Inner Light Ministries - Santa Cruz (CA)

5 /5 Mark Bernbeck: I was hesitant to go back to a church after previous bad experiences at different churches. When I started going to Inner Light, I realized that I wasnt being preached to as much as I was given tools for living a harmonious and meaningful life. Reverend Deborah Johnson taught me life skills that I was waiting for my whole life. The people who attend are also so genuine and caring. Anyone can benefit from their philosophies.

5 /5 Len of Santa Cruz: An independent church in the New Thought tradition, very welcoming, great music, friendly people. Their mission statement says they provide "tools for living that encourage the practical application of Universal Spiritual Principles to all of life’s circumstances. Our aim is healing through the energy of love..." and they "honor all paths that lead to truth." They give a lot back to the community - its people who really walk their talk. And its not at all cult-y, none of that "join us, join us" feeling. In fact, they dont even offer memberships. If youre looking for a community that has a message that is both inclusive and passionate, that stands on a strong spiritual foundation, this one is worth checking out.

5 /5 Fabrice Nye: It is rare for me to make it down to Soquel on a Sunday morning, but when I do, I never want to miss a service at ILM. You can form an opinion for yourself by visiting their website and checking out one of their recorded Sunday services. I would describe it as an independent, ecumenical, New Thought church with a gospel flair. The church leadership is mostly black, while the congregation is mostly white. They accept everyone, of course, and there are lots of LGBT people in the congregation. But it doesnt seem to have much of a multicultural appeal. NOTE: They are planning to move to a new place by January 2020. Beware if the address of this entry is still 5630 Soquel Road after that date.

1 /5 Karma Kali: Several of the congregation were incredibly sweet and loving. The staff here was abusive of their perceived power. The sacred text reads, "Unless you humble yourself and become like a child you can not enter the kingdom of God" My sweet child, completely innocent was giving hugs to thankful church goers and literally pouring out love and kindness. Several of the staff tried to shame me for allowing it and suggested I take my child into a room where there is no one and close the door so they can maintain business as usual. I tried to be polite and go along with their pressure because I sometimes lack confidence to stand up for myself and what it right but my child refused to stay in the room (more like closet) and wanted to come out (pun intended). As soon as my child got out he immediately hugged and sat on a mans lap who not only welcomed it but was holding the child back, with the sweetest smile on his face. Without missing a beat the church mafia, a middle aged man and woman rebuked me and told me that I had to take him back to the closet room or outside, even though he was serving in love and not at all behaving destructively. I left but I wanted to pull a Jesus in the temple when he saw the greed and lack of sincerity of the religious "leaders". I did not however want to expose my children (I have three) to police brutality as no doubt these charlatans would have called. Beware of control freaks who have no intention to allow the Love of God/dess to flow. These are those who feed off your loneliness and desperation for connection and community. These are vultures and I feel sad I wasnt bold enough to challenge them in front of the poor people who dont know there is so much more than religion, there is authentic love and real heart connection available to all, free of membership or charge or nepotism. Nepotism and cronyism and respecter of persons is what prevails here, not "Let the children come to me and forbid them not for such is the kingdom of heaven". This place is more about the "whos who" of the New Age community rather than a interfaith center for the spirit of love to flow. There was a lot of mindless, zombie like chanting, even in the Sunday school for kids. Great place for fake people to gather not so great for authentic people looking to truly connect and grow.

5 /5 M Sophia Santiago: Reverend Deborah is brilliant! A Shining Super Star in the Spiritual communities of Santa Cruz and Los Angeles. Our committee to bring to the Central Coast First Lady Michelle Obama some day soon is integral to the approachable relationship Rev D maintains with her followers. Rev D will be giving the Invocation when Michelle Obama comes to our Community! Now, with the advent of live music Concerts in the Sanctuary - Inner Light Center continues to forge creative and community streams of income. And its Fabulous! This past weekend, I was on the Staff serving our patrons for Iris Dements wonderful concert. And IRIS said, "This is a great ROOM! The sound is wonderful! There should be more concerts like this one, HERE." I Love It! Music & Spirituality & Community! M Sophia Santiago, Santa Cruz.