On Initiating a New Religious Institution
Meredith J. Sprunger

The only means by which the Fifth Epochal Revelation can be carried throughout the world and enculturate society is through religious institutions. For over 30 years I have been engaged in an interface ministry between The Urantia Book and the leaders of mainline Christianity. We have found that the majority of even the most progressive religious leaders of our time are afraid to risk their reputation and livelihood by seriously examining and evaluating the teachings of The Urantia Book. The power structures of the Christian clergy have treated the book with deliberate and benign indifference. It is now time to take the next step in creating the social-institutional foundations for the outreach of the Fifth Epochal Revelation: We must create a new religious institution.

There have been several aborted attempts to create new religious institutions. Many people have talked to me about starting such an institution but no one, to date, has attempted to do so. The following outline is presented as a guide in such an undertaking. Certainly all of these steps are not necessary. The person who undertakes the responsibility of starting such a church will have to work out his or her own plan of procedure.

Steps Required for Initiation

1. There must be a clear commitment to the project of starting a new religious institution. Only those who have this commitment should be involved in the process of founding this new institution.

2. A Board of Trustees must be established as the Founders. It would also probably be wise to select consultants or a Committee of Consultants to be used when appropriate as resource persons.

3. The Board of Trustees must initiate the process of founding a new religious institution.
a. The Board will work out a basic theological position and a polity orientation. This faith policy may be summarized in a Preamble. (A Preamble is enclosed to stimulate thought and discussion.)
b. The Board will compose a constitution which will be the governing document of the new institution. (A sample constitution is enclosed to stimulate thought and discussion.)
c. The Board will work out a temporary set of Bylaws by which the new institution will operate until a viable number of congregations are formed. (A set of Bylaws is enclosed to stimulate thought and discussion.)
d. The Board will draw up qualifications and standards of ministry in a "Manual on Ministry" document.

4. The Board of Trustees will incorporate the new institution under the laws of a selected State and apply for nonprofit status with the IRS.

5. The Board of Trustees will compose minimal liturgical literature for use in worship services and ceremonies.
a. Suggestive worship service forms and guidelines.
b. Compile a list of suitable hymns and possibly print a small hymnal.
c. Suggestive ceremonies for child dedication, baptism, confirmation, membership commitment, marriage, funerals, and other life-cycle events.

6. The Board of Trustees will compose a document on procedures for organizing and initiating new congregations.

7. The Board of Trustees will take steps to select a pastor(s) and organize its first congregation(s).

7/14/94