Church of the Open is a federally recognized 501(c)3 multi-denominational religious organization.
We are a community for those who seek spirituality on their own terms.
We serve those who value spirituality, but do not choose to worship in a physical church.
We make our own decisions on beliefs, practices and worship styles.
We are our own churches.
Pillars of Faith
[Click on the images to view supporting beliefs]
#thisismychurch
DISCOVERY.
We give each other permission to wander. We live big and dream big. We see the extraordinary in the ordinary. We believe that the clarity and spiritual growth we seek may not be convenient, but may be in a city far away, out our back door, in the mountains, or a beach across many oceans.
COMMUNITY.
We value being a part of something bigger than ourselves. We are born into a family but choose and collect more members of our tribe along the way. We honor community, nature, and a world of infinite possibility. We can all make a difference and are generous without expectation.
FREEDOM.
We believe in religious freedom and freedom of spirit. Our place of worship is a deeply personal choice. Where and when we worship may vary. How we choose to define our God, our higher power, and our spiritualism is our choice. We need not justify our beliefs to any one. Our devotion is not measured by the number of times we sit in a defined physical location, but rather, how often we express gratitude to our God, the Universe, our community, our surroundings and those we love.
ARTICLES OF FAITH
While our beliefs are supported by literary icons, historical figures and every major established religion, our members choose a method of worship that resonates with how we live our lives.
[Click on the images to view supporting beliefs]
CHOICE. We believe that life is a series of choices, that we make our own luck. We are bold. Believing in ourselves and a greater power results in clear blue skies and open roads.
COMMITMENT. We trust without wavering. We keep our word. We promise without forgetting. We show our faith and commitment through how we carry ourselves and what we do on a daily basis. Actions speak louder than words.
CHANGE. We embrace change. We are flexible and resilient. Every day is an opportunity to be and do better.
CHALLENGE. We embrace challenges. The hard way is difficult; we have the courage to take it anyway. We accept failure with the faith that we are better for it.
COLLABORATION. We are collaborative, not comparative. We are inclusive. We welcome all those of differing faiths, genders, race, socioeconomic status, sexual identity or nationality. We celebrate our differences and welcome the opportunity to learn from one another. We are compassionate.
CONSCIOUSNESS. We are stewards of our resources. We are thoughtful, we tread lightly. We practice empathy and appreciate our surroundings. We embrace the present.
COMPASSION. We forgive without punishing and look to the future while still honoring our past. We build a bright future through helping others.
CURIOSITY. We encourage listening with the intent to learn. We believe that growth comes to us in many ways: formal education, travel, art, music, books, recreation and each other. We stretch beyond our comfort zones and say yes more often.
CELEBRATION. We are grateful. We are positive without reservation. We bring a smile and a light heart to all that we do, regardless of the circumstances. We remember to play. We laugh at ourselves and with others.