Chaplains are here to support you on your spiritual journey.

They will pray with you, listen to you, and hold what they hear in confidence. Unlike hospital chaplains, Unity chaplains are not ordained and are not trained to counsel. Our chaplains make monthly wellness calls to all church members, offering to pray with them.  All requests for prayer are held in the strictest confidence. Chaplains also are available for individual prayer after each Sunday service, or you may leave a message at (727) 527-2222 x 505.

 Chaplains weekly prayer & healing service.

Our chaplains support our mission by reaching out in prayer, comfort and support to our congregation through weekly services. Unity chaplains conduct a 20-minute prayer and healing service at 6:30 pm every Wednesday in the Sanctuary. Each service includes special music, meditation, prayer and one-on-one healing for anyone who requests it.

Chaplains make monthly wellness calls.

Our chaplains also make monthly wellness calls to all members, offering to pray with them. Although only members are called monthly, everyone is welcome and invited to ask chaplains for prayer and attend the weekly healing services. All requests for prayer are held in the strictest confidence.

Chaplains also are available for prayer after Sunday services.

Unlike hospital chaplains, Unity chaplains are not ordained and are not trained to counsel people. Unity chaplains are trained to do three things only: hold spiritual space, listen, and pray. Unity chaplains are a lay resource to help meet the pastoral care needs in our Unity community.

What Chaplains Do.

Our mission at First Unity is "to encourage awareness of Spirit within and inspire a way of life that brings love, freedom, peace and joy." In support of this mission, we are committed to reaching out in prayer, comfort and support to our congregation.

What is a Unity chaplain?

• Someone who is here to support you on your spiritual journey.
• Someone who will create and hold a sacred space with you.
• Someone who will listen to you and hold what is heard in the strictest confidence.
• Someone who will pray with you.

What do chaplains do?

Unity chaplains make a one-year commitment in fulfilling their responsibilities. These responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Serving at four services monthly (available for one-on-one prayer following services)
• Two hours of wellness calling per month (in the church office)
• One two-hour chaplain meeting per monthYearly off- and on-site intensive training

How does a Unity chaplain differ from a chaplain in a hospital or care facility?

Unlike hospital chaplains, Unity chaplains are not ordained and are not trained to counsel people. Unity chaplains are trained to do three things only:

• hold spiritual space  
• listen
• pray

Unity chaplains are not trained to go out and "minister" to the community at large, but are trained as a lay resource to help meet the pastoral care needs in our Unity community.

When did First Unity begin this program?

Our first Unity Chaplain Team was trained in the fall of 2003 and dedicated at services on Dec. 7, 2003.

What if I want to be a Unity chaplain?

If the Unity Chaplain Program resonates with you and feels like an opportunity you would like to explore further, please plan to attend one of our chaplain orientation sessions, offered annually. Watch our website, newsletter and bulletin for information about the next sessions. Attending one of these orientation sessions is mandatory for all those who ultimately decide to take this next step and attend the training.

If you want to express your interest today by completing the volunteer sign-up form in the Volunteer section of this website; then we can contact you when the next orientation sessions are scheduled.

If you have any questions, please leave a message for Chaplain coordinator Daybree Thoms at the church office, (727) 527-2222 x505, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it her.