Unity Matures: From Sect to Church

Maturity (1940 to 2000)

  1. Leadership: Fillmore family (Unity School), Field Ministers (AUC))
  2. Infrastructure: Unity Farm -> Unity Village, Unity Centers and Churches
  3. Delivery of religious benefits: silent unity, publishing, education, ordained ministers and churches
  4. Ministers: Unity Training School/Institute ordained ministers
  5. Message: Metaphysical Christian (Charles) -> Progressive Christian (Lowell, Norman Vincent Peale, Daily Word) -> Human Potential (Butterworth, ACIM, AA) (sophisticated)
  6. Relationship with church & society: blended, accommodating (low tension)

Post-Fillmore Era (2000 to present)

  1. Leadership: non-profit board (Unity School), UWM (church boards)
  2. Infrastructure: Unity Village -> Awakening Whole Life Center, Unity Churches, Internet & Media
  3. Delivery of religious benefits: silent unity, retreats, spa, churches, spiritual entrepreneurs & independent ministries
  4. Ministers: Unity Ordained Ministers -> Congregational approved Spiritual Leader
  5. Message: Human Potential -> Health & Wellbeing, New Age, Eastern spiritualities (diffused)
  6. Relationship with church & society: integrated, postmodern (no tension)