reasons. And having gone through it myself, knowing what I know, I would do it all over again. Why? Because of the positive changes it brings about not just in your ministry but in yourself.

Ordained as a Unity minister in 1980, Wendy Craig-Purcell pioneered The Unity Center in 1983.

“For the journey to be successful and meaningful to your spiritual community...they must be kept informed."


What’s in a Name?by Kathy Hearn, D.D. and Judy Morley, Ph.D.

A name is more than just a designator. In the mystical and esoteric traditions, a name symbolizes the inherent nature of something. So in 2006, when United Church of Religious Science changed our name to United Centers for Spiritual Living, the new moniker reflected a fundamental shift in the nature of the organization.

The leaders of United Church of Religious Science, founded by Ernest Holmes in 1953, discussed changing our name for more than a decade before we finally did so. Although “Religious Science” was the term Holmes coined for his philosophy, by the mid-1990s that phrase wasn’t particularly meaningful to newcomers to our philosophy, and was frequently confused with Christian Science or Scientology, neither of which are related to Religious Science. We spent more time explaining who we weren’t than who we were.

A Change in the ConversationOur nature as an organization was changing, also. Although we continue to teach the Science of Mind™ philosophy, our member churches were moving away from discussing religion and toward embracing a spirituality that honored all paths to God. In 2000, United Church of Religious Science adopted the expansive Global Heart Vision, which added a new dimension to the intellectually-based philosophy. We recognized that people wanted spiritual tools to transform their personal lives, while also seeking a broader definition of spirituality and greater relevance of their spiritual principles to world conditions and situations. That’s the core of the Global Heart Vision.

It also became clear that a growing segment of the population was looking for communities of like-minded people. The word “church” actually deterred congregants, however, due to negative associations with old religious paradigms, so we began looking for a more accurate descriptor. Several of our member churches adopted the name “Center for Spiritual Living” with great success. After months of discussion and a series of regional meetings with ministers and other constituents, we changed our name to United Centers for Spiritual Living in 2006.

Identity TransitionThe transition did not come without resistance, however. Many of our long-time members with a passion for tradition feared

that the change would weaken the organization’s legitimacy by removing the word “Science” from the title. There was some sadness in knowing that we were releasing our denominational name, but we also had great satisfaction in knowing that we were reaching a broader audience.

In order to effectively educate the public about our new identity, we hired Brand Solutions, a consulting firm from Seattle. Brand Solutions conducted research among four constituent groups, identified our audience, and assisted us in developing a comprehensive identity that reflected the evolving nature of our organization. The creation of a brand package included a new logo, phrases that resonated with the target market, images that accurately portrayed the feeling of the new identity, and a plan to help member “churches” tie into the power of the national identity.

Unintended ConsequencesThe process of creating a new identity had far reaching implications and unintended consequences, however. Shortly after starting work with us, another Religious Science organization, Religious Science International (RSI), hired Brand Solutions. RSI and United Church of Religious Science were sister organizations that grew out of an organizational split in 1954.

Rev.Dr.KathyHearn

Dr.JudyMorley


What’s in a Name?

Although the two organizations had been making efforts to reunite in a process we call “integration,” the results of RSI’s work with Brand Solutions showed that the two organizations shared a common identity and facilitated the integration process. “If you put one brand identity map over the other, they’re basically identical,” recalls Chuck Pettis, president of Brand Solutions. Brand Solutions recommended that RSI change its name to International Centers for Spiritual Living, which they did in 2008.

Testing EffectivenessIn order to test the effectiveness of our new, identical brand identities, United Centers for Spiritual Living and International Centers for Spiritual Living set up a test marketing group consisting of 12 centers who were willing to be pioneers of the branding process. These communities all changed their names to “Center for Spiritual Living,” adopted the common logo, and used the phrases and images suggested in a Brand Identity m anual. This group met quarterly to compare results and establish best practices. After one year, the group hosted its first regional roll-out meeting in June 2009, where spiritual centers from across the country sent representatives to learn how to adopt the new identity.

More than two years after changing our name, United Centers for Spiritual Living continues to recognize the importance of our new identity. We are more accessible and more oriented to providing our constituents with a viable spiritual community. Each month, more and more of our members are changing their name to “Center for Spiritual Living,” and the reaction to the new brand identity from ministers and congregants alike has been overwhelmingly positive. The new name really reflects who we are becoming, and is helping us more toward our big goal to touch and transform 100 million lives by 2012.

Rev. Dr. Kathy Hearn is the community spiritual leader for United Centers for Spiritual Living. Dr. Judy Morley, RScP, is on the staff of United Centers for Spiritual Living, serving as the communications leader.

NewnameandlogoforUnitedChurchofReligiousScienceandReligiousScienceInternational.

A New Identity for Unity?The Centers for Spiritual Living experienced a major shift that has affected their ability to reach out to more people. In fact, the story was shared that the centers that first tested the new identity had dramatic increases in guest attendance the first Sunday after the new signs went up. Creating an identity for Religious Science worked out to require a name change. This process isn’t necessarily about a name change: in fact, there is no current need to change the name, unless your feedback says otherwise. However, we do anticipate a major improvement in our sense of identity as a movement. We are simply looking forward to how we can present our movement in a way that allows people to hear us, without their prejudgment getting in the way.

With this in mind, our Association and Unity School have decided to work on our own joint branding: a new identity for the Unity movement. We continually hear from many in the field that our movement is on the cusp of something big. People everywhere are searching for a spiritual home, and we are uniquely positioned to serve them. We also know that when we are united, our impact is far greater than when we are fragmented.

Chuck Pettis presented his information to our joint boards in May. The decision from this group of ministers, licensed teachers and lay persons was unanimous: to move forward. This is due in large part to the spirituality Chuck brings to his work, in addition to his professional experience with all types of organizations. That’s why the joint boards of the two organizations have retained Brand Solutions to work with us to create our own unique identity this year.

In July, the first discussions occurred. Throughout this year, there will be opportunities for input from our current ministry leaders and congregants, as well as tapping into the thoughts of people outside our movement for their feedback on how our identity shows up for them. Such professional research will help us to have a broad-based result, in addition to the critical step of looking beyond ourselves.

Stay tuned for more on this process. As the excitement within our movement builds in anticipation of our growth and renewal, we are preparing to meet the world where it is, and to take our rightful place in the minds and hearts of people everywhere.


by Brian J Robertson

Over the past two decades, dozens of thought-leaders have pointed the way to new capacities organizations must develop to thrive amidst our 21st century challenges. Peter Senge highlights the need for systems thinking and learning organizations, Gary Hamel describes radically new management methods, Meg Wheatley calls for self-organization and a living systems mindset, and Otto Scharmer shows the possibilities in presencing and aligning with a deeply authentic purpose. These visionaries and many more are highlighting the limits of our conventional views of organization and leadership, and offering a glimpse of new possibilities available to us—if we’re able to make the leap.

And making that leap is proving to be one huge challenge. Fully realizing such a shift requires embodying these leading-edge principles and ideas in actual practice, across the whole organization. It’s one thing to individually sense and align with deep spiritual principles and our own highest calling. It’s another thing entirely to shift a whole organization to operate collectively from a new paradigm. Absorbing a new mindset individually is just the beginning—the challenge then becomes moving from inspired theory held by a few, to stabilized practice across an entire organization.

How to achieve this shift is the leading-edge question in many leading-edge movements. To really harness the potential of the

emerging new paradigm, we’re going to need a new organizational operating system—a fundamental upgrade to the core structure and processes we use to govern, organize, and execute our work. We’ll need to install self-sustaining practices which enable us to manifest the new capacities we seek throughout an organization, even when a majority of the individuals within haven’t yet made the leap to the new mindset behind them.

In response to these challenges and needs at the leading-edge of the leading-edge, there’s a new possibility emerging: a new organizational operating system called Holacracy™.

Introducing Holacracy™Holacracy was initially pioneered hands-on in an award-winning, fast-growth software company between 2001 and 2006. The company’s leadership continually experimented with new methods of organizing and working together, while integrating ideas and techniques from many cutting-edge movements and thought-leaders. The resulting system made its public debut in 2006 via interviews and writings, including a prominent article in the Wall Street Journal. Holacracy has continued to evolve and spread in the years since under the stewardship of HolacracyOne, an organization created to further develop the method and bring it to the world. It is now an international movement with a broad community of practitioners and consultants catalyzing its adoption across the globe.

Holacracy is a complete practice for governing and running our organizations—a new operating system. With its transformative structure and processes, Holacracy integrates the collective wisdom of people throughout the company, while aligning the organization with its broader purpose and a more organic way of operating. The result is dramatically increased agility, transparency, innovation, and accountability. Holacracy

In Theory

Transforming Organizations: Introducing Holacracy


from workers who can think and adapt for themselves—as Henry Ford famously said, “Why is it every time I ask for a pair of hands, they come with a brain attached?” Yet those organizations which make space for people to show up more fully and authentically fi nd doing so enhances agility, fosters innovation, ignites creativity, and increases capacity for managing complexity and embracing change. In the words of Holacracy consultant Jereon Maes, it inspires workers to contribute with their hands, their minds, and their souls—all for what Ford paid just for the hands.

Transforming the OrganizationThe approach Holacracy takes to realizing this shift is comprehensive and transformative, yet equally honoring of conventional fundamentals. It’s not enough to simply throw out current methods, however obsolete—we must replace them with new methods which still achieve the value of the conventional, plus much more. Static predict-and-control management methods must be replaced with a more dynamic and adaptable approach. This requires replacing rigid top-down power hierarchies with a more responsive organic structure, and then using that new structure to distribute governance and capture learning throughout the entire organization. That means we’ll be surfacing lots of feedback, so we need to replace slow meetings and painful decision-making with an approach that rapidly integrates key perspectives from multiple people. And to avoid all of this falling apart in a clash of egos, we’ll need a compelling purpose that invites us to serve something larger than ourselves, and a purpose-driven board that everything else hangs from.

Holacracy offers concrete approaches for each of these challenges, however the wisdom and discipline to use them effectively must come from each organization that takes on the challenge. Until new habits are formed and fade to the background, it will take bold and visionary pioneers to help organizations break out of old patterns and upgrade for the 21st century. Holacracy only offers a map—they must traverse the actual territory.

For more information about Holacracy and its transformative approach, please visit www.holacracy.org for free articles, interviews, and webinars, or to fi nd a more in-depth Holacracy training near you.

Brian Robertson serves as chairman of HolacracyOne and is known internationally as an early pioneer of Holacracy. Brian's initial work with Holacracy took place at Ternary Software, an award-winning fast-growth software consulting company he founded. Holacracy made its public debut in 2006, and has continued to evolve and spread in the years. It is now an international movement with a broad community of practitioners and consultants. To contact him, visit www.holacracy.org.

takes the principles, ideas, and underlying new mindset pointed at by many modern thought leaders, and instills them in the actual structures and processes of the organization—it grounds them in practice and brings them to life.

Beyond Predict and ControlMost modern decision-making and management is based on a predict-and-control paradigm, where those in leadership roles try to anticipate and design the best possible plan for achieving pre-defi ned goals, and then control the organization to avoid deviations from that path. It’s like someone riding a bicycle by pointing at his destination, then holding the handlebars rigid, closing his eyes, and pedaling. Odds are he won’t reach his target, even if he does manage to keep the bicycle upright for the entire trip.

In contrast, actually riding a bicycle requires a more dynamic process of embracing change. The rider must continuously take in information about his present state and environment, and use that feedback to make rapid adjustments in many dimensions—heading, speed, balance, etc. Rather than try to predict the “right” path up-front, he instead holds his aim in mind, stays present in the moment, and adjusts rapidly and incrementally over time, as new information emerges along the journey. And all of this fades to the background as he fl ows with whatever arises moment to moment, his ride an expression of a deeper spiritual impulse pulling him forward. Sound like your experience in most modern organizations? Probably not.

Yet this represents a needed shift—the predict-and-control paradigm is no longer serving. It requires a very static environment and generates little benefi t

Transforming Organizations: Introducing Holacracy


by Don Lansky and Patricia Guilino Lansky

Some wise person once said that “the nature of life is change.” A corollary was added later by another wise person, “the nature of life is change—but that depends.” As we near completion of almost nine years of service as coministers at Unity Church in Charlottesville, we have experienced a lot of change.

It’s Always SomethingIn fact, we have come to the conclusion that church is a living, breathing, dynamic organism that is always in a state of transformation and fl ux. It will never “arrive” anywhere because it will always be in some process of discovery and becoming. As Roseanne Roseannadanna always said, “It's always something.”

A youth director fi nally succeeds in putting together a wonderful children’s program and then moves out of state for personal reasons, creating a personnel and program vacuum.

A volunteer creates a hospitality program and despite our best efforts to prevent volunteer burnout, does just that. People come and go as Unity becomes their “path” and then something else catches their fancy and they move on—or vice versa. The ministers grow and evolve as does the congregation, pushing the edge of the consciousness of who we’ve come here

to be. Change gives us the opportunity to embrace new ideas and new possibilities. Building with ChangeFrom the moment we began our ministry in October, 2001, we knew we were in for transformation and change. Our church had been meeting in rented locations for nearly 25 years and the core group was bursting at the seams to begin construction of their own church home.

And so began the fi ve year process of planning; designing; hiring site plan engineers, architects, and a general contractor; raising funds through a three-year capital campaign; and fi nally, beginning actual construction of our new church. Those who have done extensive fundraising or building projects know that there is a ton of activity behind building a church. We had focus meetings with the different interest groups within our church, congregational meetings to focus our intention, create our vision, and keep that vision alive and exciting, prayer meetings and town meetings to stay on task and keep God fi rst in all that we were doing, and of course, celebrations.

Our vision of ministry has always been to have a team-centered approach. Initially, we had one team whose task was the “church-in-a-box” setup and breakdown of the Sunday service. As the dream of

UnityChurchofCharlottesville under construction.

The Nature of Life isChange


our new church began to take shape, new teams were created; a fundraising team, building/design team, and prayer team.

In the fall of 2005, we broke ground for the new church. Slightly over one year later, on the fifth anniversary of beginning our ministry in Charlottesville, we moved into our new $1.9 million, 250-seat sanctuary. Virtually overnight, there was an explosion of new energy and volunteer support, what we call, “sacred service.”

When we first arrived in Charlottesville, 60 people were attending Sunday service. Today, with regular Sunday attendance between 150-180 people, there are 23 different sacred service teams in place with about 60 people actively participating in some way. For the most part, these teams developed organically, from the interest and passion of the team leaders, and with our support.

As coministers, we also recruited team leaders and formed new teams in areas that needed attention such as landscaping, facilities management, marketing, web site development, and fundraising.

Not New, but Renewing Our story is not really new, or even unique. We in Unity are spiritual pioneers. We have met very few Unity ministers—and have been in very few Unity churches—that have not been actively and aggressively engaged in growing into their very highest

expression of the Christ potential that we all possess. It’s what we do in Unity—and who we are as Truth students. On a daily basis, we ask ourselves the great spiritual discernment question; “What is ours to do?” We actively encourage our congregants to ask that same question for their own personal lives—as well as for the life of this church. This takes us to new projects, new ways to increase awareness about prosperity and abundance, new ways to create a deepening connection with Spirit through worship and praise, and new ways to serve not only our church community, but the community at large.

We are grateful to all the good people who are working so hard in developing the “Thriving in Unity” program. As we reviewed the benchmarks with our board of directors, we realized that we had already accomplished most of them. But church is an ongoing process—a work of art—a labor of love—and a constant state of becoming. We minister in interesting times. So in all things, we seek the guidance of Spirit and affirm that with God as our source, we are and have all that we need. And so do you.

Don Lansky (class of 2000) and Patricia Gulino Lansky (class of 2001) are coministers at Unity Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. Prior to ministry, Don was a senior vice president of marketing and public relations for a cruise travel company and Patricia was a psychotherapist in private practice.

AerialviewofUnityChurchofCharlottesville.

Congregantsparticipate in aworkshopatUnityChurchofCharlottesville.

The Nature of Life isChange


by Barry Vennard

In the years I’ve been doing transitional ministry, peace work, and consulting, I’ve found two factors that churches in confl ict have in common. Confl ict is almost always focused on the minister, and these churches used prayer to attract the minister(s) that became the focus of confl ict. I know that many other transitional ministers and peace workers have had similar experiences. It appears that minister-focused confl ict is fairly common.

So, let’s assume that prayer is truly working in these cases. Could it be that the emergence of repeated minister-focused confl ict is the universe trying to awaken us to something not yet discovered? That’s what we are trying to fi nd out at the Unity Church of Omaha. As with many of our ministries, they have experienced confl icts within the church leadership, peacemaking efforts, transitional and interim ministers, splits and mergers. Unity Church of Omaha has decided to try something new.

Trying a New WayWe are experimenting with a new focus that we hope both transcends and includes previous ways of being a Unity church. While still providing spiritually nourishing worship, community and educational experiences for our congregation, we’ve taken on a transcending purpose; a new sense of “who we have come here to be”—a mission!

When The Mission Is At The Center of The Ministry

Most of our congregation agree that this awakening is more than just something that helps us live better. We now see it as something essential to the future of humankind. We join with many others who believe that this need is becoming more and more immediate. And, we no longer believe it will happen spontaneously. It will require spiritually inspired, intentional, prayer-based organizational effort and commitment.

Presence of God Emerges through the MissionThis new mission asks us to deal with our fears related to evangelizing and proselytizing; things most of us in Unity strongly reject. Yet, we are aware of just how important the message of spiritual oneness is to the future of humanity, and very likely, to the health of our church and our movement. How can we not rise to the need? It’s given us a greater purpose; an external focus that’s bigger than just our individual, inner spiritual needs; and that might be the missing piece. That might be the presence of God emerging within us in answer to prayer.

“We are

experimenting

with a new

focus that we

hope both

transcends

and includes

previous ways

of being a Unity

church.”

OurIntegralmission:“To support the awakening of as many people as possible to their oneness with God, each other and all creation.”


Transformation: The Seed of Divine ImpulseTransformation: The Seed of Divine Impulse

Beyond ReasonThe profound consciousness of God as our Source, trust in the universe to guide us, commitment to our vision, and a faith “beyond reason,” kept us courageous even in the midst of fear, doubt, and loss of those who did not trust the leadership moving into unknown territory. Our new fi ve-year lease tripled our monthly expenses. Yet, the great mystery of God’s indwelling magnifi cence, demonstrated in the unseen long before the sprout is visible, was now strongly rooted and growing. On Thanksgiving weekend 2006, the generous donation of our “mandala logo” entrance mosaic welcomed us on our fi rst Sunday in our new home.

For more information and images, see www.unityofdivinelove.com. Unity of Divine Love in Chandler, Arizona, was founded by Kyra Baehr in 2000. They dedicated their new building in February, 2007.

MosaicintheentranceofUnityofDivineLove.

by Kyra Baehr and Jerry & Donna Govan

Transformation ignites the fulfi llment of the divine impulse within the seed. Unity of Divine Love’s (Chandler, Arizona) journey into our new home was that fulfi llment. We affi rmed and prayed together, “…not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts” (Zachariah 4:6) “…for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27) We knew we would “know” when we fi nally found our spiritual home. After almost six years of “church in a box,” three of them searching for our seed home, board member and developer Jerry Govan followed a hunch on a “for lease” sign. When Jerry introduced me to the owner of the building, Danny Litzinger, for the fi rst time, I felt a movement of Spirit. Later, Danny told us he couldn’t explain why, but he felt called to support our vision. We fi nally had our knowing!

Leaders are VitalOur congregant key leadership was vital; board president Cindy Felton held sacred space, and with Jim Banyai’s design, Jerry’s developer skills, and Bill Swicegood’s construction guidance, the plan was set, and the challenges met. The full congregation “christened” our new home at an “Infusion Party,” writing words of intention and affi rmative prayer on the cement before the fl oor coverings arrived. My calls for alignment with sacred creation—even reinstalling air ducts for a higher ceiling in the sanctuary—were diligently honored. Our 4,000-square-foot seed of space was transformed into a beautiful spiritual center.

As we fi nished, a truly unexpected blessing also arrived. Our “build out” allowance was $150,000, but even with close coordination, the fi nished cost was $220,000. However, when Jerry met with Danny to thank him for his support and to readjust the lease agreement to cover this, Danny surprised him by saying, “Since I have made this spiritual connection and this arrangement with your group, my business has been greatly increased.” “And,” he continued, “I have chosen to forgive the overage expenses and leave the lease as we have agreed.” Also, he chose not to increase the rent in the second year as an additional gift. We remain extremely grateful to Danny for these blessings. Transformation blesses everyone!


DesignAby Alan Rowbotham

In planning your retirement, my first suggestion is to participate in the Association’s retirement program. Sock away as much as you can, and ask your church to maximize their contribution.

It was only as the years went by that my wife, Kathryn, and I became much more conscious of the importance of contributing to the retirement fund, but I only reached the maximum contribution the year before retirement.

I retired at age seventy in order to have some quality time with my wife, Kathryn, in the “golden years.” My personal retirement plan was to continue to minister through guest speaking, special services, and a newsletter.

May Rowland, a long-time director of Silent Unity, referred to retiring as “re-tiring,” continuing to do God’s work in a different way. I liked that interpretation. But it was only after retiring that I found out what “re-tire-ment,” and I came to understand that one must make definite plans but must also be non-resistant to the direction life might take.

Twenty months after retiring from church ministry, our lives changed dramatically. On our way to speak at the anniversaries of Unity churches in Roanoke and Lynchburg, Virginia, Kathryn fell in a restaurant restroom and hit her head on the tile floor, resulting in a massive hematoma and a serious brain injury, the effects of which have continued in varying degrees day-to-day.

Since that fateful day, my main focus has been on Kathryn’s care and welfare. Difficult as it is, I feel blessed to be able to serve my loved one this way. I still guest speak occasionally, and I still publish my newsletter, Spiritual Solutions, in what I consider a successful retirement. Here’s what I think it takes to create a truly successful retirement:

1.Start as early as you can in planning your retirement, but don’t think of retirement as a goal or end-game.

2.Participate in the Association’s retirement fund program.

3.Put as much as you can into the fund, both personally and with a percentage contribution from your church.

4.Plan your retirement well before you retire; think of it as re-tiring, or regeneration, or advancement.

5.Decide what you’d like to do; have a positive attitude and a sense of wonder about it.

6.Stay flexible and flow with any life changes that may come along. Maintain a positive and cheerful attitude toward life. Be sure to have fun!

Alan A. Rowbotham served Unity churches in Akron, Ohio; with his wife Kathryn in Roanoke, Virginia (twice); and St. Petersburg, Florida. He and his wife, both ordained in 1971, also served at Association headquarters, and both received the Myrtle Fillmore Award in the year 2000. Alan retired from full-time church ministry in early 2006, and has since been involved as a guest speaker and newsletter publisher. You can subscribe to his newsletter, Spiritual Solutions and see his websites at www.alanrowbotham.com and at www.spiritualsolutionsblog.com.

Divine


Design

by John Connor

Before I became a professional healthcare chaplain myself, I would never have wanted one when I was in the hospital. My assumption was that the hospital chaplain would come in and preach his/her theology to me while I was “captive” in the hospital bed. No, thank you! Many of your congregants probably have the same assumptions.

But this is not what healthcare chaplains actually do. Our training—a year (4 Units) of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) for professional chaplains (many seminaries require 1 Unit to graduate with their MDiv)—includes the specifi c ethic that we are not there to promote our own religious or spiritual views. Chaplains are present to support patients in enrolling their spiritual tools and traditions during this frightening health crisis that has landed them in the hospital. We provide a non-anxious pastoral presence, comfort, encouragement, and companionship. We also provide prayer and scripture reading if the patient welcomes it. In fact, all spiritual support from the chaplain is at the patient’s discretion.

A Help to Unity LeadersSo, how do you as a Unity minister or leader make use of the hospital chaplain? If your congregant agrees, you can call and request a visit to the congregant. Usually, chaplains don’t make it to visit all the

A Surprising Benefi t:

patients in the hospital, so they welcome specifi c requests from patients and clergy.

What if the chaplain is from a denomination or faith tradition that is quite different from Unity theology? You will probably not know his or her denomination unless you ask, which you can do if you like. Typically, chaplains will say something like, “It is part of my training to serve people across denominations and faiths without ‘pushing’ my religious ideas. I am part of the ___________ denomination.”

You, the local Unity ministry leader, can say to the chaplain, “Jane is comforted by positive prayers about God’s love and acceptance, which fi ts our tradition.” You might suggest a Psalm (say, Psalm 121) or other reading that Jane might enjoy. You can offer to leave a copy of Daily Word on the patient’s bedside table, for the patient and/or the chaplain to read.

Can you tell the chaplain that you’d like him/her to do affi rmative prayers or not to do vicarious atonement prayers? Well, few people like to be told exactly how to pray, or not pray. Instead, be affi rmative and positive in your interactions with the chaplain, and trust that the Spirit will lead the way. In your own visits with the congregant, talk about how, even prayers containing theology that is not our own, are still open-hearted calls for communion with God, and that is a blessing.

John Connor graduated from CPE in 2005, and became a licensed teacher in 2009. He is a full-time chaplain with Odyssey Hospice in Austin, Texas. You can reach him at [email protected].

Your Congregant’s Hospital Chaplain


A Significant Transition

by Lisa Wittman

After all the lights, cameras, platform, and booths were folded up and returned to storage, and the people had left for home, a great sigh of satisfaction went out for a convention well-done. Held June 8-12 in the Kansas City area, this was a significant convention in that it represented a transition to a focus on leadership, in accordance with our new initiatives. These initiatives were created out of our strategic plan, which, in turn, came from feedback from ministry leaders like you.

The sigh of satisfaction came in large part due to the positive feedback of participants. Some of the most common comments:

This convention is the best in many years.

The content is so great—it’s spiritual and it’s practical.

Having fewer topics, but going more in-depth, really gave me something I can take back to my ministry.

How can we get the presentation materials to share with our people?

Thanks to all who participated, in whatever way, for making this a great event. As we begin planning for next year, June 7-11, at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego, we will keep your comments in mind. Look for continued improvement in practical leadership development as well as other topics.

The business meeting booklet, which was mailed along with two inspiring DVD’s to every ministry, is posted at www.unity.org/convention. This page will be updated throughout the year with news of the upcoming convention as well. Listening to the feedback of this year’s attendees, you won’t want to miss next year’s convention.

Association convention moves toward new leadership and thriving ministry models

MarilynMuehlbach CindyWigglesworth AlanNelson BishopSpong BrianRobertson

Join us for

2010 Unity

People’s

Convention at

Town & Country

Resort in

San Diego.


BrianRobertson

by Shawn Moninger

We recently had a board training at our church. Near the end of the weekend I asked the board of trustees if they were willing to live in integrity with their lives. I was asking them to extend their integrity beyond their church work and live in integrity in their personal lives. What I meant by this was that they apply the principles in their homes, relationships, money, work, and, of course, their body. Being in integrity also includes seeking counsel when it feels too frightening or overwhelming to live in such assurance.

Forgetting to GrowAs I was asking this of the board, I found myself getting dry in the throat and my heart was pounding. As I was asking this of these six individuals, I realized that I, too, needed to step up my own personal commitment to living in the conviction of truth.

I was wildly uncomfortable at this personal evaluation of my own integrity. In my examination of self, I realized that I had grown complacent. I had started to forget to grow. I had begun to forget who I was. I was seeing this forgetting reflected in my personal life and in our church. I saw that judgment and resentment were on the rise, and money and confidence were on the decline. I saw that my body was growing grossly out of shape and personal debt had increased.

The Minister’s Complacency

Choosing the Promise of PrincipleI instantly sought solution. The first thing I did was look at my willingness to pray and meditate, as well as how I prayed and meditated. Next, I hired a trainer at the gym to work with me twice a week. Finally, I seek regularly to get my thoughts in alignment with truth. I seek to desire truth above all else, and to observe myself when I don’t seem to want truth above all else. At those times I seek to be kinder to myself and others. The results have been dramatic, and exactly what principle promises. I am intuitively knowing what to do in confusing circumstances. I am choosing peace over criticism. The church income has increased, my personal debt is lessening, and I am becoming more healthy. I am less fearful over circumstances and more willing to experience my sensations.

Sept-Oct-Nov 2009 • www.unity.org 23

Unity House Is Off and Running

Unity® is a partner organization to the Association of Unity Churches International. It provides education, prayer through Silent Unity and publishing of Daily Word, Unity Magazine and other materials.

News From Unity®

Unity House® has shifted into high gear to meet an ambitious goal of publishing one new book a month in 2009-2010. The publishing arm of Unity School was started by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore in 1903. With a few notable exceptions—such as the 2007 book Sacred Secrets—Unity House in recent years has mostly published reprints.

“It is my joy to expand and develop Unity House to include general Unity nonfi ction, Daily Word-branded books, and Unity Institute Press, plus books on good business and spirit/mind/body,” says editorial director Stephanie Oliver.

New Voices for Unity“While we are delighted to offer more products, we are especially excited to develop new voices and leaders for Unity,” says Paula Coppel, Unity vice president of Communications. “We want to tap the wisdom within our own movement.”

The increased activity creates opportunities for church leaders interested in writing and publishing books as a way to grow their ministries. So far this year, Unity House has released two new books written by ministers in the fi eld. They are:

• The Five Principles, by minister Ellen Debenport. “This book, released in June, is to Unity basics what the bestselling

book The Four Agreements is to Toltec teachings. The principles originate with Unity, yet can be applied by everyone,” states Stephanie.

• Ask Yourself This, by minister Wendy Craig-Purcell. “This book launched in August and coincided with the airing on public broadcasting of Wendy’s interviews with Deepak Chopra on Jesus and the Awakening to God-Consciousness. In the book, Wendy takes readers through an intriguing self-discovery process through the use of provocative questions. An excellent companion study guide is also available,” says Stephanie.

She adds that each of the new books “provides entertaining and informative ways to teach and apply Unity principles.” Churches may want to consider these selections for their fall and winter study groups, book clubs and Sunday lessons.

In addition to these books, Unity House recently released Daily Word Prosperity and a Spanish translation of Charles Fillmore’s Mysteries of John. An updated metaphysics text for Unity Institute is planned for fall.

Also coming in 2009: Good Questions, a compilation of Thomas Shepherd’s popular columns in Unity Magazine. “It covers what I would describe as ‘everything you ever wanted to know about Unity beliefs but didn’t take time to ask your minister.’ Yet, it uniquely refl ects Tom’s always amusing point of view,” says Stephanie.

Unity House is constantly seeking new writing talent within Unity and has posted author’s guidelines in the Publications section of unity.org.


God Calls the

Buttely“What the caterpillar calls the end, God calls the butterfl y.”

—Author unknown

by Stephanie SeighThe story has been told of a man who found a butterfl y cocoon. He watched the butterfl y struggle to shove its swollen body through a small opening. Moved by its effort, the man attempted to help the small creature by making the opening larger. The butterfl y then emerged, still swollen, with small, shriveled wings. What the well-intentioned man didn’t realize was that the effort required to squeeze through the opening was necessary for the fl uid in the butterfl y’s body to move into its wings, enabling it to fl y.

This story is a wonderful illustration of the work required for transformation and the power of transition. While it can be uncomfortable, transformation doesn’t have to be a struggle. Through this example, and examples from our own lives, we can observe that the degree of ease experienced during transition is in direct proportion to how we see the transitional experience.

I recently supported a ministry through completing a Required Plan of Action. Working closely with the team, this board embraced their RPOA, seeing it as valuable feedback and eagerly scheduled the necessary components. At our fi rst meeting, they reported all the changes they had made proactively, not even waiting for the plan to be presented, and proudly showed me their bulletin board, where they had publicly posted their report from the team.

I observed several qualities that stood out during their experience. First, they saw their review and subsequent plan as feedback, not criticism or judgment. They had a genuine desire to transform their ministry, and their collective experience, and were open to any and all observations and suggestions. Second, they invited support into their community. They were open to whatever processes were available to them to facilitate their transition. Third, they followed through, and in some cases, anticipated with actions necessary to “squeeze through the cocoon.” Fourth, they took their time. Even when the work became uncomfortable, they were not willing to rush the process. Finally, they were willing to let go of who they had been in order to become who they truly were. They were willing to let go of being the caterpillar in order to become the butterfl y. Feedback, support, action, time and letting go... We can learn from this amazing community that these qualities are universal to the transformation experience. There can be no transformation, no true and lasting change, unless we are open to feedback, and are willing to embrace that feedback. This may mean some less than comfortable self-inquiry or professional support, but it is a critical component to any true evolution. We also can’t do this alone. Without support, effort becomes struggle, and the journey much less satisfying. And education and insight in and of themselves aren’t capable of moving us forward. We must be willing to take meaningful actions to emerge from the cocoon, healthy and strong. Like the caterpillar, we need to recognize that this emergence takes time, patience, effort... and a willingness to let go of who we were in order to become the magnifi cent butterfl y we are destined to become.


Perspectives

Are We Ready for a New Minister?What issues and challenges need to be resolvedbefore hiring a new minister

by Stephen Towles

There is an axiom that says, “every church is ready for the right minister and no church is ready for the wrong minister.” In case you hadn’t heard that axiom, I just made it up and I believe it to be true. I suppose the danger in embracing this truth is that it puts a little too much emphasis on the particular minister a church chooses as though this person is the answer to all of the challenges a church might face.

The journey from one minister to the next is always one of the signature moments for a church. Regardless of the circumstances under which a minister leaves, there are many issues that exist in the minds and hearts of those who are left behind. If the minister leaves for supposedly greener pastures, members of the congregation will often feel “less than,” “not good enough,” and “sad.” while at the same time wanting to be happy for their minister’s good fortune. Should a minister leave under a cloud of misfortune he or she often leaves behind a wake of hurt, betrayal, and anger. Often the anger is directed at those in the congregation who were involved in the change. Every once in a while a beloved minister actually retires for all the right reasons and even in the midst of the celebration, there is fear and concern for the future of the church.

There are some who believe that all the negatives that exist need to be addressed before a new minister is hired. Personal feelings need to be resolved so there is a clear congregation for the new minister to begin serving. I believe hiring a new minister is most often a calculated roll of the dice that can become a divine appointment. It is absurd to think that people’s personal issues are going to be completely worked out and the truth is that this is not really necessary for the church to have a reasonable chance of success with the new leader.

What I believe is most important is that the church recognize they cannot hire a spiritual leader who will immediately lead them to the Promised Land, because spiritual leadership is something that is earned over time not hired in a single moment. A congregation is ready for a new minister when they can honestly say they are willing to give the next minister a real chance to succeed and to establish him or herself as their spiritual leader. It is then that a divine appointment has the best chance of manifesting and being recognized.

Stephen Towles has been a Unity minister for 25 years beginning as an associate in Sacramento, California; cominister with his wife Karen Lindvig for six years in Reno, Nevada; 12 years in Seattle, Washington; and currently as senior minister at Unity Church of Christianity in Edgewood, Washington, for the past fi ve years. He has served on numerous committees and Association projects and was regional representative for the Northwest region for four years. He is a certifi cated peacemaker and has done many leadership retreats for church boards and ministers with a special focus on building positive board/minister relationships.


Are We Ready for a New Minister?What issues and challenges need to be resolvedbefore hiring a new minister by Pat Bessey

I am delighted to have the opportunity to share my thoughts on the issues and challenges I see that need to be resolved in a ministry when a minister has left and before the search for a new minister begins. As chair of the Standards Team, which is made up of the regional representatives in our nine regions in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, we would welcome a call at the fi rst indication that the church is going to be without a minister so that we can offer support to the leadership and congregation. It has been my experience that not all leaders in a ministry are aware of the support that is available to them during this time. We regional reps often think of ourselves as the 411 operator. We have information that can provide clarity and direction for the leadership and lower the anxiety that may be present during this time of change.

When speaking with church leaders I fi nd they often want to move quickly into the search process. I encourage them to breathe, take time to discover who they are and what they as a community value, and how they want to make a difference in the world. This is important to know before hiring another minister. I liken it to getting married again after a marriage has ended. Some of us rush into another relationship (myself included) before we know who we are and what we are called

to do. Then we wonder why, after a short time, the marriage doesn’t seem to be working. I’ve seen this same scenario happen in ministry as well.

I believe we have some very good tools in place to help a ministry identify who they have come here to be and why they exist. Until a ministry has answered these questions, I don’t think they are ready to call their next minister.

Here are some steps I see as preparation. Board members are key to the success of a transition. I retired from my ministry a year ago and when I told my board I was leaving, I stressed how important it was for them to speak as one voice to the congregation and to show up as a non-anxious presence. I see board training as a vehicle for the leadership to show up as a non-anxious presence. Peacemaking is another valuable tool in discovering who we are and why we exist. The “why we exist” is taken a step further by designing together, as a community, the vision, mission and goals that clearly identify the ministry’s purpose. These steps, along with a committed prayer practice, could take up to six months or more to complete.

When this work is complete, then it is time for the call to the minister who has been praying for a spiritual community who is ready to thrive in Unity.


SouthwestUnity Church of South Bay in Torrance, California, is experiencing a growth surge, thanks in part to a host of activities that ignite and unite us. In addition to minister Patricia O’Connor-Weisman’s talks, classes and our outreach programs, our annual calendar is filled with special events that bring us together and give us a sense of community.

We hold monthly spiritual renewal, movie night, and healing circle, bi-annual friendship Sunday and annual whale watch, “In Remembrance”/Seder service, Easter breakfast, picnic, World Day of Prayer, animal blessing, candlelighting service and burning bowl service. Our church continues to grow as visitors are invited to attend these special events and share in the friendship and camaraderie. By meeting people in a relaxed atmosphere, guests feel more at ease and connected when they attend church services.

To quote board member David Thomasson, “I love our sense of community, and the opportunity to serve. I believe that giving of ourselves, sharing the time, talents and treasure we have, and serving each other is the practical expression of trusting God. Helping others helps us to grow closer to God, and summons forth the very best from us—the true Christ within.”

FriendshipSundaywiththeSangomaDrum&DanceGroup.

InRemembrance/SederService

Regional News

The Unity churches in Arizona are expanding the awareness of Unity throughout Arizona with radio messages on the local NPR (National Public Radio) station and a classical music radio station. The stations were selected because of audience demographics that are similar to typical Unity congregations. The messages will air 12 times daily during July and August in drive time and evening slots. They will be heard by some 350,000 listeners on each station. The radio spots are coupled with a new web page at unityarizona.org that contains links to all of Arizona’s twenty ministries, Daily Word and Silent Unity. Counters tally the number of daily visitors. The project is part of an outreach vision of Unity Church of Sun City (James Yeau and Sharon Bush, ministers). Additional information about the cooperative project may be obtained from [email protected].


FriendshipSundaywiththeSangomaDrum&DanceGroup.

Great LakesGregory Guice, minister at Unity of Lake Orion, Michigan, was named as one of ten Michiganians of the Year by The Detroit News. The feature article recalls how Guice went before a judge in Panama City, Florida, to beg for leniency in the sentencing of the 23-year old man who killed Guice's daughter Morgan while driving drunk. Guice promised to pray with the young man, write letters, and visit. Guice also initiated a community-wide project called Look for the Good, recruiting local businesses and organizations. The campaign was created by the Association of Unity Churches International. Once a week, Guice counsels people battling drug addiction. He also serves as a Detroit police champlain.

EasternUnity Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, has partnered with two organizations to expand their outreach in the community. The local chapter of A.R.E., Association for Research and Enlightenment, founded by Edgar Cayce in 1931 now holds its programs at the church, which serves as a co-sponsor. The church also works with a healthcare professional to provide the Unity Wellness Advocacy Program, a free service that does not diagnose or treat, but works to help people more effectively understand their options, and communicate with their health-care providers and insurance companies.

SoutheastIn Memoriam: Geri Glinski, minister from Palm Harbor, Florida

The first two Unity churches to receive EarthCare Certification from the AUCI EarthCare Ministry Team were honored by James Trapp (center) at the Unity People’s Convention in June. Congratulations to Unity Centre of Practical Christianity from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, for being the first international ministry to receive this certification; Sharon Clements (right), minister; and Christ Church Unity in Orlando, Florida, for being the first Unity church in the United States to receive the certification; Alice Anderson (left), minister.

For assistance in involving your church in this exciting and innovative process, please contact the EarthCare Team at

[email protected].

Regional News


Book Review

designed to meet us all right where we are on our individual paths. The third Jesus represents an evolution of human consciousness to the level of Jesus’ consciousness, or as it is referred to in Unity, the Christ consciousness.

The book is in three sections. Part one is an explanation of what the third Jesus means. Part two is the “Gospel of Enlightenment” breaking all of Jesus’ teachings down into ten headings, then interpreting each scripture or parable (including the books of Thomas and Mary) under those headings. The third section, “Taking Jesus As Your Teacher: A Guide for Seekers,” contains fi fteen steps to God Consciousness including lessons and exercises based on many of Jesus’ words. Richard Mekdeci is a licensed Unity teacher, professional songwriter and musician, and president of “emPower Music and Arts” and “Itoi Ministries.” Richard resides in Kansas City, Missouri, where he is the sacred music resource coordinator at the Association of Unity Churches International and hosts his own radio program on Unity.FM.

The Third JesusThe Christ We Cannot IgnoreDeepak Chopra Harmony Books, 2008234 pages

The Third JesusThe Christ We Cannot IgnoreDeepak Chopra

by Richard Mekdeci

If you are a long-time Unity Truth student, you may not fi nd a whole lot that is new or earth-shattering in Deepak Chopra’s The Third Jesus; although he still presents many intriguing ideas and concepts. Those new to this theology, however, will be fascinated by his perspective on Jesus and his teachings.

Seeing the title, I assumed correctly that the fi rst two Jesus’ were “the man” and “the myth,” or the religion that built up around Jesus. But now there is a third Jesus?

Chopra sees Jesus, the man, as a great spiritual teacher who clearly understood his relationship to his higher power—so well, in fact, that he was able to perform God-like miracles for His spiritually hungry followers. He also understands Jesus, the Christ, as the necessary creation of a religion that seeks to recruit and control its believers by interpreting the events of Jesus’ life in mystical and inexplicable ways.

Now Chopra’s “Third Jesus” is not the man from Galilee or the image of that man used to represent God for so many Christians. The third Jesus refers more to the teachings attributed to the man than to the man himself. Chopra says, “Jesus intended to save the world by showing people the path to God Consciousness. ...The Third Coming—fi nding God consciousness through your own efforts—happens in the present.” (pg. 10)

He says that Jesus was not teaching literal truths for they would be impossible to obey. Jesus taught metaphysical truths designed not to change our behavior but to evolve our consciousness. And they were


Calendar of Events

September 21–24Admissions, Unity Village, MO; contact Cecilia Holman, 816.434.6844

October 19–22Southeast Regional Conference, Pensacola Beach, FL; contact Arlene Meyer, [email protected]

December 1–9Parliament of the World’s Religions; Melbourne, Australia; contact www.parliamentofreligions.org

January 25–28Midyear Meetings; contact Bets Kirby, [email protected]

January 25–28L & O; contact Cecilia Holman, 816.434.6844

February 1–4Unity Institute Admissions, Unity Village, MO; Cecilia Holman, 816.434.6844

March 10–19Field Licensing Program Week, Unity Village, MO; contact Cecilia Holman, 816.434-6844

April 12–15Skills Demonstration Seminar, Unity Village, MO; contact Shirley Kennedy, [email protected].

June 7–11 Unity People’s Convention, San Diego, CA; contact Kim Shawd, [email protected]

June 14–17 Ordination, Unity Village, MO; contact Cecilia Holman, 816.434.6844

September 20–23 Unity Institute Admissions, Unity Village, MO; Cecilia Holman, 816.434.6844

2009

Financial Statement

Where Does Our Money Go?

1) Education, Leadership & Ministry Development (726,988) 2) Minister & Ministry Services (416,075) 3) Communications (514,854) 4) Administration/Building (406,216) 5) Executive Offi ce (385,637) 6) Tithe (155,050)

4 2

1

3

6

Does Our Association Tithe?10/1/2008 to 6/30/2009

Unity Institute 35,422.00Silent Unity 18,099.00Unity 30,639.00Subtotal Unity $84,160.00

Complaint-Free $8,198.00 WorldUnity work 6,784.00 in South Africa The Secret 1,414.00Urban Ministerial School 13,753.00 International New 10,215.00 Thought AllianceAssociation for 12,607.00 Global New Thought Academy for Peace 10,215.00 of Costa Rica The I Am Foundation 5,658.00

Total $153,004.00

For the period of 10/1/2008 to 6/30/2009

Actual(YTD) AnnualBudgetLove Offerings (Undesignated) $ 1,589,176 $ 1,638,344Love Offerings (Designated) 410,391 232,258Grant Incomes 0 198,750 Program Incomes 444,956 499,050Total Revenues $ 2,444,523 $ 2,568,401

Less: Tithe Paid (on undesignated donations) (155,050) (163,835)

Program Expenses (1,823,374) (2,333,108)Support Expenses (626,396) (836,069) Total Expenditures $(2,604,820) $(3,333,011)

Increase from Operation $ (160,297) $ (764,610)

Capital Expenditure and Adjustment 337,001 673,186

Net Cash Flow (176,704) (91,424)

In order to fully implement the programs called for in the strategic plan, we must reach our budgeted funding. The current revenue shortfall (tithe income) is $103,875.

5


Technology

Protect Your Valuable Electronic Databy North Krimsly

A business continuity plan can help your church maintain a secure online presence, protect electronic data, and continue to fulfi ll your mission despite computer crashes, employee and volunteer turnover, service outages, and other unexpected events.

Like an air bag or seat belt, you may not fully appreciate a business continuity plan until you need one!

Three Reasons to Have a Plan1. Account overload: Can you remember all your account information off the top of your head? It can be hard to recall why an account was established, much less the log-in information and who has access to it.

2. Account security: It’s normal for people to come and go. Good account security ensures clear ownership.

3. Backups and outages: Hard drives quit, companies go out of business, and other unexpected stuff happens. A good plan will turn these into minor events.

Getting StartedYour plan should be customized to your unique needs, but here are some initial suggestions:

Back ‘em Up: If you get only one thing from this article, I hope this is it! You must regularly back up your hard drives and Internet data (such as your Website). Check backups occasionally to ensure

the system is working. Write down your backup plan.

List ‘em Out: List all on-line and local computer accounts, including each account’s purpose, URL or computer fi le location, log-in information, and who has access. Note tech support numbers and simple auditing controls (e.g., “we require two people to count donations received through PayPal”).

Change ‘em Up: Change all passwords once a year or as needed. For example, if a board member completes his/her term, change passwords for accounts that person could access. This is practicing integrity and clarity.

Principle of Least Access: Limit account access to those who need it.

Secure the Plan: Do not email your business continuity plan or store it only on your computer. Print it out and store it in a locked drawer or safe. If you store it on your computer, password-protect and encrypt it.

Follow the Plan: The plan is useless unless you use it! Keep it updated and make it available to those who need it.

Creating your business continuity plan doesn’t need to be overwhelming. I suggest getting started and building on your plan over time.

North Krimsly owns www.highintegritydesign.com, a web design business in Corvallis, Oregon. He has worked in the technology industry for 17 years. His mission is to integrate right livelihood with making a difference in the world by sharing his knowledge, passion, and authentic presence. He is also a Unity truth student and has served on the board at Unity Church of Corvallis. He can be reached at [email protected] or 541.760.2907.


New Thought at The Parliament of the Worldʼs Religions

Melbourne AustraliaDecember 2nd - 9th, 2009

New Thought Goes to Melbourne as a Unifi ed Movement

Join the Offi cial New Thought Delegation for a Pre-Conference on December 2nd

With...Dr. Michael Beckwith, Dr. Kenn Gordon, Dr. Kathy Hearn,

Dr. Barbara King, Dr. Blaine Mays, Dr. James Trapp, Dr. Mary Tumpkin, Dr. Frank zumMallen & New Thought Australia Ministries

All ten major New Thought organizations are collaborating to participate as a unifi ed force in the Parliament of the Worldʼs

Religions 2009. This exciting evolution toward greater cooperation brings New Thoughtʼs unique gifts

to the international stage.

GLOBAL NEW THOUGHT

New Thought atThe Parliament of the World’s Religions

Melbourne AustraliaDecember 2nd – 9th, 2009

New Thought Goes to Melbourne as a Unified Movement

Join the Official New Thought Delegationfor a Pre-Conference on December 2nd

With...Dr. Michael Beckwith, Dr. Kenn Gordon, Dr. Kathy Hearn,

Dr. Barbara King, Dr. Blaine Mays, Dr. James Trapp, Dr. MaryTumpkin, Dr. Frank zumMallen & New Thought Australia Ministries

www.agnt.org/pwr.htm

All ten major New Thought organizations are collaborating toparticipate as a unified force in the Parliament of the World’s

Religions 2009. This exciting evolution toward greatercooperation brings New Thought’s unique gifts

to the international stage.


Web Highlight

India & Nepal India & Nepal India & Nepal ---A Sacred PilgrimageA Sacred PilgrimageA Sacred Pilgrimage

Join Rev. Howard Caesar & Rev. Mary Manin Morrissey

on this transformational journey Feb. 23—March 10, 2010

Trip is open to everyone! Info: 713-580-2612 (Dee Quinn) or www.unityhouston.org

Limited Space. Don’t delay!

This trip of a lifetime will include visits to such sites as: Full moon at Taj Mahal and the Gandhi memorial Delhi, Chandi Chowk, or Silver Street, with its exotic bazaars The Holy city of Varanasi, also called Kashi—the “City of Light” Bodhgaya, pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world The city of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon

One Web Site for the Unity Movement www.unity.org

In January 2009, the Association of Unity Churches International (the Association) and Unity School of Christianity introduced a new joint Web site for the Unity movement.

To submit articles, blogs or links on Unity.org, contact Angie Olson, Web content editor at [email protected].

Get Involved & Expand Your Reach

List Your Church on the Find a Church Database

People can easily search for Unity churches from this homepage feature.

Write a Blog

Blogs are an easy way for Unity leaders to share news and spiritual messages. Add yours to the Unity.org blog page.

Record and Post Weekly Lessons

Videotape or record your weekly lessons and post them on your church’s Web site. More than 50 Unity churches have links to their recorded messages on Unity.org.

Submit a Feature Article

Fresh articles on a variety of spiritual topics are featured weekly. Unity ministers are encouraged to submit original articles and testimonials for potential posting.

Leadership Resources on Unity.org

Ministries & Leaders Section

Ministers can fi nd ideas for • lessons, a virtual resource library, articles, policy manuals and a code of ethics.

Licensed Unity teachers can • fi nd the latest e-newsletters, information about post-graduate credits and church openings.

Church administrators can • fi nd media products, answers to church accounting and tax questions, resources for special events, risk management materials and forms.

One-Stop Shopping

Products for both the Association and Unity School are now located in one central store. Click the shop button to fi nd a variety of ministry supplies.

One Website for the Unity Movement

Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... Soles4Souls and Unity... The Perfect Pair

The Spiritual Social Team of the Association of Unity Churches International has partnered with Soles4Souls in an effort to sponsor 525,600 pairs of shoes to deliver to

people in need around the world. That means we would be delivering one pair per minute to enrich lives around the world in 2010!

Get on board with our efforts by sponsoring a person, a family, a school, or an entire village and give them the shoes they need! It is piritual social action at its fi nest!

For more information, go to our website www.shoes4unity.org


Part Three: The Follow UpFor so many people, they want to know that they are missed if they stop attending church. We asked our members to call their new friend if they stop coming. The purpose is not to harass them or pressure them, but to ask if they are all right and tell them that they are missed. Again, the goal is to make a friend. According to most church growth reports, people join churches primarily because they have made a personal connection, as “friends” with individual members. (See the report on Church Growth Facts at http://fact.hartsem.edu/Press/churchgrowth.htm)

Not Afraid To Be UnityThe Power of One was transformational in our church. Unity of Gainesville has long been a group of people that were afraid of being Unity. This program gave many the insight that they were powerful spiritual beings and that if they marshaled the courage, they could make a difference in the church, in the community, and in the world. Christ told us to remove the bushel and let our light shine. Our church learned a valuable lesson that it is not only our birthright to be all we can be, but it is our responsibility to let God’s light shine through us to change the world..

Scott Lindquist has worked for four Unity churches, and is currently the director of marketing. He is also a graphic designer and web designer and is currently developing websites for several Unity churches. His wife, Sydney Magill-Lindquist, is the senior minister of Unity of Gainesville Church in Gainesville, Georgia. For more information, go to his website www.scottlindquist.biz

Outreach

Church Growth and the Power of One

A New Approach to Grow Small Unity Churchesby Scott Lindquist

Today, the vast majority of Unity churches are small. Many are less than 100 people in attendance on a regular Sunday. Unity of Gainesville (Georgia) is no exception. Since its inception over 20 years ago, it has struggled to grow. That’s why I created “The Power of One.” I felt that if I could reduce the challenge of church growth down to a single person’s intent, we might be able to embrace the goal of doubling our church attendance. The purpose of the Power of One is to double the size of the church one person at a time. We asked our members to do the following:

Part One: Preparation for OutreachWe asked people to make a difference in North Georgia by being a good samaritan and doing something for someone, “An Act of Service.” Then, when they were fi nished, to hand out a small card that said: “Making a Difference in North Georgia.” The card had our church name and website. In this way, we were empowering people to make an effort to reach out into the community and serve. This could lead to someone asking them about the church or going to the website for more information.

Part Two: The Six Steps in the Power of One• Make a decision to join the Power of One by signing the

Covenant Book.• Make your commitment to personally invite one new person to

the church.• Once that person comes to the church, personally greet them at

the door and make them feel welcome.• Stay with that person throughout the service or event. Introduce

them to your spiritual family.• Make every effort to make your visitor feel welcome. • After their visit to the church, call them and thank them for coming

and invite them back. A follow up phone call can mean so much.

We asked our members to personally “sponsor and mentor” at least one new person into the church, and be ready to talk to them about how much you love the church. Many people are looking for a church home, but don’t feel comfortable attending unless they have someone that makes that initial fi rst, second or third visit—easy and non-threatening.


Below are new books sent by publishers or authors for review in Contact. They were not chosen for review but placed onto this list to inform you of new publications available. This list does not denote an endorsement by the Association or the editorial staff of Contact magazine.

In The Lotus Still Blooms author Joan Gattuso gives an accessible and practical outline of the most essential Buddhist teachings. She explains major Buddhist beliefs step by step, and then shows how to apply them to busy, hectic lives.

In The Nature of the Self and the Social Evolution of Humanity author Douglas H. Melloy calls his writing experiencial realism and says he has attempted to unify Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and the New Age movement into a single ideal.

From the Publisher’s Bookshelf

In Say Yes to Your Spirit, A Personal Journey for Developing Spirituality Recovery and Healing author Leo Booth offers 365 days’ worth of guidance to help you turn inward to your spirit, reconnect with your spirituality, and gain a higher sense of peace and strength.

Is your leadership team ready for the next step?Youandyourleadershipteamareinvitedtotakethatnextstepwithus.FindoutmoreabouttheEnlightenedLeadersProgrambyjoiningusonaninformationalconferencecallduringoneofthefollowingtimes:

Aug19,5-6p.m.CT Sept3,6-7p.m.CT Sept17,7-8p.m.CT

Toparticipatewithothersonthisnationwidecall,pleasedial401.694.1501,andenteraccesscode643295#.

DeborahFrownfelter,theprogramdirector,willpresentinformationandansweryourquestions.Ourcapacityforeachcallis96participants,sopleasearriveontime.Anyproblems,[email protected].


www.themanifest-station.com – The Manifest-Station is a free Law of Attraction created enlightened internet TV channel 100 percent dedicated to prosperity consciousness, enlightened wisdom, inner healing, Universal laws and teachings. Contributors include Neale Donald Walsch, Deepak Chopra, Michael Beckwith, and James Redfi eld.

Managing Transition by William Bridges. A thoroughly updated and expanded edition of the classic guide to dealing with the human side of organizational change.

www.holacracy.org This website will give you an in-depth look at holacracy and how it can work in your church.

Resources You Can Use

Spiritual ProgressThrough Spiritual Awakening

Discover the truth using Kinesiology for your relationships,

career, health, your partner, or any other questions you may have. The accuracy is

nearly 100 percent. Know the answers and chart your course. This program will guide you at

the highest level of consciousness and is available right now for anyone to use for their highest good.

For details phone 641.732.3359 or email [email protected]

(This is done on a love offering basis.)

Sept-Oct-Nov 2009 • www.unity.org 37

Expansion News

New Ministries—A Transition from Creation to Commitment

by Robin Ferguson, [email protected]

In speaking with pioneering ministers and spiritual leaders across the country, I understand the labor pains and stretching that comes with the birth of a new ministry. Someone has to have the willingness to say “Yes!” to lead the charge, to paint a picture of possibility that others can get excited about. That takes great courage and I applaud our pioneering leaders for their willingness to listen to guidance and step out in faith. All of our dynamic Unity ministries started because someone had a dream, a vision, and was willing to follow it through into manifestation.

A Strong CommunityThe challenge often comes, however, in beginning to empower others to take ownership in various aspects of the ministry as it grows. One person, or one small group of people, cannot do it all for long without getting worn out. So we have to look at what it is that allows a ministry to cross the threshold from one person, or small group of people, serving a vision, to a strong community of people working together to support a growing work. How can we begin that process, even from the moment of conception?

We know that organizations foster and sustain growth through increasing ownership by their members. Since we are growing spiritual communities, what people are looking for are opportunities to grow and stretch, to know greater possibilities for their lives and to serve—all with the support and encouragement of those around them. We need to show them we believe in them and are willing to give them a chance to step up, utilize their gifts and eventually move into leadership roles.

At the same time, in order to succeed, they have to feel safe and supported along the way. Too often we assign things to people, or give them a chance to try something new, just because they are excited about it, or we need someone to take it on, without really being conscious about the support they might need, or being clear about the expectations of the role.

Fortunately, there is a simple organiza-tional framework that can serve as a mantra for this process. It is the Model, Mentor, Monitor practice. Many who have studied successful organizations have used similar practices in developing leaders. It is a simple, step-by-step way of encouraging others to take on greater responsibility, while giving them the support they need, so they aren’t left feeling “hung out to dry.”

All of our dynamic Unity ministries started because someone had a dream, a vision, and was willing to follow it through into manifestation.


MonitorIt is at this point you can move into the Monitoring phase of the relationship. You begin to invite the leader more fully into co-creating the ministry. She has demonstrated consciousness, commitment and an ability to lead others. You now meet to coordinate activities and to invite her into giving input into how the various parts of the ministry can work more dynamically together. At the same time, you are supporting her in beginning the process of mentoring others on her team, so that the depth of the team grows and all are given opportunities to give their gifts.

This method of organizational development supports the growth of a ministry from the inside out. As you develop well-supported, healthy team leaders who know how to turn around and mentor others, you create a ripple effect through your ministry. You are teaching your leaders to call forth the highest and best in others and are supporting them in realizing greater ways of living as spiritual beings co-creating a world that works for all of us.

New Ministry Information!Want to start a study group or a new ministry? Interested in applying for a grant or ready to become a full status ministry? Go to www.unity.org/expansion for all the latest information and the most recent policies, procedures, forms, agreements etc.

Robin Ferguson is an ordained Unity minister and serves at the Association of Unity Churches International as the director of our Ministry Expansion department.

ModelStep one, Model, comes from our fi fth Unity principle—we must walk our talk. In this case, we are not only modeling consciousness, but demonstrating a level of organizational professionalism that is in integrity with our intentions. We must communicate honestly and compassionately, be explicit about our expectations, follow through and hold people accountable to their agreements, and demonstrate a commitment to our goals. We are continually called to model what we wish to see in those we are working with in growing our communities.

MentorThe next step is to Mentor. We look around us for those who have demonstrated maturity, consciousness and leadership ability and begin to mentor them, based on their gifts, to fulfi ll a role within the ministry. You do not have to have expertise in a particular area. If you are developing a technology team leader for example, you are mentoring that person in a way of being, not in the technology. You are working with him/her on getting explicit about both her role and the roles of the team members, and then supporting her in realizing and demonstrating her intentions. The length of this phase will vary, depending on the individual you are working with and the role he is taking on. You may begin with weekly meeting and then eventually move to monthly, once she is functioning in a healthy and effective way.


P.O. Box 610Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

Association ofUnity Churches

i n t e r n a t i o n a l

Presorted StandardU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDShawnee Mission, KS

Permit No. 220

It’s always

Time to

Start now—be part of something extraordinary:the transformation of our spiritual communities, our movement, the world…

12 new benchmarks for thriving ministries

Dust off your existing programs, improve on them, and develop new ones. Wherever your spiritual community is in its development, this program can take your ministry to the next level, with turnkey programs, such as:

• Spiritual Social Action • Peace • Small group ministries • Ministry core values • Youth and family assessmen • Accounting practices • And more… You can start at any time, and work at your own pace. Every ministry will fi nd something of value here, and it’s at no charge to you!

Thriving in Unity 1.0 is still available—many churches have tested it and found it to be a great boost for their ministry. See the June/July issue of Contact for their stories. To enroll in either program at no charge, go to:

the transformation of our spiritual communities, our movement, the world…

12 new benchmarks for thriving ministries

T hriving in Unity 2.0

Time toThrive!

www.unity.org/thrive

Documents

The Nature of Life is Change - Unityav.unityonline.org/en/association/publications/contact... · 2009-09-14 · transitions. William Bridges, author of Managing Transitions, talked