We now begin the second half of the credo — a series of insights on how our beliefs as metaphysical Christians may play out in ministry. This section addresses ministry as administrative consciousness and skills. The following three sections will cover education, worship, and pastoral care.

You might think that administrative consciousness and skills means management. This section is not about management. Instead, it is about strategy.

In my opinion, Unity leaders’ biggest mistake is formulating mission and vision statements with no clear strategy for achieving success. When attendance is low, or donations are down, Unity leaders will often adjust how they worship, what they teach, and who they pastor. But they are seldom aware that worship, education, and pastoral care are no more than offerings that implement a strategy. Without a clear strategy, leaders are left to repeatedly change these offerings by trial and error, hoping that suitable offerings will lead to a prosperous and effective ministry. The insights in this section provide a framework for formulating a better strategy.

The first two insights in this section will explain why and how a successful ministry can be effective and efficient in the eyes of congregants and other persons who follow and support the ministry. Effective ministries can accomplish what their mission and vision statements claim they can do. Efficient ministries can do this using available resources.

Fortunately, we have excellent research about effectiveness and efficiency in organizations. What I will share goes beyond providing a list of qualities or a list of things to do. The research offers frameworks for compiling your own list based on your circumstances.

The third insight, A Metaphysical Model for Ministry, makes the case that while the congregational model of ministry is broken, metaphysical Christian ministries are equipped to deal with the broken model. What I have to say is based on my observations of ministerial burnout and the tendency for successful ministers in Unity to launch out on their own.