It's Easier Than You Think
The thought of starting an independent church* or ministry - without the support of a larger organization - feels daunting to many people. In this lively interactive session, co-facilitators Ruth L. Miller and Bill Marchiony share their real-world experiences in the process, and take away the scary mysteries.
Topics covered will include...
- Why to start an Independent church*
- Legal issues and tax-exemption
- The process of creating an organization in your state
- Ministers and Ordination
- Teaching, supervising, and obtaining credentials for students
- More (there's always more)...
Dr. Ruth has launched several nonprofits and traditional small church structures, and then administered them as they grew. Rev. Bill made the shift from CSL to an independent organization which is now a hybrid community with Practitioners and formal classes connected with ANTN and Emerson Institute.
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, California... they have plenty of experience to show what's possible.
*We could use the word center, community, group, organization, and will explain why the word is "church"
ANTN workshops are recorded. Everyone registered will get a link to see the recording.
Bios
Ruth L. Miller, Ph.D., D.D. is best described as a synthesist of all things relevant to consciousness, human potential, and culture. She works with individuals, nonprofits, churches, academic institutions, and small businesses to guide them through the confusion of today's world and into the new culture that is unfolding in and around the world, today. She is currently Provost of the Emerson Theological Institute and holds the Emerson Institute seat on the ANTN Board of Directors.
Dr. Miller has taught dozens of classes and led countless workshops on new paradigms, systems thinking, and futures research, serving as director of the Cybernetic Systems Program at San Jose State University, as well as adjunct faculty at Antioch University-Seattle, Marylhurst University, and Portland State University. She has also taught courses on world religions, science & religion, adult education, metaphysics, and the business of ministry at the Living Enrichment Institute and New West Seminary—receiving the highest evaluations for her classes at all of these institutions.
She currently offers classes and workshops on consciousness and applied metaphysics throughout the Pacific Northwest, along with a series of presentations on current trends and potential futures for humanity, including an online course about the culture that must be emerging for humanity's well-being at Gaia Living Systems Institute.
Rev. Dr. Bill Marchiony is a co-founder and Spiritual Director of New Thought Philadelphia, and leads daily meditations in the “Philly Spiritual Adventures” group on meetup.com. He received ministerial credentials in 2011, was Ordained in 2019 and received a Doctor of Divinity from Emerson Institute in 2021. He is the ANTN Administrator and President of EI's parent church, the Emerson New Thought Center.
Rev. Bill is the author of "Daily Spark" and "Practical Prayer for Real Results". He co-hosted 19 seasons of The Practical Prayer podcast on New Thought Media Network. He is a presenter on the Insight Timer app, sharing Practical Prayer and spiritual insight with a global audience.
He has enjoyed many successful careers in both the technology and creative fields, including software, sales, marketing, copywriting, and printing. In the way-distant past Bill was a comedy writer, producer, and zany morning radio personality.
