Frequently Asked Questions
Trying a new spiritual community can feel a little awkward.
We get it.
So here are some answers to the questions people often wonder about before visiting Ahava
including the ones they sometimes hesitate to ask out loud.
GETTING STARTED
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Ahava is an open and affirming spiritual community focused on personal growth, meaningful connection, and practical spirituality for real life.
Some people come for the teachings.
Some come for the music.
Some come because they’re asking bigger questions about life.
Some just followed a friend and ended up staying.You don’t need to have everything figured out to walk through the door.
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Sort of… and also not exactly in the traditional sense.
Some people think of Ahava as their church. Others experience it more as a spiritual community centered around growth, connection, mindfulness, and conscious living.
We’re part of Centers for Spiritual Living, a global New Thought movement focused on practical spiritual principles rather than rigid dogma.
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A typical Sunday includes:
live music
meditation or reflection
an uplifting message
community connection
spiritual practices and prayer
Think “inspiring and welcoming” more than “stiff and formal.”
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Whatever feels like you.
You’ll see everything from jeans and sneakers to “I felt inspired to accessorize today.” No one’s keeping score.
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Nope.
(Unless that’s what you want.)
You won’t be asked to wear a sticker, or reveal your deepest spiritual thoughts before coffee.
We do ask if any newcomers want to be acknowledged during services, but you’re free to stay quiet if you prefer.
You’re welcome to simply come in, settle in, and experience the service at your own comfort level.
We are a small-ish group - so we do tend to notice new people in our midst. Our goal is simply to extend a warm welcome.
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About 10–15 minutes early is great, especially if it’s your first visit.
That gives you time to park, breathe, grab coffee if available, and get oriented without doing the “quiet awkward late entrance.”
Service times:
Meditation (In-person) - 10:00 - 10:15
Celebration Service 10:30 - 11:30 am (Eastern) In-Person and Live-streamed on Youtube and Facebook
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“Ahava” is a Hebrew word meaning love.
That spirit of love, compassion, inclusion, and connection is at the heart of this community.
COMMUNITY & INCLUSIVITY
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Yes. Fully.
We welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, backgrounds, and life experiences.
You do not need to shrink, filter, or edit yourself to belong here.
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You may actually feel surprisingly at home here.
A lot of people in this community value both spirituality and thoughtful questioning.
Blind belief is not required.
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You are definitely not alone.
Many people who find Ahava are looking for a more open, compassionate, and less fear-based spiritual experience.
There’s space here to explore at your own pace.
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No.
Seriously.
Visitors are welcome without pressure, expectation, or awkward follow-up tactics.
BELIEFS & TEACHINGS
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At the heart of our teachings is the idea that spirituality should help us live with greater love, awareness, compassion, purpose, and possibility.
We explore practical spiritual principles that support growth, healing, connection, and conscious living - while honoring all spiritual traditions and each individual’s path and perspectives.
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Yes, Centers for Spiritual Living™, (aka “CSL”) - a global community comprised of more than 400 spiritual communities, teaching chapters, study groups and other ministries in 30 countries.
CSL Headquarters is located in Lakewood, Colorado, USA.
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Centers for Spiritual Living is a global spiritual movement inspired by the teachings of Ernest Holmes and the philosophy known as Science of Mind.
(And no, despite the name, no one will be quizzing you on neuroscience.)
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Science of Mind is a spiritual philosophy that explores the relationship between consciousness, thought, belief, and human experience.
It blends spiritual wisdom with practical tools for everyday life.
It’s less about “here’s what you must believe” and more about exploring how awareness shapes experience.
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Not at all.
You are welcome whether you:
feel deeply spiritual
are exploring new ideas
have lots of questions
are skeptical
used to belong to another tradition (or still do)
or honestly aren’t sure what you believe right now
Curiosity is welcome here.
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People at Ahava use many different words:
God
Spirit
Divine Intelligence
Universal Presence
Love
Consciousness
The Universe
“Something bigger than me”
You’re not required to use any particular language or framework.
You may hear any of these terms used in Sunday Celebration Services interchangeably.
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For some people, it’s a little of both.
For others, it feels more like a supportive spiritual community focused on growth, mindfulness, and meaningful living.
Labels matter less here than experience.
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Not at all.
Many people here also practice other traditions. We draw from the wisdom of many traditions around the world, and encourage open exploration of ideas.
FAMILIES & PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
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Normally, Yes - Our youth programs are temporarily on hold while we search for our next permanent minister.
We have children’s facilities, and we look forward to welcoming children back soon!!
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Yes.
And it’s pretty simple.
Parking is located right in front of our building.
There are 2 front entrances, one of which has an accessibility ramp with accessible parking directly in font of it.
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Yes.
Accessibility parking and ramp are located at the right-hand entrance to our building, facing the front.
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There are lots of ways to connect:
classes
small groups
events
volunteer opportunities
music and community gatherings
You can explore current opportunities on our Community page.
No pressure to dive in all at once.
THE BIGGER QUESTIONS
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hen you’re probably more normal than you think.
Many people arrive at Ahava during seasons of transition, questioning, growth, or spiritual curiosity.
You don’t need certainty to belong here.
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Most people haven’t.
Everyone starts somewhere.
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No. At the Centers for Spiritual Living we teach that each individual has influence over, and responsibility for, his or her own life.
We support personal responsibility and strongly discourage the “following of” any one person, including founder Ernest Holmes.
The philosophy taught by Centers for Spiritual Living challenges people to think for themselves and only believe what feels true to them.
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No. We are in no way related to Scientology.
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No. We are a unique and completely separate entity from Christian Science.
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Absolutely.
We’d be happy to answer questions, help you feel more comfortable, or simply say hello before your first visit.
Feel free to call us at:
+1 (859) 373-8910
OR email us at: ahava@ahavacenter.com
Someone will reply as soon as possible. *Please note it may take a few days, but we WILL get back to you!