Fast forward to my first Unity ministry and the recession in the then steel-mill city of Birmingham, Alabama, when a couple of ladies asked me, "Doesn't Unity believe in prosperity as a part of its teachings on practical Christianity?" "Of course," I replied. "Then why don't you teach a prosperity class to help us get through this recession which is affecting all of us?" I sheepishly confessed, "I don't know how to teach a prosperity class. I was never given a prosperity course in my training." Undaunted, they said, "Well let's announce a class and if the interest is sufficient, let's figure out what to do as we proceed."
The interest in a prosperity class was staggering-from both the people in and out of the church. As I "proceeded with caution," scared but praying for guidance, it all unfolded: Use Charles Fillmore's book entitled Prosperity for a twelve-week night class. Begin each class with prosperity affirmations, typed up and handed out, spoken in unison. Then give a short "sock it to them" kind of prosperity lesson, inviting them to study that same chapter more thoroughly on their own. Then close with a blanket prosperity affirmation that included everyone and their concerns. After speaking prosperity affirmations over the class offering, invite questions and/or comments and discussion.
After a session or so, attendees were proud to begin sharing prosperity results: from raises in pay, better jobs, improved health conditions, family reconciliations, even new marriages, and unexpected income through inheritance, sale of property, and even heretofore inactive investment income. Out of a formerly dejected group of people came an uplifted, exciting one.
Out of that class course came my still best-selling book, The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity-one that is still circling the world in this global economy. An affirmation that members of that church had been using since the 1920s and 1930s has come true: "Of the increase of this ministry, there shall be no end."
Being a member of the Association of Unity Churches International is like being a member of a private club. One has to meet certain requirements and criteria on various levels. If a person is accepted into a private club, a part of their acceptance is paying up-front an initial acceptance-of-membership fee; thereafter, a monthly club fee, over and above one's entertainment, golfing greens fees, or other expenses available for membership enjoyment. If one fails to pay, their name is posted on a board for non-payment for all to see. Then comes membership dismissal.
How fortunate we are in the Association not to have such stringent financial requirements! Yet an unspoken spiritual requirement should be that of regular financial support through our tithes and offerings to our "spiritual country club."
I pioneered three ministries by teaching prosperity classes consistently on the theme, "As you tithe, so you prosper." Then by sharing a tithe of what was received with the Association. This method also brought my son and me from living in one room in my first ministry to gradually evolving into living in a world-class resort known for its "rich and famous" image-a much easier environment in which to continue my work for the Unity movement.
Thank you, Charles Fillmore, through your Prosperity book, for showing me the way. And most especially for the chapter entitled, "Tithing, the Permanent Road to Prosperity."
Prosperity Resources
Sample Letters for Churches
Prosperity Development for Ministries Manual
Power of Prosperity Program
4 Spiritual Laws Workbook
Timeless Treasures Brochure
Prosperity Quotes
Prosperity Stories
Planned Giving Manual
Prosperity for Congregations
Prosperity Summit
