Feed or be fed?

Feed or be fed?

As we discussed the three spiritual needs of people I was struck with a couple of questions.  Where do those needs come from?  Embedded theology?  How do we meet those needs?  What is ours to do in meeting those needs from a ministerial perspective?

First, the basis of these needs are so vast it is difficult to postulate the source.  The religious tradition we grew up in would certainly be one of, at least, influence. Whether we embraced the beliefs are not, we have the possibility of carrying over preferences or expectations for our church and minister.  For example, I have heard a number of New Thought followers express a yearning for rituals.  If we consider aspects of our services to include music, for instance, these could fulfill these desires. 

The need of new ideas or perspectives on familiar ideas is often cited to be a missing element in a more traditional church.  These disillusioned souls come into our ministry looking to not necessarily topple their existing theology.  More often it is to refresh their thinking.  They are attracted to the “New” part of our teachings. I consider this an unspoken basic for our services and lessons.

Another essential of our ministries is to demonstrate what we propose in our mission values and purpose statements.  If we as in Unity describe ourselves as “practical”, we must offer principles to apply in life.  Platitudes are very shallow.  It is easy to say God is good and everywhere present.  However, it necessary for us to reveal this in a deeper way and propose useful messages.

These spiritual needs can be met just in a Sunday service alone.  I propose that we also provide the possibilities of meeting them in every other aspect of our ministries, such as classes and social activities. 

We are not in the business of “force feeding” the masses (no pun intended).  However, we are here to offer ways to access the Divine, in us and all around us.  While we in the ministry want to encourage spiritual growth, I believe we also are to provide the conduit rather than obstacles for that growth.  Oh, and by the way, this may be my embedded theology!  Always taking hacks at the Holy!  Blessings!