Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” to Rev. Joanne Burns, the new senior minister of Unity of Panama City, this line by Robert Frost perfectly captures her spiritual journey from a rebellious youth to the person she is now. 

“Discovering the teachings of Unity founders Charles and Myrtle Fillmore as a teen gave me the freedom to discover who I am from the inside out,” she says. “The teachings have taught me to love and live life fully, to see the Christ presence in myself and others, even when the outward behavior does not reflect the higher consciousness we each carry along on our journey.”

She has spent the better part of 25 years in the Unity movement—as youth volunteer, licensed Unity teacher, office manager, spiritual leader, minister and finally ordained minister—on a path that has taken her across the country. In her last church, she was associate minister for Unity of Mesa (Arizona), and she says she’s looking forward to her new role in Panama City. “During my interview weekend, I discovered how vibrant and welcoming the congregation is. I look forward to serving not just the congregates of Unity of Panama City, but also the greater community. I am grateful that I have been called to live Unity principles and share them with those willing to step out in faith and live them for themselves.”

Contact Unity of Panama City at 850-769-7481 or [email protected].