Welcome
The chairperson will welcome everyone to the service, introduce the medium and, in many churches, everyone will join together in a hymn or song.
What To Expect
Thinking of coming along for the first time?
One of the questions I'm asked quite a lot is, “What actually happens at a Spiritualist church?”
If you've never been before, hopefully this page will answer some of those questions and help you feel a little more comfortable before you come along.
Every church is a little different, so don't worry if things don't happen exactly as I've described below. This is simply a guide to what you'll generally experience.
A general guide
What happens during a service?
Every service is slightly different. Each church has its own way of doing things, but the outline below is generally what you can expect.
Opening
The medium is then invited to open the service in prayer. Depending on the church, this may also include The Lord's Prayer, followed by another hymn or song. If it's a Divine Service, there'll usually be a short philosophy before the demonstration begins. A Night of Mediumship usually misses out the philosophy as it focuses more on the demonstration itself.
Demonstration
Before the demonstration begins, the chairperson will usually explain how messages are given. In some churches there may also be another hymn or song before the medium begins serving Spirit.
Closing
At the end of the demonstration, the chairperson will thank the medium and share any notices. Some churches have a closing hymn or song before the closing prayer, others have the prayer first, and many also finish with a Vesper.
My approach
Good Mediumship
For me, good mediumship starts with the evidence. I hope every communicator is recognised through the evidence they're able to bring before anything else, because that's what gives comfort, reassurance and, for many people, proof that our loved ones are still around us.
Every medium works differently, and I think that's exactly how it should be. No two demonstrations are ever the same, and I hope they never are.
An honest answer
What if I don't receive a message?
Not everybody will receive a message during a demonstration, and no genuine medium should ever promise otherwise.
Sometimes you'll take something from the philosophy. Sometimes it'll be something said in a message to somebody else that really resonates with you. Sometimes it'll simply be the feeling of being in the company of Spirit.
Whatever the evening brings, I always hope people leave feeling uplifted.
The Circle @ Greenside
Looking for something a little more relaxed?
If a church service feels like a big first step, that's absolutely fine.
The Circle @ Greenside offers a relaxed environment where people can come together to explore Spiritualism, ask questions and enjoy an evening in like-minded company.
Whether you decide to join in or simply sit and listen, you'll be made very welcome.
Discover The Circle