Lay Leadership Ministry Operations Manual 1
2
Table of Contents Program Description Intention/Purpose Enrollment Criteria Enrollment Strategy Program Components o Fundamentals Practical Metaphysics Basic Unity Concepts Metaphysical Bible Interpretation o Spiritual Leadership Principles o Meditation Practices Training o Prayer Practitioner Training o Consecration Ceremony How Lay Leaders Function Relating to Others Code of Ethics Lay Leader Commitment Statement Monthly Service Report Form 3
4
Intention/Purpose Program Description To develop a cadre of Spiritual/Truth Warriors who will lovingly support the building of spiritual consciousness and spiritual community for Unity of Washington DC. Spiritual Warriors confidently make choices about where to focus their internal attention.... They practice being in Spirit, being in alignment with [their] spiritual intention, so that it becomes a natural state. A warrior s sense of mission is clear, and his attention is impeccably focused on his goal.... Even when confronted with adversity, the classic warrior holds fast to his values and principles.... Spiritual Warriors follow a different path, marching into their own innermost center. They strive to perfect the internal discipline that will keep them attuned to God (or Spirit, if you prefer that term) as they journey through this world. John-Roger Spiritual Warrior: The Art of Spiritual Living It is imperative that we have clarity on what we mean and do not mean when we utilize the word warrior. Spiritual Warriors are bearers of Light and, thus, are conscious of their true nature as Spiritual Beings. They fully embrace their oneness with God and with everything that is of God. As such, they are anchored in the Truth, and stand fully in their power and authenticity, willing to manifest their highest purpose. Many spiritual traditions hold that the highest purpose is that of service. Unity of Washington DC has been given a Divine opportunity to broaden its reach as a beacon of Light in the Metropolitan Washington area. In support of the church s vision to enlarge its territory, we seek lay leaders who are grounded in spiritual principles and universal law. These leaders need to demonstrate an ability and willingness to utilize these as a foundation from which they exhibit dedication, commitment, discipline, courage, character, integrity, honor, and focus. These lay leaders will be trained and supported to be of service at the forefront of programs that will build and expand spiritual consciousness and spiritual community among Unity of Washington DC (UWDC) congregants. Finally, as warriors they utilize the sword of Truth to cut through any illusion of doubt, fear, or any other perceived limitation in order to hold steadfastly to our vision. Enrollment Criteria Be a Unity of Washington DC congregant for a minimum of two (2) years or have other verifiable New Thought church experience (e.g., Science of Mind, Christian Science, other metaphysical church) Be involved in the on-going study of Metaphysics and Unity Truth Principles Be dedicated, committed, enthusiastic, and dependable 5
Work with an attitude of prayer, and be open to the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit Be open to expanding his/her own consciousness and understanding of Practical Metaphysics, Metaphysical Bible Interpretation, prayer and meditation practices, and spiritual leadership principles Be committed to carrying out the Mission and the Vision of Unity of Washington, DC Be committed to serving this Ministry and one another, all for and to the Glory of God Be willing to commit the time necessary to support the implementation of programs to build spiritual consciousness and spiritual community among Unity of Washington DC congregants Enrollment Strategy The intention is to identify Unity of Washington DC congregants who are dedicated to supporting the continued growth of this Ministry and spiritual expansion of its community. Congregants who meet the above criteria will be recruited to participate. The recruitment will entail an open invitation to members of the congregation. All candidates will be required to submit a completed application. Steps: The Senior Minister or designee makes special announcement to congregation launching Lay Leadership Program describing its purpose, major components, and selection process Lay Leadership Program Information Packet made available in church office Weekly notice in UWDC Sunday bulletins The Senior Minister and Lay Leader Coordinator(s) review applications and make selections Lay Leader Coordinator(s) notifies successful applicants Program Components Through the Lay Leadership Program Spiritual Warriors will be recruited and trained for service to Unity of Washington DC congregants as mentors, meditation leaders, and community program facilitators. The training program will entail 3 months of weekly sessions to include 3 Saturday intensives. 6
The training program will include, but not limited to, the following components. Fundamentals Practical Metaphysics: What is Practical Metaphysics? Law of Mind Action Law of Cause and Effect Law of Correspondence Law of Vibration Law of Polarity Law of Creation Law of Love Law of Attraction Letter of the Law, Spirit of the Law Five Basic Unity Concepts o o o o o God is Absolute Good, Everywhere Present Human Beings have a Spark of Divinity Within Them, the Christ Spirit Within Human Beings Create Their Experiences by the Activity of Their Thinking Prayer is Creative Thinking that Heightens the Connection with God-Mind Knowing and Understanding the Laws of Life, also Called Truth, are Not Enough. A Person must also Live the Truth That He or She Knows Metaphysical Bible Interpretation Interpretative Lenses (literal, allegorical, metaphysical) Interpretative Process and Tools Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) Overview Christian Scriptures (New Testament) Overview Spiritual Leadership Principles Authority Character Commitment Courage Discernment Discipline Integrity Mastery Responsibility Vision 7
Meditation Practices Training Meditation Techniques Overview Developing a Meditation Practice Conscious Breathing Creating a Safe Space Visualization & Envisioning Meditation Practice Prayer Practitioner Training Becoming a Prayer Practitioner Developing a Prayer Practice Prayer Forms Basics [components] Affirmative Prayer & Prayer of Petition ACTS & Intercessory Prayers Attributes/Aspects of God [Sacred Names] Spiritual Mind Treatment Praying for Self and Others Consecration Ceremony Each Lay Leader candidate completing the program will be invited to participate in the consecration ceremony. Lay Leader candidates will receive a red rose and certificate of completion. Order of Consecration Ceremony Statement of Vision for Lay Leadership Program Introduction of Instructors/Facilitators Invite Lay Leaders to come to platform Congratulatory statement to Lay Leaders Reaffirm Lay Leader Commitment Statement Prayer of Consecration Give roses and certificates each Lay Leader called by name (Rev. Sylvia w/assistance of Lay Leader Coordinators/Instructors) How Lay Leaders Function Each Lay leader will select an area of ministry, coordinating or serving in some activity within the church or in community outreach. An activity of the Lay Leader ministry will be to brainstorm creative ministries in which people can express their talents and interests. 8
Each lay leader meets at least once every three months with the Lay Leader Coordinator(s). The purpose of this meeting is to review progress and to support the Lay Leader. A consecrated Lay Leader will remain in active status beyond the first year as she/he continues to meet the continuing education expectations and serves actively in the ministry. Should the Senior Minister leave, Lay Leaders would serve at the invitation of the new minister. Changes in church leadership may occur, and each minister has the primary responsibility for structuring how that ministry will function. The senior minister is responsible for deciding on the postgraduate training and service requirements for continuing Lay Leaders in active status. Active status as a Lay Leader requires continuing education and service. It is important to note, however, that credits earned are not necessarily transferable to another Unity church. Unlike credits earned for Spiritual Education and Enrichment, which are transferable, Lay Leader credits apply only to the setting in which they are earned. Training as a Lay Leader is therefore not a substitute for training as a Licensed Unity Teacher (LUT). Relating to Others We believe more is taught by what a Lay Leader IS than what a Lay Leader SAYS. Therefore we seek to keep our lives above reproach. We exercise good judgment in our social conduct. Our relationships with others command the highest respect. Therefore we are guided by the following principles: Code of Ethics In our relationships with other Lay Leaders, we will be mindful that love is the fulfilling of the law. We always and in every way assist in the advancement of the influence and power of any center or church where we may visit or speak. Wherever we are serving, we cooperate fully with and obtain approval of the leader of the group before we counsel, teach, or perform in any way our special ministry of love. We work in harmony and accord with the leadership of our ministry in our speaking and teaching programs and we will consult our senior minister whenever we are in doubt. We recognize it is incumbent upon us to hold in esteem and respect all ministers, licensed teachers, staff and lay leaders using all rightful means to protect their personal and professional honor. 9
We cooperate with and assist the expansion of this ministry in which we serve by volunteering, teaching, supporting and upholding the vision it expresses. We support and nurture the ministers, licensed teachers and staff of this ministry in which we serve, honoring their work as an expression of the guidance they receive from their own indwelling Christ. We avoid criticism of the Ministers, Licensed Unity Teachers or staff and the work and programs in place by this ministry. If we have a valid suggestion, we make it directly to the person in charge. Neither do we criticize the teachings of other spiritual organizations and cooperate with them in whatever ways possible after receiving the approval of our minister to do so. We conduct our work, private and public, after the standards and in accord with the teachings and ideals of our ministry without competition and contention, realizing as we practice the principles of Truth we experience a full rich life for ourselves and our community. We are honor bound to hold sacred all confidences revealed in counseling, except when to do so is life threatening to the counselee or those near to him/her. Then we will communicate our concern and immediately speak with our Senior Minister, responding to their guidance at that point. We are sensitive to the health and welfare of the congregation we serve. Should problems arise that affect our ability to serve, we communicate immediately with the Senior Minister and seek to resolve them. We function in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Lay Leader Ministry, responsive to the decisions made by the Senior Minister regarding this ministry. We agree to renew our commitment to the Lay Leader ministry annually, reviewing the work we have done in the previous year through a written letter to the Senior Minister, as well as stating our goals and plans for the forthcoming year. We sincerely devote ourselves to living in accordance with this Code of Ethics in letter and in spirit and seeing it made manifest in ourselves and others. We recognize this is but a framework upon which to expand our relationships with God and others. If we find ourselves functioning outside of the framework of this Code, we seek guidance and direction from our Senior Minister and we are responsive to the guidance received. Should we decide not to seek help and continue to function outside of this Code of Ethics, we affirm our own decision to be released from this Lay Leader ministry. Recognizing the guidance of the indwelling Christ that brought me into this Lay Leader Program, I now affirm my willingness to live in accordance with these principles. 10
Lay Leader Commitment Statement As a Truth Warrior for Unity of Washington, D.C. and participant in the Lay Leadership Program I am committed to utilizing Spiritual Principles first and foremost in all of my endeavors, decisions, and activities; I believe in and rely upon the divine guidance, activity, authority, and leadership of the Holy Spirit; I seek to honor and uphold the teachings of our Elder Brother and Way Shower, Jesus the Christ, as interpreted through a metaphysical understanding of life; I seek to honor and uphold the Unity Principles and teachings; I honor Prayer and Meditation as my direct connection to and with God; I honor myself and others by putting forth the Truth at all times and addressing concerns through direct, honest, and open communication. I am committed to expanding my consciousness and contributing to building spiritual consciousness within my church community and the greater community at large; I am committed to participating in the building of spiritual community here at Unity of Washington DC and in our greater world community; I honor the Universal Oneness of one another in the spirit of Peace, Love and Harmony; I am committed to serving this Ministry and one another, as a Spiritual Lay Leader, all for and to the Glory of God. It is my sincere and heartfelt intention to honor these commitments through my participation in the Lay Leadership Program. 11
Monthly Service Report Name: Month Number of Workshops/Classes attended (NOTE: At least one per year) Workshop/Class attended: List name of workshop/class attended Classes, in process or completed Name of Class Credits yes no Name of Class Credits yes no Service to the church: Please describe your Lay Leader service and hours, and other service to the church this month. (NOTE: At least two Special Services Events per year). Your Lay Leader Ministry is: 1. hours/date 2. hours/date 3. hours/date 4. hours/date 5. hours/date Other Activities of Service to the Church (list) hours/date hours/date (add extra sheets if needed) 12