Good Church Formation Advice

Starting a Divine Science Church

Launching a Divine Science church is an excellent opportunity as long as you can attract a loyal and engaged congregation. This article contains a friendly, comprehensive guide that may be key to your ultimate success.

Thinking about opening a Divine Science church? We tell you what you need to know to get started.

Divine Science Church Beliefs & Practices

According to the Divine Science Church, Divine Science is a spiritual teaching that focuses on the oneness of God's presence. In the words of its founder, "the practice of the presence of God is the whole of Divine Science".

Although there are only a handful of Divine Science churches located throughout the U.S., the movement exhibits many of the characteristics that are desired by individuals seeking a more spiritual way of being. Divine Science does not practice rituals commonly associated with Christianity (e.g. communion or baptism), but instead chooses to assign sacramental value to aspects of everyday life.

Various Divine Science institutes offer training and credentials for practitioners and ministers. For religious entrepreneurs interested in starting a Divine Science church, education and credentialing will be important first steps.

Becoming a Divine Science Church Leader

If your Divine Science church plant is also your first leadership opportunity, prepare to encounter a steep learning curve. The transition from a follower to a leader can be overwhelming, even for extremely capable religious entrepreneurs.

At some point (and probably sooner rather than later), you will begin to question your calling and leadership ability. Although you'll need to watch for signs you are failing as a leader, in many cases your self-doubt will simply be a combination of inexperience and insecurity.

To carry you through the rough patches, it's helpful to have a mentor or coach you can rely on throughout the church plant process. In addition to providing a sympathetic ear, a good mentor will be a sounding board you can use to evaluate your performance and leadership style.

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