Terry Newell, Unity School of Christianity's Web Strategy Manager, says, “Much like newspapers and magazines are scrambling to reinvent themselves, churches are also reinventing the way they interact. Instead of being a Sunday-only environment, churches can now provide online spiritual guidance 24/7.”
Rachel Simpson, young adult specialist for the Association of Unity Churches International, says she loves receiving spiritual information and inspiration online, but adds, “I don't think technology will ever replace church. … Humans have a need to create ritual, and churches fill that need. They will always have a place in the picture.”
There is no turning back though, says Newell. Technology and spirituality will continue to be intertwined. “Most of us would never go back to the old ways,” he notes. “I have uncovered rich spiritual resources that I could have never experienced without a computer.”
Online Resources at Unity
Unity offers many online spiritual tools to help seekers connect with like-minded people. Below are just some of the ways you might spend your next hour on the Web.
- Prayer support from Silent Unity.
- A directory of Unity churches around the world.
- Daily feature articles.
- Links to Unity publications such as Daily Word® and Unity Magazine®.
- Blogs from Unity's leaders.
- Unity teachings and information about its history and founders.
- Upcoming classes and retreats.
- A “blorum” for interactive discussion.
- A variety of resources to support Unity ministers and church staff.
“My path is one where I no longer get to be out in public, so church is out,” explains Mari Lyn Richardson from California. “Unity.org helps me feel like I am a part of Unity. To be able to listen to meditations once again is delightful and feeds my soul. I now check in daily with Unity.org to see which articles are being offered and have even participated in the blorum.”
Unity.FM
Unity.FM, a global ministry, offers leading-edge, spiritually based online radio programming 24 hours a day. In January 2009 Unity.FM had nearly 41,500 unique visitors to its site. Program topics include the Bible, metaphysics, meditation, prayer and the spiritual aspects of relationships, parenting, business and more.
Unity.FM guests often include well-known spiritual or business leaders and authors such as Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, Gregg Braden, Marianne Williamson and Byron Katie.
“I love Unity.FM!” said Simpson. “When I'm driving or at the gym, I can listen to a stimulating conversation that teaches me something or gets me thinking. I was disconnected from Unity when I was in college because there weren't any churches nearby. I enjoy the depth and variety (of programming) I get with Unity.FM.”
Church Web sites
If you haven't visited a Unity church Web site lately, you might be surprised at some of the online features many churches offer. They include:
Video Clips and Podcasts
A growing number of Unity ministers provide video clips or podcasts of their weekly sermons—making it easy for potential church-goers to preview a church and for congregants to have access to their church's sermons at any time.
Blogs and Forums
Ministers and congregants can't always communicate one-on-one. Blogs and forums provide a venue for anyone to discuss teachings, debate spiritual concepts, ask questions and post comments and ideas.
Networking Pages such as Facebook and Myspace
Many Unity churches are reaching out to younger generations by creating pages on social networking sites. Online communities allow like-minded people to share and explore as a community. Unity now has Facebook pages for Silent Unity®, SpiritPath®, Unity Institute®, Unity School of Christianity and the Association of Unity Churches International. Specific Unity churches also have Facebook pages.
Let us know how you connect with Unity online. Submit your story here!
