Searching for a spiritual home that truly feels like home can be an arduous process. With so many options, it’s tough determining which congregation genuinely aligns with spiritualist principles versus simply paying lip service. As someone who spent years bouncing between various churches and centers seeking the right fit, I want to share some thoughts about Spiritual communities.
Ask About the Nine Principles
Most Spiritualist churches uphold nine foundational beliefs that guide their work. Before even visiting a new church, inquire whether their ministry consciously builds upon these core principles:
- We believe in Infinite Intelligence.
- We believe that the phenomena of Nature, both physical and spiritual, are the expression of Infinite Intelligence.
- We affirm that a correct understanding of such expression and living in accordance therewith, constitute true religion.
- We affirm that the existence and personal identity of the individual continue after the change called death.
- We affirm that communication with the so-called dead is a fact, scientifically proven by the phenomena of Spiritualism.
- We believe that the highest morality is contained in the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
- We affirm the moral responsibility of individuals and that we make our own happiness or unhappiness as we obey or disobey Nature’s physical and spiritual laws.
- We affirm that the doorway to reformation is never closed against any soul here or hereafter.
- We affirm that the precepts of Prophecy and Healing are Divine attributes proven through Mediumship.
Confirming a church integrates these values into their community provides insight into their authenticity. How they address principle eight is a huge indicator of a healthy community. Too often someone gets pissed off in a community and goes and sets up another church and then there are hard feelings between members. It is important to remember that most Spiritualist Churches have one minister and usually a committee that handle the day-to-day running of the church. It is when these committees are working well together that great things happen. Regrettably the opposite often happens. So be willing to implement principle 8 when visiting a church that doesn’t feel right. Annually people are voted in/out of positions and can make the difference.
Evaluate Message Over Messenger
The depth of spiritual wisdom always matters more than the profile of who delivers it. Rather than fixating on a medium’s popularity or personality, tune into the substance behind the sermons. Evaluate if the messages impart universal truths focused on healing, growth, responsibility, and our co-creative role with the divine. A healthy church will have multiple people presenting inspirational talks, and multiple mediums doing message work. Each speaker brings a new perspective and they are welcome.
Look for Spiritual Healing Practices
Beyond messages, genuine spiritualist churches emphasize spiritual healing. Make sure to inquire whether the church offers healing classes, or other practices focused on well-being over profit. While donations sustain these communities, true churches won’t pressure you to pay exorbitant fees upfront for access to healers or readings.
Ask How They Serve Others
True spiritualism extends beyond those who attend a specific church to blessing humanity at large. Ask leaders how their church gives back through social justice initiatives, community funds and meals, bereavement support for non-members, or other altruism focused on empowering marginalized groups instead of solely their own congregation.
Trust Your Intuition on Finding Your Spiritual Home!
While checking boxes provides clarity, beyond all else you must trust your intuition. Our soul knows immediately when we cross the threshold of a sacred space that feels like home. Pay attention to sensations in your body, mood shifts, and even changes in dreams or synchronicities that emerge around interacting with a specific church. Honor your deepest instincts in choosing your spiritual dwelling.
Finding your spiritual home requires patience with both the external process and turning inward. By applying these considerations, you’ll uncover the metaphysical home where your soul truly belongs. Where have you found spiritual sanctuary? I’d love to hear your stories and suggestions in the comments!
