You can become a licensed Minister by studying through any of our regions. So, why would you choose the ‘Florida campus”?
Rich History of CSL Ministerial Training in Florida
From Marilyn Leo’s Chronicles of Religious Science Volume I:
“1957 . . . [Ernest Holmes] believed that Florida was the closest in consciousness to California and he wanted to start a church there. He traveled to Florida, speaking before hundreds of people, and he also taught classes. . . He asked Norman Lunde to start a church in Miami. Rev. Lunde, his wife Rev. Dorothy Lunde, and daughter, Barbara, moved to Florida and started the Religious Science movement there. Barbara is now Dr. Barbara Lunde, with her church in Boca Raton.” p. 130
The following contains information concerning our Rich History of CSL Ministerial Training in Florida. It includes former ICSL Centers which have trained ministers; Ernest Holmes Coll
ege Orlando (at that time, UCSL);, Holmes Institute Satellites of Denver, in Eustis, and now in Tampa.
In addition to being geographically convenient, accessible through its international airport and having a reputation for a comfortable, year-around climate, the Florida “Campus” faculty and staff regularly use instructional technologies to reach out to students throughout the world but primarily in states East of the Mississippi.
Located in Orlando (the city beautiful), the Florida campus for the Denver Regional Center was originally established in 2008 by Rev. Dr. Cay Thompson of Eustis, Florida. Within the State of Florida, a rich history of training Ministers in the Science of Mind principles and philosophy has taken place through three historical academic venues in our movement, namely through the pragmatic, mentoring network of our International Centers for Spiritual Living or ICSL Centers throughout Florida, the original Ernest Holmes College or UCSL Center in Orlando Florida, and the Holmes Institute Florida Satellite of the Denver Regional Center first established in Eustis, Florida now in Orlando, Florida. Each of these academic program models, centers and venues have been blessed by the work of Florida trained Ministers/Pastors, many of whom are still with us today.
The current Satellite faculty and administration consider their strengths to be their “student friendly” and “financially friendly” approach to delivering their academic program of study. Moreover, because of the large number of rural Centers as well as recognizable urban locations, the Dean has at her disposal a large pool of Ministers and recognized experts to mentor students and offer a variety of hands-on experiences enriching student success. These rich resources and people also enable the “Campus” to expand upon the Regional mandate to offer lifelong learning experiences and programming to graduates, Ministers, Practitioners, and lay leaders.
Our Dean and Registrar have extensive experience servicing in these roles in various organizations.
To put it simply:
1. It’s not a brick and mortar campus – classes are virtual
2. You get to come to sunny Florida twice a year – once on a retreat and once on a CRUISE!
You will actually be taking classes in both of these sessions and getting credit towards completion
3. There is a great deal of heart, love and camaraderie in this group.
4. You’ll be well nurtured by Rev. Rick our dean and registar
5. The faculty are highly esteemed and very caring.
Holmes Institute was a life-transforming experience for me! I chose the Florida Campus because of its east coast location. It was easily accessible by car and air. The online schedule was arranged in a way that was convenient and easy as well! You would think that taking classes online might not provide the opportunity to bond with classmates, however, once meeting in person in Florida and continuing online
continued to strengthen the newly formed relationships. I found every one of the instructors very supportive, encouraging and loving, which made the academic aspect of the journey more relaxed for me. Your classmates are your future colleagues and the bonds formed with the instructors and classmates strengthened my resolve and passion for answering the call. The classes are rich and call you to a deeper, broader sense of ministry and the spiritual teaching itself. Our Spring retreats were fun and my class proposed the idea of our final Spring retreat being a cruise in the Caribbean! The idea was well-received and has continued! The retreats are a great time of sharing, learning, growing, bonding, exploring and relaxing! Overall the Florida campus experience supported me in the academic and ministerial aspects of this journey into my Greater Yet to Be! I am forever grateful for the opportunity and to have the convenience of it being offered on the east coast. I am forever grateful to Rev. Dr. Cay Thompson who hosted the first Florida campus and for her guidance, love and encouragement! Her wisdom continues to inspire me! Rev.Christy Corna
