Policies and Procedures for New Ministries

(Revised July, 2014)

Expansion Ministries
Expansion Ministries are those new ministries (centers, communities, churches) that
become affiliated with Unity Worldwide Ministries (aka Association of Unity Churches
International) through the Ministry Expansion Office and intend to become a full-status
ministry. They fall under the tax umbrella of Unity Worldwide Ministries (UWM) and
operate as a non-profit religious organization.
There are two (2) types of new ministries that are under Ministry Expansion:

A new ministry pioneered by a credentialed leader

An affiliated ministry
o A ministry directly sponsored by a credentialed Unity minister in good
standing who is in an existing full-status Unity ministry in good standing.
(See Affiliation Agreement)

A new ministry can be formed by:

A credentialed Unity leader eligible for employment by Unity Worldwide

Ministries and willing to serve the ministry for a minimum of two (2) years. This
would include the following:
o Licensed Unity Teacher
o Licensed Unity Minister
o Ordained Unity Minister

A spiritual leader, under special dispensation, recognized and approved in

writing by the UWM Director of Ministry Employment.

An affiliated ministry can also be formed by:

A designated group leader, referred to as the Spiritual Coordinator, who is willing to

serve as contact person to Unity Worldwide Ministries until a credentialed leader has
been established. The Spiritual Coordinator is responsible for making sure the correct
reports are filed with the UWM Ministry Expansion Office and for updating information.
Should the person serving in this capacity leave that position, a new coordinator must
be named and the UWM Ministry Expansion Office notified.

An Affiliated Ministry must operate under the guidance of a sponsoring Unity minister,
in good standing, that is serving an active, full-status Unity ministry. Both parties
(sponsoring Unity minister and leader of the new expansion ministry) are required to
sign and abide by the Affiliation Agreement for Sponsored Ministries.
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If this affiliation is terminated by either party, a ministry has six (6) months to find a
new affiliation, or they may be reclassified as a Non-Affiliated group.
Additional requirements of Expansion Ministries

All new US, English-speaking ministries must start with the name Unity, in order to be in
alignment with the Unity Identity Program and abide by the policy established by the
UWM Board of Trustees as of April 1, 2013. A Unity ministry must have Unity as its
primary designator, followed by the location or name of choice. Please visit
www.unity.org/branding for additional information or contact us at 816.434.6831.

They must have an intention to hold regular weekly worship services, or be designated
as seasonal ministry that meets during certain times of the year.

They must meet in a physical, public location.

Non-Affiliated Groups

These groups meet as independent groups for the purpose of studying and practicing Unity
principles. They are not officially affiliated with Unity Worldwide Ministries.
There are two (2) types of Non-Affiliated groups:

Study Group
A group that meets for the purpose of studying and practicing Unity principles.

Seed Group
A group meeting to explore Unity principles with the intention of eventually becoming
an approved Unity ministry with a credentialed leader. They may meet informally on a
weekly basis and use messages from other Unity groups, but have no credentialed
leader and no affiliation with Unity.

*Note: Non-Affiliated groups will be unable to advertise affiliation with Unity or its
organizations or use its logo, copyrighted type font, etc. These groups do not fall under the
Unity Worldwide Ministries tax umbrella and thus any contributors to the group are not
eligible for tax deductible donations.

Process for Starting a New Unity Ministry

Prior to starting a new Unity ministry, the interested party will submit a written application to
the Ministry Expansion Office. All ministries must obtain written approval through the Ministry
Expansion Office according to established procedure.

Approval will be determined by the Ministry Expansion Office, the Regional

Representative and the Expansion Team chair(s). Final approval is given by the Unity
Worldwide Ministries Board of Trustees. Such approval is valid for one (1) year and will
automatically continue provided the ministry complies with reporting process and
continues under the guidance of an approved credentialed Unity leader or affiliated
ministry.

If approval is not given, the designated leader has the right to appeal in writing within
thirty (30) days to Unity Worldwide Ministries Board of Trustees.

Independent worship services are to begin only after the ministry has been approved in
writing by Unity Worldwide Ministries.
o A Seed Group may meet informally to participate in another Unity ministrys
service via the use of CDs, web casts or other links, but must not operate as an
affiliated Unity ministry until approval has been granted.

The proposed Unity ministry must obtain the full approval of Unity Worldwide
Ministries before conducting any services or doing any work under the Unity name. It is
vital they also seek the cooperation of recognized Unity leaders of Unity ministries in
that vicinity.

An independent, established New Thought ministry or existing group that wishes to

become a Unity ministry, affiliated with Unity Worldwide Ministries, should contact the
Expansion Office for support in submitting a modified application. This ministry will
need to be sponsored by an existing Unity minister in good standing who agrees to act
as their mentor. You must submit a signed letter by the Board, or copy of the Board
meeting notes, in which approval was given to seek affiliation. It will also be considered
an Expansion Ministry for a minimum of one (1) year and until a full-status application is
submitted and approved.

Application for a New Unity Expansion Ministry

All applications should be typed and submitted to the UWM Ministry Expansion Office and
contain the information listed below. (See Application Checklist on page 7.)
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application must be sent to:
Unity Worldwide Ministries
Attn: Expansion Coordinator
PO Box 610
Lees Summit, MO 64063

Email: steve@unity.org
Fax: 816.525.4020

Application must include:

Cover Sheet

Name of ministry
o

Note: All new US, English-speaking ministries must start with the name Unity, followed
by the location or name of choice, in order to be in alignment with the Unity Identity
Program and the policy established by the UWM Board of Trustees as of April 1, 2013.
Please visit www.unity.org/branding for additional information or contact us at
816.434.6831.

Name of credentialed leader

Mailing address and meeting location if different from mailing address
Telephone and fax number
Email address
Name of Spiritual Coach/Mentor
Name of Sponsoring Ministry (if applicable)

Description of the Ministry

Plans for the ministry

o Timeline for launch/beginning
o Describe who will comprise your launch team
o Give a brief description of meeting location
o Give a brief description of the vision for this ministry and who it will serve
o List five (5) main priorities for your new ministry prior to starting
o List five (5) main priorities for your first year
o How do you intend to build ownership in the community as it grows

Services and programs

o Describe the various services, classes and programs you plan to provide
o Describe how you will incorporate Unity principles into your new community

Demographics
o Describe basic demographics of area, population and potential for growth
o Extensive demographic studies or figures are not necessary
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Ministries in the area

o Describe any other New Thought ministries (including Unity) in the area

Funding
o Submit a general working budget with estimated income and expenses

Promotion Plan
o Describe your plans for reaching your target audience
o Describe how will you advertise/market your ministry

The Spiritual Leader/Minister/Coordinator

Resum
Submit a current resum describing your background and experience and
qualifications for your role as the spiritual leader/coordinator and administrator
Income
Describe how you intend to support yourself in early stages of pioneering

Other items

A signed copy of the current Code of Ethics for a Minister or LUT (if applicable), as
well as a signed copy of the current Code of Ethics for a Ministry, signed by the
Steering Team (if applicable)
A signed Spiritual Coach/Mentor Agreement
A map of the area with the proposed target area and any existing Unity ministry
with locations marked
A signed Affiliation Agreement from sponsoring ministry (if applicable)
A letter stating you have read, understand and agree to the policies and
procedures for new ministries
A letter must be sent to all Unity ministries or affiliated groups within a 10-mile
radius, informing them of the proposed ministry. This extends to 20 miles for your
home church, or one youve been affiliated with for a period of 6 months or
longer.
o A copy of the letter(s), with proof of mailing must be included with the
application. The area minister(s) and/or Board of Trustees of the ministry/ies
should return a signed copy of the input form to the Ministry Expansion Office
within 14 days of receipt of the letter.

In Case of Active Conflict in Area:

If there appears to be an active conflict with a ministry in the area, the process of approval may
be placed on hold. The following options may be recommended:

The applicant may contact the Director of Peacemaking and Transitional Support and
seek guidance on the best way to pursue peace making and negotiate an agreement.
They may also contact the Regional Representative for their region, most of whom have
been trained in peacemaking and are familiar with certified peacemakers in the area.
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Should an agreement be reached by both parties, this can be submitted in writing to the
Ministry Expansion Office and the application will be reconsidered.

If no agreement is reached or concerned parties will not agree to mediation or

peacemaking, a team consisting of the Regional Representative, the Expansion Team
Support Team chair(s), and a representative from the Ministry Expansion Office will
address the issue and make a final decision regarding approval.

If allegation of violation(s) of the Code of the Ethics or Unity Worldwide Ministries Policy
is involved, the case will be immediately remanded to the Judicatory Representative of
the Region.

If during the application process, the applicant is referred to Ethics Review, the process
of approval will continue on hold until the Ministry Expansion Office has been notified
by the case manager of the Ethics Review Team that the applicant is eligible for
employment. Then the process for approval of a new ministry resumes.

Upon Approval of Your Application

Upon approval, a new ministry is affiliated with Unity Worldwide Ministries through the
Ministry Expansion Office and must follow established procedure until approved for full-status
ministry. It is the responsibility of the newly developing ministry to provide specific information
to the Expansion Office until the ministry becomes a full-status ministry.
You are welcome to email your reports to our Expansion office at steve@unity.org.

Expansion Ministry Reports to UWM. In order to comply with IRS regulations, as a

member ministry operating under the tax umbrella of the Association of Unity Churches,
Inc. (dba Unity Worldwide Ministries), an Expansion Ministry is required to send
Quarterly reports, as well as the yearly, annual UWM report to UWM.

Quarterly reports include income and expense reports, attendance reports, and Steering
Committee/Board meeting minutes.

Quarter
1st
2nd

Months
Jan, Feb, Mar
Apr, May, Jun

Due by
April 30
July 31

Quarter
3rd
4th

Months
Jul, Aug, Sep
Oct, Nov, Dec

Due by
October 31
January 31

If you establish your own 501(c)(3), these reports are still required as part of affiliation
as an Expansion Ministry with UWM. Once you have become a full-status ministry, only
yearly updates are required. If we have not received reports in over a year, you will be
considered an inactive ministry and no longer able to operate under Unity Worldwide
Ministries tax umbrella. If you establish your own 501(c)(3), these reports are still
required as part of affiliation as an Expansion Ministry with UWM.

In order to assure all documents get filed correctly, please make sure your ministrys
name and current address appear on every report.
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If you have any changes in address, email, telephone number, name of ministry or any
contact information, the Ministry Expansion Office should be notified immediately, so
the records can be updated.

Let us know about classes and activities going on at your ministry and other events or
activities that have been successful, and if youd be willing to share those ideas with
ministers in the field.

Should the approved spiritual leader of the ministry become unable to serve for any
reason, the Ministry Expansion Office should be notified immediately.

The ministry is automatically operating under the Unity Worldwide Ministries

recommended bylaws until its own have been developed and voted on by the
congregation. These must be reviewed and approved by UWM prior to a ministry
becoming full status.

If a ministry is given a conditional approval, the conditions of that approval must be met
by the agreed-upon date in order for approval to continue. If at any point in time
additional concerns arise, or the agreement is not met, affiliation can be withdrawn. The
ministrys approval will stand until it can be reviewed by the UWM Board of Trustees,
following the one-year provisional time period. At that point, if all items have been
completed and the reports are favorable, ongoing approval as an Expansion Ministry will
be recommended to the UWM Board of Trustees. If these items are not completed,
then the approval, and the affiliation with UWM, will expire.

The ministry should establish a Dissolution Clause and record it in the Steering
Committee/Board of Trustees minutes. An example of how this clause could be worded:
Should the ministry dissolve, all property and funds remaining after the payment of
debts of the ministry shall be delivered to Unity Worldwide Ministries, a non-profit
corporation for religious and educational purposes. Such funds or property shall be for
the use and the benefit of Unity Worldwide Ministries, as may be determined by the
Board of Trustees. Upon reestablishment of a Unity ministry in the area within a fouryear period, said group may contact Unity Worldwide Ministries for procedure on
applying for these funds.

Solicitation Policy
Solicitation: It is Unity Worldwide Ministries policy that states that Unity ministries (including
ministers, transitional ministers, licensed teachers, spiritual leaders, and boards) may not solicit
funds from other churches/ministries by sending a letter, email, mailing, etc. directly to said
ministers/ministries/boards. Many ministers/ministries are on ministry mailing lists and thus
receive copies of correspondence relating to financial needs. We have no problem with this so
long as the mailing is general and directed to friends and members locally. It is, however,
against Unity Worldwide Ministries policy for correspondence/letters to be directed to
ministers/ ministries/boards in the field inviting gifts and tithes.
*Note: These policies and procedures are subject to change. Please check the UWM website, or
contact the Ministry Expansion Office for the most updated version.
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Checklist for Expansion Ministry Application

Cover Sheet
____ Name of ministry (Starting with Unity)
____ Name of credentialed leader/Spiritual Coordinator
____ Mailing address (and meeting location if different from mailing address)
____ Telephone and fax number
____ Email address
____ Website/Facebook/MeetUp addresses (if applicable)
____ Name of Spiritual Coach/Mentor (if applicable)
____ Name of Sponsoring Ministry (if applicable)
The Ministry/Group/Church/Center
Plans for the ministry
____Timeline for launch/beginning
____Describe who will comprise your launch team
____Give a brief description of meeting location
____Brief description of the vision for this ministry and who it will serve
____List 5 main priorities for your new ministry prior to starting
____List 5 main priorities for your first year
____How do you intend to build ownership in the community as it grows
Services and programs
____Various services, classes and programs you plan to provide
____How you will incorporate Unity Principles into your new community
Demographics
____Describe basic demographics of area, population and potential for growth
Ministries in the area
____Describe other Unity/New Thought Churches in the area.
Funding
____General working budget with estimated income and expenses
Promotion Plan
____Describe your plans for reaching your target audience
____Describe how will you advertise/market your community
The Spiritual Leader/Minister
____Resume
____Income - Describe how you intend to support yourself in early stages
Other items
____A signed copy of the current Code of Ethics for a Minister or LUT (if applicable),
and signed copy of the current Code of Ethics for a Ministry, signed by the
Steering Team (if applicable)
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____A signed Spiritual Coach/Mentor Agreement

____A map of the area with the proposed target area and any existing Unity ministry
with locations marked
____A signed Affiliation Agreement from sponsoring ministry (if applicable)
____A letter stating you have read, understand and agree to the policies and
procedures for new ministries
____ A copy of the letter(s) sent to all Unity ministries or affiliated groups within a 10mile radius, informing them of the proposed ministry.