Workshop: How to Start an Independent New Thought Church* (Sat, June 20, 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

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.

2026 Annual Retreat: Aligned Awake Aware (Mon, October 05, 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This four day program at Unity Village is answering the call to Love.

We as individuals are called to uplevel our consciousness with a deeper expression and experience of Love. Something bigger is being invited. It is an intentional process that demands an even deeper engagement with spirit and spiritual practices.

We will become even more Aligned, Awake, and Aware with Keynote presentations, Power Talks, Workshops, and Experiential activities.

Early registration through June 30, 2026 - Save!

You won’t want to miss this sacred time together!

All Meals are Included!

Your registration at the ANTN Retreat includes breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday evening through breakfast on Friday, including the Banquet on Thursday!

Featured Speakers

Rev. Howard Caesar
Rev. Deb Johnson
Gerald Rivers
and more!

Music Directors

Our music is presented by FloydLula, the powerful collaboration between Gary Lynn Floyd and Jami Lula.

Airport Transportation

Unity Village is about 45 minutes from the Kansas City International Airport. You can rent a car, take a cab or Uber, or use our favorite car service BATS. Make a reservation ahead of time, and they'll be at the airport when you arrive. They'll get flight information and adjust if there are delays. And if someone else is going to or from the Retreat they'll offer to let you share the ride - and the fare!

BATS (Better Alternative Transportation Service)

https://www.kcibats.com/

(913) 634-5484‬ (call or text)

Schedule

We begin on Monday at 4pm with a gathering to welcome to first-time attendees. Dinner is at 5:30, and the Retreat begins with the evening session at 7pm.

There are daily activities, with Sacred Time every afternoon. A full schedule will be published on this site.

The Retreat ends on Friday at 11am with a closing ceremony.

Scholarships

ANTN members can apply for scholarship support through the Extraordinary Support Program. Support for non-members is available by completing a Retreat Scholarship application.

Unity Village

The Retreat takes place at Unity Village, north America's largest and most long-established property in the New Thought movement.

Accommodations

Hotel accommodations are not included – you must arrange your own.

Book your room now!

Unity Hotel and Conference Ctr, Ascend Hotel Collection
1901 NW Blue Parkway
Lees Summit, MO, 64086
Front Desk: (816) 347-5537

The Unity Conference Center Hotel gets booked up quickly. If there's a waitlist please ask to be added to it (no matter how many people are already on it) and then make an alternate, cancelable reservation elsewhere in the area.

Accommodations available at the nearby Holiday Inn Express. Request the Unity Village special rate.

Holiday Inn Express
201 NW Innovation Parkway
Lee’s Summit, MO 64065

Reservations 1 888 HOLIDAY
(1 888 465 4329)

Front Desk: (816) 600-2405

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