Unity Church of Dallas - Rev. Townley's Message

A Message from
Rev. Ed Townley,
Senior Minister Candidate

I Hear You Have an Opening…

Dear Friends,

I’m not sure just how to “play” this upcoming weekend, when I present myself as a candidate for the position of Senior Minister at Unity Church of Dallas. I’ve been an associate minister here for over two years, and acting senior minister since Ellen’s departure four months ago. So we’re not exactly strangers – and yet we are in terms of the roles we play this weekend.

Preparing for this weekend has inevitably reminded me of the last time I was a ministerial candidate, ten years ago in Chicago. I scarcely remember the tryout weekend. It was a blur of people, events, meetings and questions. What I do remember with vivid precision is sitting by the phone in my Portland, Oregon home several weeks later, on the night that the board in Chicago was to make its decision, waiting to hear the news.

After too many years of living life as a competitive game – struggling for every apparent “win” and despairing over every perceived “loss” – I found myself at a totally unexpected place of complete and amazing peace. To my surprise I felt no tension, no anxiety, no fear. A choice would be made, over which I had no influence or control. My phone would ring, the news would be shared. And my personal ministry – my spiritual path – would continue to unfold before me – no matter what that news might be.

If I were not invited to the church in Chicago, it would simply mean that there was another path I was to follow. It would not make me a loser, or a failure, no matter how much the ego voice within me insisted that it did. There would be no need for grief, anger or blame. I would not be a victim of anyone or anything – unless I chose to see myself once again in that old, familiar way.

On the other hand, if I were called to Chicago it would not be a victory – and it would not represent any kind of “happy ending.” It would be a spiritual path of joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, precious moments and challenging lessons. If I stayed in right consciousness either path would be rich and rewarding. If I slid back into a consciousness of need, lack and victimization, then either path would be dark and painful. In that awareness I surrendered completely to Spirit, and I had never before felt such peace.

I have felt that same peace often since then. And when I’m not feeling it, I’m busy seeking it! “Don’t push the river!” was one of the annoying signs I saw on support group walls when I first started attending meetings. Who could believe it would take me decades to fully grasp its meaning – and to crave more of that awareness in my life!

We all come into these human experiences to accomplish an important spiritual work. That’s our sole purpose in being here. Doesn’t it make sense, then, to ask the Source of that purpose – the divine perspective that sees the big picture and knows what our roles are to be – to call the shots? Trying to figure it out ourselves and hack our own paths through life is the greatest possible waste of energy. It is the source of all anguish, conflict, guilt and confusion. And it’s so unnecessary!

Unity Church of Dallas today is a healthy, joyful and powerful spiritual center. It is ready for leadership that can work with all its diverse energies, building on its past accomplishments, discovering its new potential.

I would love to be that leader – but only if we all feel the guidance of Spirit telling us that that is the right choice. I appreciate Unity Church of Dallas too much to ever try to “push the river” to become your Senior Minister. I am very deeply committed to the path and process of spiritual awakening and expression. I’ve learned that my only joy lies in following that path wherever it may lead me, and in supporting and celebrating others as they follow their paths as well. If our paths are meant to blend, I will be overjoyed to learn that’s true. If not, I will be eager to see where our paths’ next turnings may lead each and all of us.

So excuse me, please, if I can’t manage to pretend to be a stranger this weekend. It is precisely because I’ve come to know you so well that I’m so eager to learn more!

Blessings!
Rev Ed

Message Date: April 3, 2008