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Credentialing in Unity

Becoming a Unity leader means walking a clear path of preparation and recognition. Through credentialing, you become an Ordained Unity Minister or Licensed Unity Teacher.

Credentialing guides you step by step in your blossoming as a unity leader.

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The Call to Unity Leadership

One of Unity’s core teachings is that we are each an individualized expression of God. We honor this individuality through a diversity of credentialing paths. All paths are designed to call forth the same standards of excellence.

Review the standards and learning rubrics here.

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Whether you feel drawn to serve as an Ordained Unity Minister or a Licensed Unity Teacher, both paths represent a deep dive into spiritual leadership. Each role calls you to accept the mantle of Unity leadership, bringing the message of Unity into the world with clarity, compassion, and authenticity.

Before applying, we encourage all candidates to reflect on two core capacities:

Self-Awareness: Unity leadership calls us to be deeply present to others. We invite you to strengthen your self-awareness through prayer, mindfulness, study, or by working with a coach, therapist, or spiritual director.
Articulating Unity Principles: Leaders in Unity are asked to share transformative teachings in a way others can understand and apply. Take time to reflect on Unity teachings and practice expressing them in your own words.

Distinct Paths of Service

Ordained Unity Minister

Ministers serve as spiritual leaders, often in congregational settings, though many also express ministry in creative, nontraditional ways. The work is rich and rewarding, and it can be demanding. Ministers carry the responsibility of guiding individuals and communities on their spiritual journey, offering inspiration, support, and vision.

Licensed Unity Teacher

Licensed Unity Teachers (LUTs) serve as specialists in adult education, usually within a spiritual community. They focus on teaching Unity principles, facilitating growth, and empowering others through study and practice. While the scope of responsibility differs from ministers, the dedication and spiritual depth required are equally meaningful.

Roadmap for Success

Step 1: Choose Your Path ▼

Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute (UWSI) and Unity Urban Ministerial School (UUMS) each offer a distinct and different experience for U.S.-based applicants.

UWSI offers Ministerial and Licensed Unity Teacher (LUT) leadership courses. UUMS offers Ministerial courses. The International Schools guide individuals in other countries through the process of becoming a Unity Minister.

For more information about education components, coursework, cost, and timelines to completion, please visit the school links below.

Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute (UWSI) offers a convenient, affordable, in-depth spiritual education to guide you to credentialing as a Unity minister or Licensed Unity Teacher (LUT).

These interactive online courses use current research to build your knowledge and skills in all aspects of ministry, while the rich experience of the instructors and your peers will nurture and inspire you on your journey.

Unity Urban Ministerial School (UUMS) offers a graduate-level online academic program with an emphasis on transforming communities, face-to-face and virtual connections, and a 9-month, mentor-guided internship.

For more information about UUMS and the graduate-level online program, contact Rev. Sandra Campbell info@uums.org.

UUMS courses include most pre-requisites for both the LUT and Ministry Path Credentials and Ministerial courses.

International | Unity Worldwide Ministries has a number of International Schools that guide individuals in other countries through the process of becoming a Unity minister. All programs are in alignment with UWM credentialing requirements and may lead to ordination by Unity Worldwide Ministries.

Step 2: Prerequisites ▼

UWSI – Licensed Unity Teachers ▼

Core courses are required before applying to the LUT Credentialing Program. Courses are offered in four terms each year: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. View the UWSI Academic Calendar. Tuition is $150 per course. See Core Courses (CC) for more details.

*If taken more than 10 years ago, equivalencies may be possible. Contact Credentialing Coordinator, Rev. Lynn O'Dell.

UWSI – Ordained Unity Ministry ▼

Core courses are required before applying to the Ministry Credentialing Program. Courses are offered in four terms each year. View the UWSI Academic Calendar. Tuition is $150 per course. See Core Courses (CC).

*If taken more than 10 years ago, equivalencies may be possible. Contact Credentialing Coordinator, Rev. Lynn O'Dell.

UUMS Ministry Path Prerequisite Courses ▼

Spiritual Studies

Overview: Hebrew Scriptures
Bible Interpretation: Hebrew Scriptures
Overview: Christian Scriptures
Bible Interpretation: Acts–Revelation

Historical and Theological Studies

Foundations of Unity
Healing and Wholeness*
History of New Thought and Unity
Twelve Powers*
Prosperity
The Christ
Jesus' Teachings
Metaphysics 1–4

Spiritual Personal Development

Self-Awareness
Meditation Practices*
Unity Prayer*

For more info, visit the Unity Urban Ministerial School website or contact Rev. Sandra Campbell at info@uums.org.

Step 3. Slow Down. Curves Ahead ▼

The next step after you have completed Step 1 and have prepared the items in Step 2, you are ready to complete the Credentialed Leaders Program Application.

The Timeline:

Application due date November 2
Invitation to interview/Redirection letters distributed mid-December
Admissions interviews early March
Students may begin classes in June

BEGINNING IN 2026, THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE APPLICATION CYCLE. THE 2026 APPLICATION DEADLINE WILL BE NOV. 2 WITH INTERVIEWS THE FOLLOWING MARCH.

Important Details (Read Before Continuing)

To help you prepare for the application process you will want to do the following:

Fees & Admissions Week Requirements

An initial application fee of $300 is required to submit the application.
If invited to Admissions Interview Week, be prepared for:
- An additional $750 fee
- Completion of a psychological assessment
- Completion of a background check
- Required attendance at an “All About Admissions” virtual information session
- Completion of a written credentialing path assessment test
- Availability for the full Admissions Interview Week until a final schedule is posted

Documents to Gather

Redirection letter(s) if you have previously been redirected from either the Ministry Path or LUT Path
Copy of any police reports (only if applicable)
Transcripts from UUMS and/or UWSI
References — we highly recommend contacting them in advance. Required references include:
- Every Unity minister or spiritual leader served within the last 5 years (minimum 2, maximum 4)
- One layperson in your current Unity ministry (board member, LUT, office manager, etc.)
- One non-Unity professional from your community who has observed your leadership

Spiritual Practice – As you begin, take a moment to center yourself and affirm Divine Order in this application process.

Step 4: On Route – Online Application ▼

The next step after you’ve completed everything above is to apply to the Credentialing Program.

Click here to watch a tutorial on how to set up your account and get login instructions (this process will be updated soon). There is one admissions process for all U.S.-based credentialing paths. Whether you are pursuing the Licensed Unity Teacher or Ministerial Path, it’s the same application.

Important Note: We only admit to the credentialing program once a year, as outlined in Step 3.

Application Tutorial ▼

Before you get started, we recommend you watch this short tutorial on our application process: View Tutorial.

Create an Account and Log In ▼

All applicants are required to have or create an account to complete and submit your application. Keep your username and password handy so you can “save a draft” and return later. Note: you must click Save Draft at the bottom of the page to save; the form will not auto-save.

Login Here (if you already have a username and password)
Create an Account (new users only – an email will be sent to you)
Reset Your Password (if your email has been used previously)
Logout (be sure to log out once you have saved your draft or submitted your application)

Step 5: Follow Route – Application Review and Interviews ▼

The Credentialing department will walk you through the process of application submission and review. They will schedule and conduct admissions interviews. See Step 3 for application and interview timelines. Interviews will result in a letter of acceptance or redirection.

Step 6: Acceptance into the Credentialing Path ▼

After being accepted, candidates will proceed through coursework and progress interviews. For more information about the education components and coursework, cost, and timeline to completion, please visit the school links above: UWSI and UUMS found in Step 2.

Step 7: Make a U-Turn – Redirection ▼

The Credentialing Team’s task is to determine which applicants are sufficiently prepared to begin their journey toward a Unity credential and which need further development to be successful on their chosen path.

Be assured that a decision to redirect an applicant by the Credentialing Team is not intended to indicate that the applicant is not capable of becoming a leader in Unity. Many successful Unity leaders have been redirected to a time when they were better prepared. When applicants are redirected, the Credentialing Team will provide improvement-oriented recommendations for areas which should be strengthened prior to reapplication.

Business Hours:
Monday: 8 am - 5 pm CT
Tuesday: 8 am - 5 pm CT
Wednesday: 8 am - 5 pm CT
Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm CT

Other times are available by appointment only

Phone: (816) 524 - 7414

Email: info@unity.org

Address: 200 Unity Circle North, Suite A
Lees Summit, MO 64086

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