The
Organization
Frequently
Asked Questions
What
is Awakenings Institute?
Why
was Awakenings Institute created?
I
value my independence and don't want to belong to a group, especially anything
to do with religion. How can I relate to Awakenings Institute?
Is
Awakenings Institute a religion?
Is
becoming a minister just some kind of "tax dodge"?
Can
you be part of another church or group and still be a member or minister with
Awakenings?
How
do you avoid dogma compromising your organization?
What
is a minister of holistic healing?
What
is the role of Awakenings Institute in the future?
What
is Awakenings Institute?
Awakenings Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit
religious organization that has been approved by the United States
Internal Revenue Service to receive tax deductible donations. The institute is
funded by the generous support of its members and others who seek to help further its purposes.
It's home office is in Central Coast California. Why
was Awakenings Institute created? Jane
and Phillip Mountrose were previously ordained through another
organization. Over the years they learned a lot about the form and
substance of being a minister and running an organization. For a while
they considered leading the other religious non-profit organization, but as
things turned out, they thought it would be truer to where they were being led
to form their own organization, consistent with their dream:
Imagine a world where
unconditional love is the guiding force, where the unique gifts that each
individual brings receive honor and respect, where all are nurtured in
allowing their gifts to blossom, to manifest the joy of living in each
moment... Imagine
a world where all of nature is also honored, so all may live in harmony and
share an increasingly vibrant and beautiful environment... What
we imagine we can create, starting in this moment. This vibrant world will
come into being as each of us empowers ourselves to live the dream now and
share it with others. Playing a part in the creation of this dream is the
mission of Awakenings. Thus the
Mountroses formed a new organization, Awakenings Institute, since they that felt
there was a profound niche to fill and could not find anyone else quite filling it, so
they chose to create Awakenings Institute. The Mountroses diligently did
all the legal submissions, with state and federal governments, thoroughly
researched being a minister, and developed a high-quality ordainment
program that could be taken from anywhere, since the consultations are
done by phone. Awakenings started ordaining people in 2006. They have been
delightfully surprised at the wonderful response they have already received from
so many uplifting people. As more dynamic and varied individuals
participate in Awakenings Institute, the resonance grows richer and more
diverse. back
to the top
I
value my independence and don't want to belong to a group, especially
anything to do with religion. How can I relate to Awakenings Institute? Rather
than restricting individual freedom and choice, Awakenings Institute
deliberately expands it. Awakenings
values each person's individual path. So it helps individuals find ways to
spiritually progress and achieve their goals. Awakenings Institute is not
interested in creating obedient followers. Instead, with the support of
the organization, people find they are more aligned with what they
really want to do. Individuals can then act confidently with greater freedom,
creativity, and
independence. One needs an open mind
to understand what Awakenings is doing, since it has drawn from higher
truths to offer a new vehicle for awakening and helping others. Trying to
pigeonhole Awakenings into previous forms of religion and spiritual groups
can sidetrack you from understanding the real opportunity the organization
presents. Something akin to putting new wine into old wineskins. Awakenings Institute doesn't follow a conventional format like traditional churches or
alternative churches. Yet it has to have a structure to function
successfully. Awakenings is creating a worldwide spirituality community
based on holistic healing and following your soul's guidance. We are a
legal non-profit religious organization, which means we have the benefits
and rights bestowed by law, coming from this country's (United States) separation
of church and state. Awakenings' integral vision incorporates many spiritual approaches, both
traditional and alternative. It has created a new opportunity for
people to express their spirituality and further their deeper purpose in
life. Awakenings expresses itself through e-newsletters,
meetings, teleseminars and teleconferences, spiritual retreats and
potlucks, ceremonies, various healing modalities, and group healings and
classes. See the Awakenings
E-News for more information. Awakenings
provides a wonderful place and opportunity for those who want to
strengthen their spiritual identity. In the process, people associate with
like-minded people and create more peace, harmony, and a higher vibration
in the world. Awakenings welcomes people from diverse backgrounds to
participate in its organization. By associating with Awakenings
Institute, people generally find their deeper sense of freedom and purpose
is considerably advanced.
Is
Awakenings Institute a religion? Awakenings
embraces all kinds of spirituality and the core truths embodied in the
major religions. It
avoids dogma from whatever source it may stem. It's goal is to grow a
worldwide spiritual community based on love and compassion, soul guidance
and holistic healing. It welcomes people from different backgrounds and
seeks to have an integral approach to spirituality. Religion is simply
organized spirituality. The U.S. Government confers rights to religions as
part of its constitutional separation of church and state. So in that
regard, Awakenings Institute is on the religious side of the
equation. back
to the top
Is
becoming a minister just some kind of "tax dodge"? Although
you are legally entitled to tax advantages by being a minister, that is
not the reason to become one. As described in this page and throughout
this website, Awakenings is a worldwide spiritual community for people who
want to create a better world, based on love and cooperation. Through
using a holistic approach to help people, Awakenings Institute and its
ministers help people to understand themselves and achieve their dreams
and goals. Awakenings Institute has no interest in "dodging" the
IRS. Awakenings is a legitimate non-profit religious organization. We are
fine with the IRS, and they are fine with us.
Can
you be part of another church or group and still be a member or minister
with Awakenings? Yes, we
are not an exclusive organization and find different forms of spirituality
can fit well with Awakenings.
How
do you avoid dogma compromising your organization? We
have a board of directors who help establish the direction of Awakenings.
By getting many people's input, with a high priority of avoiding dogma and
rigidity, we have checks and balances. Our newsletter
and Awakenings Minister's Handbook also reflect our integrative,
holistic approach. Awakenings promotes the paradigm of both collaboration
and flexible hierarchy. You need a structure, yet Awakenings invites
everyone to participate.
What
is a minister of holistic healing? That
is the primary designation of those we ordained, although other
alternative titles are possible. It reflects our soul-centered,
holistic-healing approach to ministry. back
to the top
What
is the role of Awakenings Institute in the future? Awakenings
Institute provides an emotional and energetic support for people who want
a more soul-based life that focuses on fulfilling their spiritual purpose
in life. This supportive environment is rarely found in society today.
Awakenings will continue to expand ways to strengthen people's character
and purpose, realizing that individual accomplishment can be more easily
achieved with group support. In turn, many people from all walks of life
can benefit. Awakenings Institute is
committed to establishing a resonance for people to easily release
limiting beliefs and heavy thought forms. As a result, people can follow
their heart's deeper guidance and express the music inside of them. We
are establishing a societal presence, so we can make the world a more
loving and harmoniously connected place. Currently, many alternative-minded people are
disenfranchised and have little voice in society. Thus many people, with much talent and wisdom, can feel
powerless. In effect, they often react to what they don't want-- misuse of power, corruption, hypocrisy,
exclusiveness -- without expressing what they do want. By coming together
with a soul-centered, holistic-healing approach, our voices can be more
clearly heard and we will connect with other like-minded organizations.
back to the top
CLICK HERE
for contact information to find out more about Awakenings
Institute and ways that you can participate.
Follow
any of the links below to find out
more and to become an active member.
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