Practical Wisdom: Unity - Stepping Back to Go Forward

Have you ever gone backward to go forward?

I'm about to do that exact thing. I've been invited to return to Unity Spiritual Center in the Rockies for a few months to serve as their acting minister. As many of you know, I left congregational ministry 3 years ago. In that time, I've built an online spiritual community serving people in about 50 countries. I've been leading a few Business Masterminds for spiritual leaders. I've written and published a couple of bestselling books and I've recently helped launch an online school. I also served as the president of a nonprofit business here in my hometown -- one I've recently been guiding through closure.

These years have taught me more than I can encapsulate in one blog.

Rest assured, these programs and projects will continue. I feel called to provide temporary support of this community. I know, in this case, a step "back" is actually "a step forward."

This unique opportunity to return to Unity Spiritual Center in the Rockies represents a convergence of past and future, a melding of experiences that have shaped me and the community I once served. My journey over the last three years has been transformative, filled with learning, growth, and the creation of spaces that foster spiritual development across the globe. Each step, each endeavor, has expanded my understanding of what it means to lead, to serve, and to build spiritual community in a very different world than the one we all lived in a few years ago.

A Broader Perspective

Firstly, my experiences have granted me a broader perspective on spirituality and community. Leading an online spiritual community and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs has deepened my appreciation for the universal truths that bind us. This global perspective will enrich my approach to congregational service, allowing me to integrate more inclusive and expansive views on spirituality.

New Skills and Insights

The skills and insights gained from running online platforms, authoring books, and leading business masterminds for spiritual leaders equip me with new tools to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing Unity Spiritual Center today. Whether it's through innovative community engagement strategies, leveraging technology to connect and serve, or applying fresh leadership principles, I return with a toolkit that is both varied and rich.

The Value of Community

Despite the breadth of my recent work, the essence of community—its power, its necessity, and its capacity to heal and uplift—has never been more clear to me. This period has reinforced my belief in the importance of spiritual homes like Unity Spiritual Center, places where individuals come together to grow, support one another, and make a difference in the world. My role, as I see it, is to nurture this community, to ensure it remains a vibrant, welcoming space for all who seek it.

Embracing Change

Both I and Unity Spiritual Center have evolved since we last walked together. This return is not about reverting to old ways but about embracing where we are now and moving forward with intention. It's about leveraging the changes we've undergone for the betterment of our community and our world. I bring back not just new experiences but a renewed spirit, eager to explore how we can collectively grow in faith and action.

A Catalyst for Growth

I view this return as a catalyst for growth—for both me and Unity Spiritual Center. It's a chance to apply what I've learned in new contexts, to challenge ourselves to think differently, and to deepen our commitment to our spiritual journey. This step "back" is indeed a step forward, a movement towards greater understanding, connection, and impact.

In essence, my return to Unity Spiritual Center in the Rockies is a testament to the non-linear nature of progress. It underscores the idea that sometimes, going backward is the most powerful way to go forward.

With a heart full of gratitude and a mind open to the possibilities, I am excited to embark on this journey. I’ll begin on March 24th and the plan, as it stands today, is that I’ll be there 90 days (or maybe a little longer). If you’re interested, you can learn more about Unity Spiritual Center in the Rockies at www.unityrockies.org.

And, for those who are active in Soulfull’s online community, I’ll continue to share Sacred Space every Wednesday evening at 6pm mountain time, and you can expect that my teachings, programs, writing, and other activities will continue to be available for anyone, anywhere, wanting deep-hearted spiritual growth in a loving, global community. You can always find me at www.asoulfullworld.com.