INTRODUCTION
At the request of the Organizational Renewal Project Committee for the
United Church of Religious Science, a subcommittee was charged with the
task of creating an organizational design for the Church that would be
renewing and innovative, vision and values-oriented, and effective for
a 21st century spiritual movement. This creative endeavor would be the
culmination of several years of organizational self-analysis undertaken
by the United Church, and the subcommittee was asked to explore designs
that would be responsive to the major realizations and thrusts that were
brought forth during this time. The model that follows constitutes the
efforts of the subcommittee to honor this charge. In both philosophy
and functioning, the organizational
design articulated herein represents a substantial departure from the
model embraced by United Church for most of the past three decades. Spiritual
Mind Treatment and responsiveness to the all-guiding Source are central
to the new design. Vision, values, guiding principles, spiritual community,
shared prosperity, mentoring and unified support replace an emphasis
upon governance, hierarchy, politics, scarcity, and a "we/they" separation. Those participating on the subcommittee were Rev. Kathy Hearn, Dr. Michael
Beckwith, Dr. Christian Sorensen, and Dr. Roger W. Teel. The design proposed
is the result of many days of intensive visioning, contemplation and
co-creation. It became clear, early on, that several designs could work
as long as the consciousness and driving principles were on target. In
bringing forth this proposed design, the subcommittee attempted to be
detailed and thorough, while understanding that there would be many additions
and refinements to be woven into the plan. Adding its revisions to the
first and second draft, the Organizational Renewal Project Committee
has embraced the model and now presents it to the community of the United
Church of Religious Science for consideration. This material is offered
with great openness to input, adjustments and additional innovations. The spirit infusing this creative model is very much akin to the essence
pervading the vision of our founder, Dr. Ernest Holmes, as shared in
his first book, Creative Mind: THE CHURCH OF GOD
The Church of God is not built with
hands, it is eternal in the heavens; it is not lighted with candles;
its dome is heaven and it is lighted
by the
stars of God's illumined thought, and each member in his separate star " shall
draw the thing as he sees it, for the God of things as they are." Here all people recognize the God within
their own souls and ask for and see no other God. When you can look
upon all creation as the perfect
work of a perfect God, you will become a member of this church. I doubt
very much if the church universal admits members from the
church individual. When you can see in the saint and the sinner one
and the same person, when you can realize that the one who kneels
before the altar and the one who lies drunk in the street is the same
one,
when you can love the one as much as you do the other, no doubt you will be able to qualify. As it now is we have too many preachers who
do not understand, that have no purpose; too many prayers,
too many creeds, too many teachers, that have no message; too many
churches, too many "learned" people,
and too few thinkers. "The Kingdom of Heaven cometh
not by observation." It is the "Still, small voice" within
the soul that speaks. The expanded thought will never wish
to join or be joined to. Nothing human
can contain it. It feels the limitation of form and ceremony and longs
for the freedom of the Spirit, the great out of doors, the Great
God of the
everywhere. Alone in the desert, the forest or by the restless ocean,
looking up at the stars, man breathes forth these words, "With
only my
Maker and me."
[Creative Mind, p. 71] Subcommittee on Organizational Design and
the Organizational Renewal Project Committee
October 15, 2000 VISION
THE "EXTERNAL" VISION AND
MISSION STATEMENTS (from the 2000 Convention):
We inspire and serve our local and global community in spiritual evolution.
We support individuals in their personal growth and spiritual transformation.
OUR PROPOSAL FOR FURTHER ARTICULATION:
OUR VISION: "GLOBAL HEART"
KEY ELEMENTS WITHIN THIS VISION:
Whereas in this information age the "global brain" has become
an operative reality, we envision the emergence of the Global Heart to
balance and guide the further evolution of humanity.
We see a world free of homelessness, violence, war, hunger, separation
and disenfranchisement. We see a world in which there is generous and continuous sharing of
heart and resources. . .a world in which forgiveness, whether for errors,
injustices,
or debts, is the norm. . .a world in which borders are irrelevant.
. .a world which has renewed its emphasis on beauty, nature and love
through
a resurgence of creativity, art, and aesthetics. . .a world in which
fellowship prospers and connects through the guidance of spiritual
wisdom and experience. . .a world in which we live and grow as One
Human Family. The spiritual community of "United Church of Religious Science" is
united and actuated by this compelling vision of a healthy world — a
world experiencing Global Heart — and is ardently committed to
bringing this vision forth through its ministries and its transformative
teaching. We envision "UCRS" as a bridge
across the illness and illusion of separation thereby dynamically empowering
the vision of Global Heart. "
UCRS" is a global community of people pervasively caring for and
about each other and the entire human family, thereby bringing the gift
of active compassion to the world. Our local churches and communities
become "points of inspiration and influence" effectively
advancing the vision of Global Heart. MISSION THE "INTERNAL" VISION AND
MISSION STATEMENTS (from the 2000 Convention):
We are a global presence and resource for spiritual awakening.
We implement our vision with the highest levels of service and professional
excellence. OUR PROPOSAL FOR FURTHER ARTICULATION: OUR
MISSION: "AWAKENING THROUGH
SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY" KEY ELEMENTS WITHIN THIS MISSION:
"
United Church of Religious Science" experiences and manifests the
truth of Oneness through the demonstration and development of Spiritual
Community. We experience being one community with many locations. The "glue" for our Spiritual
Community is our shared commitment to spirituality, love, vision, community
service, education, integrity,
financial health, caring, and compassion. We make our decisions and
guide our growth by continuous sensitivity to the unfolding vision
of God for
our community and by devotion to our shared values and guiding principles. We convey a way of life based on spiritual practices that builds spiritual
community globally. Every center, church or aspect of our Spiritual
Community serves as a point of inspiration and dynamic influence for
the vision
of Global Heart, and we further express our vision through compassionate
service to our members and to the world. Our vital and growing Spiritual Community
fuels an expanded awareness of our transformative teaching throughout
the world. As we communicate "New
Thought — Ancient Wisdom" through the teachings of Science
of Mind and Spirit, we further the experience of a "universal spirituality" bridging
all peoples, cultures, nations and faiths. The richness of our expression of Spiritual Community cultivates leaders,
not just followers. We bring forth an enlightened citizenry and generate
an abundant flow of spiritual leaders in service to the transformation
of our world. SHARED VALUES & GUIDING PRINCIPLES OUR SHARED VALUES (from the 2000 Convention):
Spirituality
Love
Vision
Community Service
Education
Integrity
Financial Health
Caring
Compassion OUR PROPOSAL FOR FURTHER ARTICULATION OF OUR SHARED VALUES:
Safety: A climate emerges in which all are encouraged to reach out to
help and be helped; a climate conducive to honest reflection, change
and growth; a safe haven where our assistance programs and support
efforts flourish. (This further articulates the values of caring and
compassion.) Diversity & Inclusivity: Diversity
is appreciated and inclusivity is practiced. (This also further articulates
the values of caring and
compassion.) Growth: Growth is envisioned as a core
value for individuals, churches and centers, and our entire Spiritual
Community experiences a resurgence
of vitality and initiatives for expansion. With our emphasis shifting
from politics, separation, power strategies, and contentiousness to
spiritual community and growth, we envision ourselves as a "learning organization," continually
cultivating a flow of realizations that inspire continual enhancements
and evolution. Prosperity: Through the richness of our teaching and its application,
we value the experience and expression of prosperity as a means to
provide resources to empower our vision and mission. The consciousness
and practice
of tithing becomes joyous spiritual practice for our Spiritual Community,
as a whole, and for every affiliated church, center and community. OUR
PROPOSAL FOR GUIDING PRINCIPLES TO EMPOWER OUR SHARED VALUES: Spiritual Mind Treatment and Visioning: To anchor our expression of spirituality,
we value an emphasis upon spiritual mind treatment and meditation for
spiritual connection, along with the practices of visioning and co-creation
for spiritual insight to reveal our pathway. We propose that vision teams
operate at the center of our community and within each activity, group,
program and ministry. We propose that the offices of minister and practitioner
coordinate the function of discerning and representing our pathway through
these practices. Leaders as Vision Facilitators: As
a guiding principle, we propose that leadership at all levels must
be centered on the facilitation of
the
Vision and the ever-unfolding pathway revealed through continued visioning
practices. Rather than "Lone Rangers" advancing their personal
opinions and preferences, our leaders participate in discerning the
pathway for the unfoldment of our vision and facilitate progress along
that pathway.
Furthermore, our leadership involves as many as possible in service
to the vision and continually cultivates more leaders. Congruence: The proposed guiding principle
of congruence suggests an all-pervading dedication to living out our
values and principles and
to advancing our Vision and Mission in every way possible and at all
levels of our community. Simply put, our community and its members "walk
our talk," in dedication to expressing a living embodiment of
our Vision/Mission and of our teaching. We are demonstrating and actualizing
our Vision and our possibilities. Accountability: By means of rigorous dedication to our values and guiding
principles, we manifest a natural accountability for our commitments,
actions, and community participation. We are thoroughly principled
and constructive. Teamwork: At all levels, we work together to achieve our goals and
to develop an ever richer, more involved and impactful Community. Open Communication: Information and
insights flow openly and dynamically in this new Community, enhancing
creativity, engendering a sense of
inclusion, and nurturing the efficient resolution of misunderstandings
or conflict. ESSENTIAL
ELEMENTS
FOR A NEW ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN In our deliberations, the following elements were identified as essential
to a transformed and effective Spiritual Community for the 21st Century
and beyond: Spiritual Mind Treatment & Visioning:
As previously stated, a community professing a core value of spirituality
must have a means to express
this as its ultimate commitment and practice. Thus, we emphasize again
the central importance of prayer-treatment and visioning practices
to reveal our steps along the way. Training and Education: We must continue to emphasize the evolution
of our teaching and provide state-of-the-art training for our professionals
and members alike. Also, there should be a training function to prepare
individuals for participation in this proposed organizational model. PR & Marketing: It is essential
to expand our efforts to communicate our message and teaching to the
world. These efforts should also show
the world that we are healthy and motivated citizens unfolding a beneficial
vision for the good of all. Communication Network: Our renewed community
must have a communication network that ties us together and increases
our experience of partnership
and spiritual community. We propose an expanded, internet-enabled
network from our web site linking EVERY church, center or community.
It is
suggested that as each new church or center comes forth, computer
equipment, software
and training be provided so that these new group members may participate
meaningfully from the outset in the considerations and work of the
community. Maintaining and expanding this network — including a dynamic web
site to the world — should remain one of our highest priorities. Virtual Community: We must move to the cutting edge of the world wide
web and reach out to the millions seeking our teaching. As we dedicate
resources to this purpose, we envision a multitude of on-line opportunities,
including prayer support and education. As our virtual community expands
and flourishes, we envision it sparking tremendous growth among our
churches, centers and communities. Decentralized Partnership and Support:
We envision that the Spiritual Community as a whole shall take responsibility
for the support and
enrichment of our evolving churches and centers, as well as for the
fostering of
new centers and churches. Our history demonstrates the weakness of
looking to a parent or central organization to provide all the resources
and
solve all the problems while, at the same time, promoting growth. This
former model has also inadvertently contributed to a reduced sense
of responsibility for the well being of our community members and,
at the
same time, a sense of resentment toward the central structure for its
apparent lack of responsiveness and results in solving problems and
promoting growth. Yet, all the while, the support and resources to
make a difference
have not been sufficient for the central organization to make that
difference. Our new organizational approach emphasizes that each group
member of
the Community must share in the answers and the support. We all possess
the resources; we all possess the answers that are sought, and we must
take responsibility for the healing and enrichment of all our group
members. We propose the development of a program that charges every
vital and
established group within the community with participation in the fostering
of evolving or fledgling groups. As these groups benefit from this
direct support, they would eventually move into the role of mentoring
and supporting
other groups, thus creating the possibility for geometric growth. This
is discussed in greater detail in the portion of the plan entitled "Partnership
Program." Participation: Our former organizational approach tended to place responsibility
for most ministries and programs with closed committees or home office
departments. Thus, the resources of individuals within our movement
have largely been blocked from participation. A new model must be
an open
system encouraging the participation of all qualified individuals
or groups in the furtherance of our ministries and programs. Rather than
merely involve our people in processes of governance and politics,
we propose to offer direct involvement in difference-making programs,
ministries
and activities to all who have the appropriate motivation, talents
and gifts. The new emphasis should transcend the limiting notion
of
regional
representation, and involve those with the most appropriate gifts
no matter where they reside. This will further reinforce the vision that
we are a unified community, not a collection of regions or special
interests contending with one another. Standards and Support: We seek to move out of a system that has emphasized
authoritarian control and governance, one which has often been
judgmental and punitive. Instead, we envision a Spiritual Community with
clear
standards based on our Vision and clarified by our shared values
and guiding principles.
Standards based on our vision, values and guiding principles should
be clarified for ministers and practitioners, as well as for our
laity. These standards should be offered as privileges and opportunities,
rather
than as demands and requirements. We envision a mediation and peacemaking
function that shall be charged with encouraging and mentoring an
embrace
of these standards. With this shift, we envision our Community
exuding a climate of safety and support in which all are encouraged to
reach
out to help and be helped, an environment in which honest reflection
and growth become the norm. The new emphasis should be upon articulating,
mentoring and encouraging these standards instead of judging, controlling
and punishing. Involvement in the World Scene: We envision a community that not
only works for the enlightenment of the individual, but also
moves out into
meaningful involvement and service in the world. We look forward
to forming empowering alliances with other programs and organizations
whose philosophy
and mission parallel our own. We envision a Spiritual Community
that embraces numerous global programs and expresses active compassion
and
bridge building. ORGANIZATIONAL RENEWAL DESIGN
OVERVIEW DIAGRAM The large circular diagram accompanying this description (Diagram
A)
represents a visual model for the proposed design of our Spiritual Community.
The following comprise the basic elements: The innermost circle bears the words "God . . .Spirit . . .One Mind," and
represents our conviction that God is the central force animating our
movement and our teaching, the hub around which all else revolves.
It is from God-Life that we draw forth our compassion, enthusiasm, commitment,
and healing consciousness. It is to the service of Spirit that we are
called. The first ring outward from the central
circle contains the phrase "Visioning
Practices." As stated, we suggest that our most committed practice
be spiritual visioning and co-creation that attunes us, meditatively
and receptively, to Divine Mind, so that we achieve a definite and
ongoing sense of direction. It is to God-Life that we turn for guidance
and inspiration
for the revealing of our evolving pathway. It is proposed that visioning
be practiced by teams within all the ministries, departments, activities
and programs of our Community. The next ring is inscribed with the
phrase "Vision and Evolving
Pathway" and represents the Vision of our Community — Global
Heart — and the evolving pathway revealed through the visioning
and co-creative practices. This Vision and pathway are the beacon lights
illumining our choices and efforts. We seek to be a visionary Community
following an inspired path of service. The third ring from the center is that
of "Shared Values & Guiding
Principles." This reveals that our shared values and guiding principles
are another key reference point for our decisions and actions. They clarify
our "ways of being" for the expression of spiritual community
and for our efforts to manifest our Vision. The fourth ring from center is designated "Fulfillment Structure" and
represents the most common aspects of most organizations: the means
provided for moving toward the fulfillment of the vision. It is the
way we will
synthesize our direction, marshal our efforts and resources, and conduct
our ministries, activities and business. The second diagram contained
in this material (Diagram B) presents our model for the make-up and
operation of the Fulfillment Structure for our Community. The spokes that extend out from the
Fulfillment Structure represent a combination of current and proposed
ministries, departments, functions
and activities. These may be coordinated by elected or appointed members,
or by paid personnel. It is proposed that they all be infused with
the
energy and creativity of committed members of our Community who are
motivated and gifted to serve in each particular arena. Some may be
located within
a "service center," while many others might be decentralized
and spread throughout the Community. Included in the spokes of this
diagram are new functions or activities identified in, or implied by,
the new
organizational design. In addition to those listed, other arenas or
functions may need to be designated. Beyond these spokes is the ring entitled "UCRS Churches, Centers
and Communities". These are the members comprising the Community
at group locations. Since this represents our greatest area of support
and involvement, the ring is bordered by hatched lines, implying that
there should be a flow of people and resources from these groups into
the ministries, projects, etc., as well as into the fulfillment structure.
(Hatched lines throughout the interior of this diagram suggest an overall
openness to the flow of insight, people, communication and resources.)
The phrase, "Partnership Program," in the lower portion of
this ring, denotes the major support and growth structure for our groups.
This program will be discussed in detail further on in this model. Note
that "communities" also includes our magazine readership,
study fellowships, prayer ministry affiliates, and portfolio ministries. The next ring, "UCRS Virtual Community," represents
our intention to build a virtual church through our dynamic activity
within the Internet.
As our teaching and services reach seekers in this way, we also anticipate
a corresponding flow of involvement, funding and other offerings of
support. Finally, the outermost ring is the "Global Spiritual Community," the
entire human family which, as our vision implies, is itself becoming
a spiritual community. This represents the larger world we are involved
in and serve. FULFILLMENT STRUCTURE DESIGN The fourth ring, our proposed Fulfillment Structure, is comprised of
three major functions and a council that synthesizes their efforts. (see
Diagram B) The "Visioning Core" receives
visioning and co-creation input from teams throughout the Community
and melds this into a unified direction,
a core vision, which will constitute our evolving pathway. The visioning
core recommends the most timely and spiritually indicated next steps
for our Spiritual Community. A coordinator of this visioning core,
appointed by the Community Spiritual Leader from its membership, would
convene
the visioning and synthesis sessions. Note: It should be remembered
that visioning teams would be in place in every department, activity,
ministry
and function of the community and would channel their input into this
core. — Composition: (11) Our Community
Spiritual Leader, our Community Youth Leader, plus three ministers
(each ordained for at least three years),
three practitioners (each licensed for at least three years) and three
laity who have demonstrated significant involvement in their church
or center, as well as within the Community at large. — Terms: The three ministers three
practitioners and three laity would be elected to three-year terms
at the annual gatherings of the Community
and may be reelected to one successive term. — Qualifications: commitment to
the Vision; impartial, having no agendas; able to go beyond precedent
and history and into possibilities; spiritual
maturity; experienced in visioning and co-creation processes and dedicated
to being sensitive to the impress of Spirit. The "Stewardship Core" would
be charged with fiscal oversight and cultivation, along with basic
legal and corporate oversight. It is
the arena responsible for the development of budgets, both current
and futuristic, as well as for financial reporting and tracking. We
envision
a community that is abundant and dedicated to financial integrity.
This core would also be charged with raising additional funds to support
the
evolving pathway of the community. A hired coordinator would direct
the activities of this core. The SOM Foundation and the Finance and
Resources
functions would be aspects of this core (see these categories in the
spokes of Diagram A). Resource cultivating teams for special projects
and functions would also bring their input to this core. — Composition: A coordinator hired
by the CORE Council and supervised by the Community Spiritual Leader,
along with paid staff, and members
of
the Community gifted and motivated to serve in this core. The "Manifestation Core" is
comprised of both operational and ecclesiastical departments and teams
charged with fulfilling particular
aspects of the evolving pathway discerned for the Community. An operational
coordinator would be hired to manage such departments and functions
as publications, PR and marketing, computer network communications
and web
services, product fulfillment, as well as other operational activities.
An ecclesiastical coordinator would be hired to provide management
and leadership for such departments and functions as the prayer ministry,
education, youth and family ministries, community gatherings, and other
designated ecclesiastical functions. — Composition: two coordinators
hired by the CORE Council and supervised by the Community Spiritual
Leader, along with paid staff, and members
of the Community gifted and motivated to serve in this core. The "C.O.R.E. Council" (from
an acronym meaning Consciousness of Reality Evolving) would serve a
function similar, yet not identical,
to a corporate board of trustees. It is the final decision making body
for the Community. Its most important role would be to take the input
flowing from the Visioning, Stewardship and Manifestation Cores and synthesize
them into a clear direction and operational plan for the Community. The
Council would deal with issues of timing, application of resources, as
well as with the overall health and unfoldment of the Community. The
Chair of the Council and its other officers would be selected from its
voting membership. The Community Spiritual Leader would be a voting member
of the council. The CORE Council would meet at least bimonthly to facilitate
the business and unfoldment of the Community. At each annual gathering,
the CORE Council would share the results of the operational plan for
the year just completed and receives input on the directions and plan
for the year ahead. —
Composition: (11) — the Community Spiritual Leader, plus two
ministers (ordained for at least five years), one practitioner (licensed
for at
least five years), and three lay community members who have demonstrated
significant involvement in their church or center, as well as within
the Community at large; the four Core Coordinators serve as ex-officio,
advisory, voting members. — Election: by community members
at the annual gatherings from a slate prepared by the Nominating Team
of the Community. — Additional qualifications for
the six elected members: supremely experienced in the philosophy and
functioning of the community; spiritual maturity;
specialized or highly developed gifts and talents essential to the
guidance of the Community; excellent business or organizational acumen;
impartial,
serving the welfare and advancement of the entire Community rather
than partisan representation of any groups or special interests. SPIRITUAL LEADERS FOR THE COMMUNITY Community Spiritual Leader (CSL)
We propose that the key leader for the Community be designated as the
Community Spiritual Leader (CSL); that this be a paid, full time position;
and that the role of the CSL be significantly expanded beyond that
of our current President. — Role of the Community Spiritual
Leader:
to bring spiritual wisdom, charisma, purpose and light to our Community
to serve as our spokesperson to the world and to be present at major
events
to share, articulate and stimulate the Vision and Mission
to be instrumental in forming and maintaining strategic alliances and
to remain current on creative initiatives and innovations on the world
scene that may affect or present opportunities for the Community
to synthesize declarations and papers on the stands and viewpoints
of the Community on key social or global issues
to participate in designing shared global or community service projects
to appoint the coordinator of the Visioning Core and to serve on the
Visioning Core
to participate in the deliberations of the CORE Council
to recommend to the Core Council the hiring of the Director of the
Partnership Program and to interface with this director and with the
Ecclesiastical
Mentors; to determine the number and location of Ecclesiastical Mentors
and to appoint same
to supervise and coordinate the activities of the four Core Coordinators
(see Fulfillment Structure) — Qualifications: an ordained
minister for at least seven years, having served as a senior minister
or key program director; deep spiritual commitment
and maturity; strong verbal, communication and organizational skills;
able to delegate and provide strong leadership; able to collaborate
and create alliances within and outside the Community; visionary; excellence
in representing our Community in the world. — Term: five-year term and may
succeed themselves — Election: The Nominating Team
of the Community shall present a nominee or slate of nominees for the
CSL, who shall be elected by a simple majority
at appropriate gatherings. — Support: The CSL shall be supported
by a staff and shall receive compensation as determined by the Council. Community Youth Leader (CYL) To further emphasize the importance of the youth in our Community and
world, we propose that the office of Community Youth Leader (CYL) be
established. — Role of Community Youth Leader:
represent our Community and youth in the world and at major events
represent and advocate regarding youth viewpoints in Community unfoldment
speak and facilitate at youth camps and events as possible
create strategic youth alliances
as possible, participate on the Visioning Core
chair the "Youth Council" — Qualifications: a youth up to
age 21, and a member of a church or group within the Community; educated
in the principles of our teaching; demonstrated
leadership in local and Community-wide youth programs; letters of recommendation
from the minister of their church, from two adults and from two youth
within the Community. — Election: at the Youth National
Camp. — Term: one year, and may succeed
themselves only once; thereafter may serve as mentor to the youth council
and to other Community Youth Leaders. — Support: The Community Youth
Leader shall receive an expense stipend to be determined and allocated
by the Council. ANNUAL GATHERINGS Gatherings of representatives of the total community would be held annually
at various locations as chosen by those voting at the gatherings. The
emphasis for the gatherings would be upon inspiration, education and
deepening, sharing and testimony, music and rejoicing, recruitment for
key projects within the Community and in the world, and the renewing
of commitment for our Vision and Mission. Business processes would be
kept to an absolute minimum. We envision our Community moving out of
the competitiveness of regionalism and politics, out of the doldrums
of procedures and the morass of by-laws. We envision a climate of love,
safety, trust, enthusiasm and an absolute reliance upon the guidance
of Spirit. — Key Organizational Activities:
Key organizational activities would include the election of members
of the CORE Council, the Nominating Team, the
Visioning Core and, in certain years, the election of the Community
Spiritual Leader. In these elections, each church, center, or community
affiliated
with the United Church of Religious Science would be allowed one vote
representing the consensus of its minister(s), one vote representing
the consensus of its practitioners, and one vote representing the consensus
of its lay community members. The Wisdom Council would have one vote
representing the consensus of the retired ministers. The United Clergy
of Religious Science would have one vote representing the consensus
of its membership. It is envisioned that these votes would be determined
at educational caucuses occurring in each church, center, community
or
group prior to the gatherings. Another key organizational focus for the gatherings would be the reports
of the CORE Council on the preceding and current year's operational
directions and plan. — At the gatherings, the Chair
of the CORE Council would preside over business processes. The Community
Spiritual Leader, or their designee, would preside
over all other sessions. NOMINATING TEAM A nominating team would serve the Community on an ongoing basis. The
role of this team would be to seek out the most highly qualified nominees
to fill each available position within the organizational model of the
Community. It is envisioned that this team would bring great prayer,
visioning and scrutiny to its deliberations, thus providing the Community
with nominees, or slates of nominees, most gifted and prepared for their
proposed service. The team would provide nominees, or slates of nominees,
for members of the CORE Council, the Nominating Team, the Visioning Core
and, in certain years, the Community Spiritual Leader. A report on nominations
for all offices would be submitted to the Community at least 90 days
prior to each gathering. No nominations would be taken from the floor
of the gatherings, however write-in nominations could be submitted to
the team up to 60 days prior to gatherings. Such nominations would only
be presented to Community members at the gathering were the write-in
nominees found to meet all qualifications. —
Composition: (10) — two ministers (ordained for at least five
years) and one minister from the visioning core; two practitioners
(licensed
for at least five years) and one practitioner from the visioning core;
and four lay community members who have demonstrated significant involvement
for at least five years in their church or center, as well as within
the Community at large — Terms: The two Visioning Core
members (one minister and one practitioner) would serve one-year terms
only; all other members would serve two-year
terms that would be staggered so that half would be replaced each year;
members of the nominating team may be elected to one successive term. — Additional qualifications: Track
record of significant involvement in the organizational functioning
of the Community; spiritual maturity;
impartial, serving the welfare and advancement of the entire Community
rather than partisan representation of any groups or special interests. — Support: The expenses of the
Nominating Team would be provided for in the budgets approved by the
CORE Council. PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM One of the most exciting and potentially powerful aspects of this model
is the Partnership Program. This ongoing program places responsibility
for the nurturing of evolving or fledgling churches or groups with churches
or groups that are vital and well established. It is a model for growth
and development of our groups and for the circulating of our wealth of
knowledge, insight and resources. Rather than a home office or a small
group of beleaguered ecclesiastical officers being charged with fulfilling
this function, the total Community would embrace this role. Each established church or center would
commit to supporting and mentoring at least one fledgling or evolving
group. Some stronger groups might
work with several groups. Smaller churches or centers might team together
in the support of a group. A supporting church might elect to foster
a brand new group in a strategically chosen area of the country or world. The supporting churches or centers would
take the mentored church "under
their wing," establishing an in depth and loving relationship. A
set of agreements and commitments would be developed clarifying the roles
and responsibilities of both the supporting and mentored group. The supporting
group or church would provide a reasonable amount of financial aid, along
with board support, ministerial guidance, and access to technology, special
programs, speakers, marketing, practitioner support, prayer partnerships
and other invaluable resources. Once a mentored church or group has progressed
to a point of strength and readiness, it would then join the ranks of
supporting churches/groups and mentor an evolving or fledgling group. Such a model, when perfected and implemented,
holds the possibility for creating a geometric growth phenomenon for
our movement. It also
delivers resources and support in an efficient and more direct manner. A paid Director would coordinate this Partnership Program with guidance
from the Community Spiritual Leader. The Director would also work with
Ecclesiastical Mentors established in various areas to monitor the effectiveness
of the group pairings and to further network resources discovered throughout
the Community. These Mentors would be ministers in established churches
or groups appointed by the Community Spiritual Leader. It should be at
the discretion of the CSL to determine the amounts and locations of these
Ecclesiastical Mentors. A training program would be developed to prepare
the Mentors for their role. The Director and Mentors would encourage
adherence to the Vision and Mission, values and guiding principles, and
enlist the assistance of the Mediation and Peacemaking Team should conflict
resolution be required. The Community Spiritual Leader, Director and
Mentors would develop and evolve all agreements and policies guiding
the program so that true progress is being achieved while also insuring
that the evolving or fledgling groups are contributing meaningfully and
appropriately to their own growth as well as to the unfoldment of the
Community. The Director and Mentors would also work to discern strategically
powerful sites for new works. This Partnership Program is envisioned to produce a community that is
truly a healthy family. The Community would care for the challenges and
possibilities of all its members and greatly enhance the sensitivity
and responsiveness of efforts to support and empower our groups. AFFILIATION AGREEMENTS The following are our recommendations for minimal requirements for affiliation
and participation in the Community: Each established church, center or group contributes 10% of its contributed
income to the work of the Community. These group members would commit
half of their tithe (5%) to the general funding of the Community, with
the remaining 5% used to fund the group's involvement in the Partnership
Program and in other social or global projects being undertaken by
the Community. The Director and Mentors within the Partnership Program
work
with each fledgling or evolving church or group to establish its full
financial participation. Each church, center or group would agree to
participate in the Partnership Program on a continual basis either
in a capacity of supporting or being mentored. Each church, etc., pledges to embrace and actively support the vision
of Global Heart, the mission of Awakening through Spiritual Community,
as well as the values and guiding principles of the Community. Each church, etc., pledges to honor the standards embraced by the
Community. Each church, etc., pledges to the best of their ability to spread
our teaching and offer our healing consciousness to the world. Each church, etc., agrees to support the Community with the gifts
and talents of the individual members of their group, encouraging
awareness
and participation in the projects and ministries of the total
Community. Note: No part of the affiliation agreement will pertain to
any property rights upon disaffiliation. NEXT STEPS This model, now amended and embraced by the
Organizational Renewal Project Committee, and approved by the International
Board of Trustees is being
presented to all ministers, active and retired, and to lay members of
for their consideration and input. The model is also being posted on
the web site: www.religiousscience.org/heart. After reading and
reflecting upon this model, you may choose to share it with practitioners
and selected
lay members. Thereafter, you are encouraged to contact Rev. Glenn Chaffin
by email at your earliest convenience with your thoughts and suggestions:
ChurchRSc@aol.com. Thereafter,
our next steps would be: Receive input and discern major trends that indicate evolutions of
the model. Assess costs and impacts of the new model, and adjust or create implementation
phases as necessary. Prepare the final amended design model. Present proposed bylaw amendments that would fully empower the new
model to legal counsel for final development. Create a new affiliation agreement appropriate to the new model and
present to legal counsel for final development. With assistance of legal counsel, prepare convention processes and
motions critical to adopting the new plan, bylaws and affiliation
agreement. Ask the IBOT to designate the current
subcommittee (Revs. Hearn, Beckwith, Sorensen and Teel) with Rev. Glenn
Chaffin as an additional
member,
as the ongoing "Design Team" to bring forth adjustments
to the model as it is launched and utilized. Avoid making adjustments
the focus
of a political process. Empower the Design Team to remain in place
for five years with full authority to receive input and to make changes.
Also empower the Design Team to coach members of the Community in
all
aspects of the model's operation. Transition Team: The Executive Committee
of the International Board of Trustees and administrative staff will
join with the Design Team
to consider
preparations and processes for bridging fully into the new model. CONVENTION PROCESSES In addition to the recommendations of legal counsel, we suggest that
the convention planning for 2001 include the following: Present educational sessions to describe and teach the new model. Seek acceptance of refined design model along with the adoption of
new bylaws and affiliation agreement. Select a Nominating Team as provided for in the design model. Charge
this team with bringing a full slate of nominees for all Community
offices, including that of the Community Spiritual Leader, to the 2002
Gathering.
Note that the new bylaws would empower the Transition Team to appoint,
at the 2001 Convention, interim one-year office holders for all positions
other than Community Spiritual Leader. Confirm or elect Rev. Christian Sorensen
as Community Spiritual Leader in a transition capacity for a one-year
term from the 2001 - 2002 Gatherings. Conduct a memorial service for the
'old' organization, including funerals for many old mind sets and patterns,
such as regionalism, home office
as "they who aren't enough," the corporate or governmental
designations (i.e. President, etc.) and the hierarchical structure, "conventions" (to
become transformational gatherings), isolated departments, etc. Conduct a consecration and celebration ceremony for the new Community
and its emphasis upon Global Heart, Spiritual Community, values and
guiding principles, synergy and oneness, open participation, and visioning. Involve those present in further developing
the vision for "Global
Heart," thus creating enrollment in an even more powerful and
clear vision. Conduct a process to confirm our values and our guiding principles. Establish avenues of input to the Design Team. Assist all church representatives in establishing a clear process to
formally and legally adopt the new affiliation agreement in their
churches following convention. Request major additional funding from all churches and from committed
individuals. Stress that this is an historic moment the success
of which will be determined by our enthusiasm, prayers, involvement
and financial
support. DO WE NEED A NEW NAME? Finally, it is the consensus of the
subcommittee that a new name should be discerned for the new community
being formed. There are many liabilities
accruing from our current use of "Religious Science" and "Science
of Mind." They confuse us with other groups that do not convey the
decidedly spiritual emphasis of our work. We suggest either discerning
a new name or incorporating the terms "Religious Science" or "Science
of Mind (and Spirit)" in a more clear and supportive name. It is never easy to buck tradition,
especially when some would even accuse us of dishonoring our founder
in seeking a name change. Yet other
church organizations have successfully changed their names. Furthermore,
it is our feeling that Ernest Holmes would want us to stay progressive
and responsive to the changing times and to elements we face that he
could never have foreseen. Our society is experiencing a tremendous upsurge of interest in paths
of transformation remarkably similar to our teaching. Our teaching possesses
elements and qualities that none of these new expressions can match.
We must put our best face forward to the world, removing as many barriers
to exploring our path as possible. Furthermore, a name change would anchor
the newness of our ways of being along with the innovations of our Community. Perhaps the possibility of a different
name could be placed before the 2001 Convention near the end of its
activities for empowering the new
model. The intervening year between the convention and the first official "gathering" (2002)
could be utilized to receive widespread input on potential names which
could then be considered at that gathering. It could be cause for great
momentum and celebration! Top
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