“I hope to bring a sense of excitement for knowledge and hunger for spiritual Truth to my work as a minister. I believe that my passion for spiritual principles, my love of Unity and my commitment to self-awareness will be an inspiration to many to join our quest to change the world one consciousness at a time.”—Ken Daigle, Unity Institute Ministerial Student

In June, Unity Christ Church in Golden Valley, Minnesota, held the first Unity Seminary Sunday—a new initiative designed to raise awareness about Unity Institute—the educational “arm” of Unity's world headquarters. This outreach campaign is aimed at sharing the Institute's mission with church congregants around the country and raising funds to support educational programs for current and future Unity ministerial students.

About Seminary Sunday
Here's how it works, according to Rev. Mark Fuss, admissions representative for Unity Institute: “Unity churches and centers choose a Sunday to tell the Unity Institute story and then take a second offering or special tithe to support Unity Institute. Participating churches receive a short DVD presentation to show during the service along with supporting materials. They may also arrange for a student or faculty member from Unity Institute to speak on the designated Sunday.”

Rev. Pat Williamson from Unity Christ Church is happy to be supporting Unity Institute through Seminary Sunday. “The staff and everyone [at Unity Institute] do a great job of attracting students, as well as looking at the best ways to serve our churches, centers and the entire Unity movement.”

Williamson was pleased to have Shawna Todd and Ray Nelson, both Master of Divinity students at Unity Institute, speak about Seminary Sunday and lead the lesson and meditation time. “There was a special significance in having these two students speak. Ray and Shawna are both from our community. Ray was the first candidate in the ministerial program from our church in the last 20 years. When Shawna was accepted into the seminary, it was a double blessing and very exciting for our congregation.”

Todd enjoyed having the opportunity to tell congregants about Unity Institute and all that it offers to students. “Seminary Sunday was a way to showcase Unity's great work to educate future ministers. I was led to enroll in Unity Institute to be able to learn, apply and share the Unity principles. The most rewarding aspect is the growth I feel on a daily basis as I learn,” she states. “I felt the support of our entire church and was honored to participate.”

Educational Offerings at Unity Institute
For nearly 80 years, Unity Institute has been a premier graduate institution for students seeking spiritual education and development. The Institute offers a Master of Divinity degree and a Diploma in Unity Ministry, and serves as the educational venue for anyone wishing to become a Unity minister. Students can attend full- or part-time, and classes are available both online and on campus.

Nelson, who is in his final year at Unity Institute, enjoys the challenges and rewards of achieving a deeper understanding of his spirituality. “It is not always easy, but the connections and the depth of the teachings make it all worthwhile.”

Called to Be
Fuss believes it is important to “get the word out” about Unity Institute. “Entering the ministry is a true spiritual calling. There were many times [during ministerial school] that I didn't feel equipped. I went through many days thinking, ‘Who me? You must have the wrong guy.' But looking back, I always had what I needed at every turn in the road—support, teachers, guides and the inner strength and faith to move forward. Unity Institute was invaluable in helping me learn, grow and achieve my goals.”

Williamson agrees. “For me, ministry is a way of life and not just a job. The most rewarding aspects are my own personal growth and seeing lives transformed by our [Unity] teachings.”

Fuss feels priviledged to be able to speak with potential students about their own calling into ministry and is pleased Seminary Sunday is providing an avenue for congregants to learn about how Unity ministers are educated. “Who knows?” he notes. “There may be people in your church or center with their own calling to ministry.”

Additional Unity centers participating in the Seminary Sunday initiative in the coming months include churches in Missouri, Wisconsin, California and Texas, to name a few. Fuss continues, “We are so grateful for the churches that have already participated or have scheduled future Seminary Sunday programs. Their support means so much.”