Spiritual Development Program
Three Ways and Ten Steps
The three ways we develop spiritually are to Connect, Grow and Serve. These three key words align with our church goals which in turn fulfill our community vision and mission.
The ten steps are specific activities that we engage in to move forward in spiritual development. They are:
- Welcoming
- Connecting In
- The Culture of Our Community
- Foundational Teaching
- Membership
- Unity Truth Principles
- Prayer, Meditation and Wholeness
- Unity Within World Faith Traditions
- The Spirit of Service
- Effective Leadership
Connect
Greeting – we are a welcoming community that greets newcomers, attendees and members with warmth and respect.
3-Minute Opportunity – As well as our volunteer greeters and ushers we are all encouraged to take the 3-minute opportunity and spend a few minutes meeting a new person each week.
Welcome Packets and Follow-Up Letters – Welcome Packets are distributed to newcomers and are also available in the foyer. Each week the minister sends a letter to those filling out a guest card.
LinC Program – The Love in Community Program (LinC) teams up care partners with either two or three individuals or families in our church so that a connection is established. Every six months or so new groups are created to continue to expand our connections.
Social Events – Throughout the year social events of various kinds take place that help us make friends, have fun and connect to the larger church community.
Groups and Classes – In the same way a variety of groups and classes are offered.
For social events and classes check the bulletin, newsletter and church website.
Another way to connect is to join our Unity meet up group at www.meetup.com/Unity-Church-of-Fort-Worth.
3) The Culture of Our Community
Introductory Class – A regularly held introductory class shares about our church history, culture, and focus and answers questions about Unity.
Sacred Circles – Small groups of 8-12 people meet to share about their experience and understanding of Unity.
A required book for this part of the Spiritual Development Program is The Story of Unity by James Dillet Freeman.
Grow
4) Foundational Teaching: Lessons in Truth
This classic Unity text is taught on a regular basis.
Those desiring to be members of our community meet to discuss Eric Butterworth’s book Discover the Power Within You. A prerequisite to membership is taking the Lessons in Truth class, reading The Story of Unity and participating in the Culture of Our Community introductory class and sacred circle.
The Unity Truth Principles are taught and discussed on a regular basis through classes, groups and sacred circles (See the bulletin, newsletter and website for specific information).
7) Prayer, Meditation and Wholeness
Those seeking greater understanding of prayer, meditation and wholeness are encouraged to attend the various classes and groups available. They will work with a trained Unity mentor and get involved in classes, special services, the prayer chaplaincy program and our Unity Spiritual Healing Ministry.
8) Unity Within World Faith Traditions
Regular classes and circles meet to discuss and experience the unity within the world’s religions. Sermons reinforce this commonality.
Serve
Love In Action Volunteers - A wide range of volunteer opportunities are available at the church. Volunteers generally serve for a six-month period and Love In Action sign-ups occur in March and September.
Outreach - Outreach to the wider community is available through various outreach projects.
Check the bulletin, newsletter and this website.
In order to train volunteers to serve as leaders, mentors, board and committee members, regular leadership and mentor training classes are provided.
The board development team works to encourage and coach members who wish to serve on the Unity Church of Fort Worth board of trustees.
Invitation
We invite you to become involved in The Spiritual Development Program as a way to connect more fully with our church family, to deepen your own understanding of the Truth Principles and to discover practical and successful ways to live an expansive, loving and abundant life.
