|
How to learn and develop
Personal development groups and training
courses are at the core of learning and development at the Inner Quest. The Inner Quest’s well-respected
teaching team provides training for an international clientele of professionals
in the business, educational and healing fields, in addition to those in the
intuitive arts.
The aim of the Inner Quest is to provide
philosophical, spiritual, psychic, mediumistic and personal educational
opportunities within an environment that is disciplined, constructive and
supportive. Toward this end, the
Inner Quest offers a comprehensive course of instruction, providing a sound
theoretical and practical knowledge base from which the continuous advancement
of learning and development in the intuitive arts is encouraged and
facilitated.
There are a growing number of spiritual healers,
speakers on the philosophy of Spiritualism and demonstrators of mediumship at the Sanctuary. Those who work at the Open Door must have
reached an acceptable level in their personal development; for most this will
have taken at least ten years.
The Open Door also offers a comprehensive
programme for those who wish to enter the ministry. Ministerial students receive full ministerial
training as well as extensive education in all aspects of Spiritualism.
The Open Door has a high criterion in
all of its educational programmes, reaching far beyond the usual standards.
In challenging and surpassing the standards currently considered acceptable,
the development and training offered at the Open Door stretches the potential
of every person who participates.
|
The
Open Door’s Ministry Education Programme
Everyone who is a member of the Open Door is called to
participate in and extend the ministry. For some people, however, God's call to
minister extends much further; some are called to perform the offices,
duties and functions of a minister of religion, the more official
form of ministry. This involves accountability to a congregation
and requires much educational and ministerial preparation. In recognition of this need, the Open Door
offers one of the most comprehensive and intensive ministry courses
in the Spiritualist movement.
The Open Door recognises that those who are “moved
to minister” do not necessarily have the ability of mediumship. Rather, for these people, the gift of this
special calling stands on its own.
The potential for the ministry manifests itself in particular
attributes: a deep, spiritual life calling, personal
integrity, the ability to learn and to share, a capacity for critical
reflection and an aspiration to serve the community. The Open Door’s Ministry Education
Programme is designed for those who demonstrate these qualities,
whether or not they possess the faculty of mediumship.
The programme of study for the ministry at the Open Door
includes the following components: prerequisite educational requirements,
the in depth study of all aspects of Spiritualism, the study of
religious history, the study of other religions and the study of
ethics. The programme also emphasises pastoral
care, worship and discourse, and the development and understanding
of pastoral and personal identity. In
keeping with the history of the Open Door, expression in occupation,
personal being, involvement in the Open Door’s community,
and service in, through, and to the organisation are also strongly
encouraged.
Much is expected of those seeking to pursue the ministry
through the Open Door’s Ministry Education Programme.
The admission, training and educational standards are unparalleled
in the Spiritualist movement. A clear and true calling and a high level
of ability and commitment are required of every student who enters
the programme. In return, the Open Door’s ministerial
students receive the reward of knowledge, experience and confidence
in ministering to humanity, in God’s service and in answer
to God’s call. © |
