UNITY CHURCH OF CORVALLIS
Where hearts open…

Shared Membership Agreements

 


 ♥ AS A MEMBER, I will:
 
         1.  Align with, and have an understanding of, Unity’s New Thought teachings and of the history and legacy of the Unity/New Thought Movement.
  2. Demonstrate my commitment to Unity Church of Corvallis by meaningful involvement with the community and measurable financial support over time.
  3. Take ownership of the Mission, Vision, and focus of Unity Church of Corvallis.
  4. Have familiarity with Unity’s structures of governance and conflict resolution practices.
  5. Complete when I am done.
 


♥ IN THOUGHT, I will:
 
          Accept Conflict 1.  Acknowledge that conflict is a normal part of life in the church. (Romans 14:1-8, 10-12, 17-19, 15: 1-7)
  Affirm the Truth 2. Endeavor to see conflict as symptomatic of what’s missing in our intention to create authentic community. Peacemaking is creating a pathway to God. (Matthew 5:9)
  Commit to Prayer 3. Examine where I am coming from and release my need to be right. Acknowledge all parties have needs and pray for win/win solution. No prayers for “my” success or for the “other” to change. (James 5:16)
 


♥ IN ACTION, I will:
 
          Go to the Other 1.  Go directly to those with whom I disagree; avoid behind-the-back criticism. Refrain from engaging in “parking lot” conversations. (Matthew 5:23-24, 18:15-20)
  Be Humble 2. Go in gentleness, patience, and humility. Own our part in the conflict instead of blaming others and acting as if the others are responsible for how I am. (Galatians 6:1-5)
  Be Quick to Listen 3. Listen carefully, summarize and check out what is heard before responding. Seek as much to understand as to be understood. (James 1:19; Proverbs 18:13)
  Be Nonjudgmental 4. Suspend judgments, and enrolling others in our position, discard threats, and act in a non-defensive and non-reactive way. (Romans 2:1-4; Galatians 5:22-26)
  Be Willing to Negotiate 5. Work through the disagreement constructively. (Acts 15; Philippians 2:1-11)
    ♥ Identify issues, interests, and needs of both (rather than take positions).
    ♥ Generate a variety of options for meeting both parties’ needs (rather than defending one’s own way).
    ♥ Evaluate options by how they meet the needs and satisfy the interests of all sides (not just one side’s values).
    ♥ Collaborate in working out a joint solution (so both sides gain, both grow and win).
    ♥ Reward each other for each step forward, toward agreement (celebrate mutuality).
 


♥ IN LIFE, I will:
 
          Be Steadfast in Love 1.  Be firm in my commitment to seek a mutual solution; be steadfast in acting out of Principle (do the right thing); be hard on issues and soft on people. (Colossians 3:12-15)
  Be Open to Peacemaking 2. Be open to accept skilled help. If we cannot reach agreement among ourselves, we will use those with gifts and training in peacemaking. (Philippians 4:1-3)
  Trust the Community 3. Trust the wisdom of the community and if we cannot reach agreement or experience reconciliation we will turn the decision over to the congregation or seek assistance from the Ministry for Peacemaking. (Acts 15)
    ♥ In one-on-one or small group disputes, this may mean allowing others to arbitrate.
    ♥ In congregational disputes, this may mean implementing constitutional decision-making processes (membership vote) when peacemaking assistance is unable to facilitate reconciliation.
  Be the Expression of Christ 4. Be committed to peacemaking and the demonstration of
Christ Principle, rather than resort to courts of law. (1 Corinthians 6:1-6)
 


♥ IN LEAVING, I will:
 
          Honor Closure 1.  Leave my position within the church, or the church, with integrity.
    2. Be responsible for getting input from my spiritual advisors and following my own conscience after prayer and meditation.
    3. Ensure that my departure is not a surprise. Clear with the minister, board, or others to resolve any unfinished business, clear up any hurt feelings, etc.
    4. Ensure that my words and actions strengthen the group or church, rather than weakening it before I leave.
    5. Call a meeting with the group leader, minister, board president, or neutral party to let them know my feelings.
    6. Cover or complete all of my existing agreements.
    7. Communicate directly with those involved.
    8. Resign by phone or in person.
    9. Say good-bye. Create space for closure.