Breaking Spiritual Elitism
Breaking Spiritual Elitism: Why There’s No ‘Right Way’ to Practice Mediumship
Spiritual elitism is a real thing. In spiritual communities, differences are inevitable. There are various styles of mediumship, such as Direct (American style) and Indirect (British style), along with church-based practices and secular practices (psychic fairs and private practice). Each approach has unique strengths and challenges. Yet, many believe their method is superior, creating unnecessary division.
With the spiritual and metaphysical industries generating over a billion dollars in revenue, mediumship isn’t going away. The path forward must be inclusion, not exclusion. The question we must ask ourselves is: How can we embrace diversity in our practices and learn from one another instead of building walls?
The Roots of Conflict in Spiritual Communities
Competition and Money
Ironically, much of the conflict in spiritual communities stems from money. With the growth of the industry, everyone wants a piece of the pie. This competition creates tension between practitioners and even churches, leading to judgment and elitism.
This focus on profit clashes with the core values of spirituality, which are rooted in service, connection, and personal growth. This disconnect leaves many feeling disillusioned, as they expect spiritual spaces to rise above material competition.
Unhealed Wounds Create Division
Spiritual communities often attract people seeking healing. But when unresolved wounds go untreated, they can manifest as jealousy, gossip, and backstabbing. The people that need to do the most healing, often are the ones in leadership roles creating toxic environments. These toxic behaviors not only hurt individuals but also push away new seekers who are drawn to spiritual practices.
It’s not uncommon to see someone preach spiritual values on Sunday and act in conflict with those same teachings during the week. This hypocrisy leads many to turn away from formal spiritual institutions, opting instead for secular practices through psychic fairs or private readings. Many like myself, feel lost without that spiritual community and crave the connection.
Living My Spiritual Values—Not Just Preaching Them
True leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about integrity and alignment. The most inspiring spiritual leaders are those whose actions reflect their beliefs. Jimmy Carter, although not a Spiritualist, exemplifies this—his quiet, lifelong service reflects his values far more than words ever could. He never preached what we should do, he just quietly went ahead and showed us by his actions.
I think of others, like Mr. Rogers, José Andrés, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Melinda French, and MacKenzie Scott—all of whom live their values publicly and privately. How we live outside of our spiritual work matters just as much as what we say during a reading or service.
A student recently told me, “You are the Jimmy Carter of Spiritualism.” That statement means a lot to me, as I’ve learned that leadership comes from consistent, humble action—not striving to be perfect. It’s about showing up, learning from mistakes, and leading by example. There is something very freeing when you realize you don’t have to be perfect—just doing the best you can in the moment is enough.
There’s Room for All Paths to Spirit
Just because I work one way doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate another. There are those who believe that if you work differently, you are doing it wrong—but that simply isn’t true. It’s important to respect each method because we are all reaching out to the same Spirit, just in different ways.
This is why I explore many texts and perspectives—every path offers insight. Whether it’s a traditional church-based practice or a secular approach through psychic fairs or private practice, each method has something valuable to teach.
Right now, it’s difficult to see how we can bridge the divisions, but openness is the first step. Inclusion and curiosity create space for new ways to connect with Spirit. If we can stay open to other paths and avoid judgment, we’ll find common ground in the process.
Navigating Judgment and Conflict Gracefully
Judgment is part of being human—and spiritual communities are not immune to it. Each of us must learn how to navigate judgment and conflict with grace. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that “no answer is an answer.” I don’t need to involve others in my personal conflicts or seek validation. I am enough as I am, and peace begins when I fully accept myself.
I’ve also come to understand that where there is light, there is shadow. We all carry both, and making peace with our own shadows is an essential part of spiritual growth. The more we accept ourselves, the less we feel the need to judge others.
Lead by Example and Embrace the Journey
Elitism creates barriers to growth, but each of us can choose to break those barriers by leading with kindness, acceptance, and humility. The more we embrace the idea that there’s room for everyone on this journey, the easier it becomes to foster meaningful, inclusive communities.
Success in mediumship isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, doing the work, and staying aligned with Spirit. Every reading, interaction, and conversation offers an opportunity to embody your values.
The lesson of spiritual elitism is this: We are all human, and judgment will always be part of the experience. But each time we choose acceptance over judgment, we move closer to healing ourselves—and our communities.
What will you do today to embrace diversity in your spiritual practice? How are you going to remove spiritual elitism from your practice? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your perspective.
