Start A New MinistryFrequently Asked Questions
What is an informal study group?
This is a gathering of like-minded individuals that meet only in your home or other private residence to study Unity materials together, share insights with each other and support one another through prayer. These groups are formed because there is no Unity church in the area where you live.
How do I start a new expansion ministry and what is the difference between an expansion ministry and a full-status church?
New ministries led by licensed unity teachers and ministers will develop through different stages from a study group meeting in a public site to holding regular Sunday services to providing other ministerial services i.e. counseling, special services, classes, workshops. These expansion ministries are required to submit monthly financial/attendance reports until such time as they are able to meet the twelve requirements and apply for full-status ministry. Procedures to Start New Ministry Code of Ethics for Ministers
Those who are interested in starting a new unity ministry (public meeting site) but have no unity credentials as a licensed teacher or minister must affiliate under a full church with ordained unity minister in their region until such time as they are able to earn unity credentials or hire unity credentialed spiritual leader. Guidelines for Affiliating under Full Church
A full-status church is no longer required to submit monthly financial/attendance records and board meeting minutes and the ministry has extra voting privileges at Association business meetings. The Association Board of Trustees will approve these several times a year. Full Church Status Requirements
How and when do I apply for funding for the expansion ministry?
Funding opportunities are available for expansion ministries no less than six months old and no more than five years old which have a credentialed Unity leader (a licensed unity teacher or minister.)
Requests for funding grants and gifts should to be mailed to Association of Unity Churches International, ATTN: Terry Childress, P.O. Box 610, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64063. Policy & Forms
Matching Funds grant - Applications for the Matching Funds grant of $1000 per month for one year are reviewed twice a year, every June and January by the a ministry team. This funding is provided by four participating parties: (1) expansion ministry $250; (2) region $250; (3) a sponsoring ministry $250, and (4) the Association $250.
Pioneer/Literature Support Gift - Expansion ministries may apply for the Pioneer Support Gift which is $600 on account for Association products and the Literature Support Gift of $600 on account towards purchase of books from Unity Sales at The Village. Policy & Forms
I want to have an alternative ministry. How do I go about that?
To have an alternative ministry, you must be a Unity minister in good standing. Proposal must be approved by the Association's Board of Trustees. To enquire about starting an alternative ministry and receive guidelines, email Joann Landreth at joann@unity.org.
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