Vision Statement

The Discernment Ministry of New World Unity Church supports groups and individuals in attaining spiritual clarity. Life questions are addressed by applying the spiritual discernment process, Participating in God’s Unfolding. Participating in God’s Unfolding is a non-denominational, consistent, repeatable spiritual discernment tool that is rooted in universal spiritual principles. The process is accessible to most and can be transformed into a secular version. The basic premise is that every individual has the innate spiritual gift to go within, receive clarity and be guided to take specific action steps to support the unfolding of an abundant, satisfying life.

Discernment is a way to bring forth inner wisdom, awaken inner potential and inspire action. Participating in God’s Unfolding is a decision-making structure, counseling tool and a way of life. Within our own community, we facilitate the steps of the process for other ministries, for the leadership and the church as a whole as we discover “What is ours to do.” Quarterly events and private appointments are available for the community at large. We also travel to facilitate board and youth retreats and other special events for other churches and organizations. An Equipping Program for Discernment Facilitators is available in response to the many requests received by those who have been exposed to the work and want to learn to lead.

“The best-seller book list over the last decade has reflected a trend in the general populace’s desire to explore the relationship between the personal and the divine. I believe our world is in the elementary stages of a planetary shift in consciousness in which humankind will embrace our roles as guardians of the earth’s resources and caretakers of our fellow sojourners. Developing a discerning mind offers an immediately accessible psychosocial compass for the journey. We cannot solve our problems in the same state of consciousness in which we created them (Einstein). I believe embracing spirituality will usher in a new era of compassion and co-creation. The synergy of our collective wisdom will be put to work for the greatest good of all. Thought is creative. What we do, say, think and feel is causative. Awareness is the key.”

- Amy Peterson - Discernment Ministry leader

PARTICIPATING IN GOD’S UNFOLDING

Abiding in the Presence of God is the context in which this process is experienced. Stop at each critical point to heed inner prompting. Trust the process. Realize this is a cyclical process, and you may return to any step at any time.

1. ASKING ~ Center in prayer. Allow a question to take shape beginning with what, not how, when, which one, who or why. The intention is to reveal, "'What' is ours to do?"

2. ALIGNING ~ Inventory the guiding principles & values that are important here. What is your credo?

Spiritual Principles / Beliefs / Values

3. RELEASING ~ Specify impeding thoughts, assumptions, experiences, fears, or agendas. What must we release to participate freely in God's unfolding?

4. PROCLAIMING ~ Affirm attributes of your divine potential. What must we embrace to be conscious of God expressing as us?

WE ARE ...

5. CONTRIBUTING ~ Declare your gifts. Ask, "What do I bring, as an individual, that I am willing to offer?"

6. FOCUSING ~ Arrive at one clear question. It is the vehicle for the remainder of the process. "'What' is ours to do?"

7. RECEIVING ~ Take the question into the silence. "Be still and know." Clearly articulate responses received without judging or giving details.

8. CONVERGING ~ Cluster responses according to their common themes. Around which concept(s) does the group energy gravitate?

9. EXPANDING ~ Exercise your power of Imagination to "be there now". What does each emergent concept feel like expanded to its ultimate?

10. UNIFYING ~ Reflecting on the expanded concept(s), create a statement that supports moving forward.

11. ANCHORING ~ Embrace an anchor. What image, symbol, song, quote, affirmation or biblical text roots us in the Truth of this experience?

12. IMPLEMENTING ~ Take action. Who will do what, when? (Refer to Contributing)

Celebrate! Share the joy with the community. Be grateful, communicative and mindful as the plan unfolds.

Inspired by Discerning God's Will Together by Charles Olsen and Danny Morris, Alban Institute ---- Version 9 updated 2/2000

An audio version of Participating in Gods Unfolding is available on CD for $15. To receive a copy with a convenient fill-in form, contact New World Unity.

Our Discernment Ministry
is available to facilitate individual or group discernment using Participating in
God's Unfolding.
If you have a decision you would like to get totally clear on call 703-913-8560.

NOTE THE NEW Email ADDRESS
NewWorldUnity@verizon.net
Mailing address
New World Unity Church
8136 Old Keene Mill Rd, Suite 209-A,
Springfield, VA, 22152