JOEL BAEHR brings to our ministry an unusually eclectic awareness. The word, "eclectic," says he, means to take the best and leave the rest. Centered on the life and teachings of Jesus, Baehr comfortably augments them with the wisdom of other classic scriptures.

Joel's personality is an enthusiastic mix of the best of some interesting eras in his life. A fast look at his past would reveal the following: He was born and raised in a Mennonite pacifist community, where he received his Bachelor's Degree. Circumstances in his life led him to join the United States Marine Corps, providing him with eleven months of combat. After his years in the service he earned his Master's Degree which then segued him into Unity and ordination.

Joel's ministerial experience began as Eric Butterworth's assistant in Detroit. Along with ministering to a number of churches, he was editor at Unity School of Christianity. Joel created the "Color Key" program which is still in use in various churches.

His ministry in Mesa began in a double-wide trailer with about thirty people. Now there are from four to five hundred persons attending - depending on the time of the year. During this Mesa period of his career he spent about ten years on the Association of Unity Churches' Board of Trustees, becoming President in 1995-96.

Joel attributes his tirelessness in ministry to the inspiration he finds through his studies, his Vipassana meditation, his dear colleagues and his beloved family of friends in the church.