| CHRISTIAN CHARLES SORENSEN
Active United Church of Religious Science Ministry
1982 -1998
Senior Minister
SEASIDE CHURCH OF RELIGIOUS SCIENCE
Encinitas, California SUMMARY STATEMENT
This is an exciting - yet critical time - for the United Church of Religious Science.
We are poised to enter a new millennium with the right philosophy at one of the greatest moments in history - to assist those people who are yearning to understand themselves and the nature of the universe in an ever-expanding technological age. Having been born into Religious Science, its philosophy resides at the very core of my existence as a person, teacher and minister. I possess a depth of passion to communicate our profound philosophy of higher consciousness and enlightenment to the world.
I write and speak eloquently about every facet of Religious Science, yet with a sense of love, compassion, and humanity. It is imperative that our movement achieves a far greater visibility in the public sector as we transition between two centuries. It is crucial we communicate our magnificent vision with the people of North and South America - and the entire world. All avenues of communication should be utilized including the printed, broadcast, film, and electronic media.
One of the greatest issues in the world today is Peace. Science of Mind offers a way to achieve peace by answering the questions people have contemplated since the beginning of human thought.
The essential fact is: Religious Science has created a unique philosophy, a way of life and a wisdom that yields immense benefits to humanity. Dr. Ernest Holmes has given the world a gift for the Ages. We, in the United States, have finally achieved a mature philosophy that may rightfully take its place in the intellectual and spiritual accomplishments of the 20th century. We now have the capability of sharing this immense achievement on a worldwide scale. My vision, as a pro-active Community Leader of the United Church of Religious Science, is to set this in motion, to build a global infrastructure, and to ensure its continuance beyond my tenure.
We are living in an age where the Internet is becoming increasingly vital as a means to share our philosophy with the world.
I am heartened by the work United Church has accomplished in publishing its own Website. Seaside has also created one of the most extensive individual Religious Science Church sites on the Internet. Already 300 pages, our Website is expanding to include Web-Broadcasting Sunday services, Books online, the Arts, and E-Commercel. Our investment demonstrates more people are researching the site daily, including visitors from Western and Eastern Europe, South America, and Asia.
The strongest untapped source for propelling our movement forward is the unified voice of our clergy.
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
The explosive success of the Seaside Church of Religious Science is an indication of the integration of the 16 prior years of experience: from the twenty two year old minister in his first church to a leadership role in the communities of Del Mar and Encinitas, California.
The Vice
Presidency of District II has been a wonderful recognition of a minister who has something to offer beyond the scope of a local church. The UCRS belief in his capacity to minister to Ministers and support other congregations is the expression of faith in Christian's ability to "see the Spiritual Truth in all situations".
Dr. William H. D. Hornaday asked Christian to teach four classes
a week during the 1990-91 school year, then asking him to create and facilitate
workshops for two summers in a row, is a strong case for belief in his depth of understanding and ability to convey the principles of Religious Science.
After being the first student from his graduating class of 1982 to be approved for ordination, he waited an extra year in order for his parents to fulfill their time obligations to the ministry. Then, in 1985, the movement witnessed its only triple family ordination.
Christian has done a great deal to spread the word far
beyond the realm of the churches, as his civic work has brought the church honorable recognition. His four years of uninterrupted Television broadcasting brought great awareness to the movement. The many booklets he has published still circulate. The international presentations he has conducted have brought the knowledge or Ernest Holmes to a number of foreign lands that never had heard of Religious Science.
PERFORMANCE IN THE UNITED CHURCH
Instrumental in organizing and continuing the on-going gatherings of the United Clergy of Religious Science, Southern-most Chapter.
Served the United Church of Religious Science as District II
Vice-president. As an Ecclesiastical Office, it represents
the caring, nurturing aspects of the movement to the field churches. Presently the Community Leader of the United Church of Religious Science.
Service Includes:
·Serves as President of the United Church of Religious Science from 1998 through 2000 and Community Leader from February 2001 until February 2001
·Maintain communication to District II Ministers.
·Responds to many of the District II Practitioners.
·Continual communication among the Ecclesiastical officers and Home Office in support of the many unfoldments in the field.
·Attendance at the many meetings.
·Mediator
·Investigative Officer
·Ecclesiastic representative at Disciplinary panels.
·Mentoring coordination.
·Review licensing recommendations to the Board for Ministers
and Practitioners.
·Reviewing of ordination material of candidates.
·Official representative of the movement at ceremonies for Installations, Ordinations, Dedications.
Serves on Oral Panels to Review.
·Practitioners
·Those entering the School of Ministry and years in between.
·Graduates from the School of Ministry.
·Ordination candidates.
The Grading of the Exams for Ministerial licensing.
A Facilitator for the "Co-Creation Process".
The United Church offers this program to field churches in transition. Thus far presented at the churches of Religious Science in Fallbrook, CA; El Centro CA; Peoria, AZ; and Fullerton, CA,
The School of Ministry, Phoenix, Prescott, Yuma, Claremont, Seaside, and Riverside.
PERFORMANCE IN THE UNITED CHURCH (Continued)
1994 - 1995
District 2nd Vice President
1987- 1988
Served on the International Board of Trustees for the Movement.
1988
Participated on the 1988 General Convention committee by being the liaison between the Board of Trustees and
convention committee.
1987
Served on the Honorary Degree Committee.
1987
Hosted the Centennial District I Convention and received a meritorious plaque for this level of involvement.
1985-87
Served on the cabinet of the Southern California U.C.O.R.S.
1.
A number of former students are now Ministers and Practitioners.
2. For more than 15 years supported Conventions, Convocations, Asilomar.
Asilomar
1997 Presented the "Voice Celestial" in Merrill Hall (Both weeks)
Conducted "Pathways of Philosophy through Religious Science" Workshop.
1993 Conducted singles gatherings. Performed evening meditation.
1992 Presented the staged
version of "Voice Celestial" both weeks.
1989 Gave a talk in Merrill Hall
1987 Gave a talk in Merrill Hall
1986 Participator on a Question and Answer panel in Merrill Hall.
1985 Facilitated discussion group / coordinated tennis tournament.
1984 Coordinated tennis tournament.
PERFORMANCE IN MEMBER CHURCHES
1991 to 2001
Seaside Church of Religious Science, Encinitas CA
Started with 25 people for Sunday attendance.
Presently more than 600 members.
1988 to 1990
Oahu Church of Religious Science (Co-founder)
Started: The Vision.
Left: 70 people per Sunday, two services in their own facility.
1983 to 1988
Ventura County Church of Religious Science
Started: 50 people per Sunday.
Left: Active membership count for 1988 convention - 275.
1982 to 1983
Costa Mesa Church of Religious Science (Co-Founder)
TEACHING PERFORMANCE IN THE U.C.R.S. AND BEYOND
Completed 16 Teaching Seasons of accredited classes.
There have been many successful graduates over the years from S.O.M. I & II & III, plus the Foundation and Practitioner classes.
Completed a ten week class at the Ernest Holmes College to the seniors on "Equipping for a First Ministry". Through the years, taught classes at the campuses in Los Angeles, Huntington Beach and San Diego.
Some other Workshops and Seminars created and presented at various locations.
BASIC IDEAS OF SCIENCE OF MIND 4 Weeks
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION 3 Weeks
FOR COUPLES ONLY 2 Weeks
GOOD CENTS 3 Weeks
HOW TO BE A MASTERFUL MANIFESTER 3 Weeks
HOW TO CREATE PROSPERITY 3 Weeks
HOW TO CREATE YOUR IDEAL MAT E2 Weeks
KEYS TO ABUNDANCE 3 Weeks
OPTING FOR OPULENCE 3 Weeks
SELF DISCOVERY I, II, III, IV, V 5 Weekends
SENSATIONALLY SINGLE 2 Weeks
THE ART OF ROMANCE 2 Weeks
YOUR TRUE SELF-WORTH/SELF-ESTEEM 3 Weeks
PATHWAYS OF PHILOSOPHY THROUGH
RELIGIOUS SCIENCE 10 Weeks
THE ENCHANTED JOURNEY OF THE SOU 12 Weeks
Has led tours and conducted seminars in many places around the world:
Tibet
China Throughout Europe and Himalayas
IndiaMediterraneanJapan
NepalNorth AfricaRussia
ThailandScandinaviaTurkey
Co-authored several booklets including:
"Good Cents" - "Relatively Balanced" - "Palms Up"
"How to Feel Together in A Lonely World - "Courage to Stretch"
Author of Books:
"Catch the Spirit - Riding the Waves of Life", "Catch the Spirit - Flying Through Life" are presently being shopped by a Literary Agent. "The Book of Prayers" was published July 1998.
PERFORMANCE IN THE COMMUNITY
Assisting in the development of two orphanages in Tecate, Mexico and the building of a library of a school in the suburbs of Tecate.
Rented the Del Mar Fair Grounds and organized a $100,000. Three day Health and Healing Symposium with Presenters from around the world. This brought tremendous positive exposure for Religious Science in the community and beyond.
Developing a global Internet Website for
Seaside and a major resource for Religious Science literature to complement the U.C.R.S Website.
Like "Adopt-a-Highway", Seaside has adopted the beaches of Del Mar and is the area coordinator of the statewide program to keep the coasts clean.
Seaside is annually called upon to "Adopt" an ever-increasing number of families during the Holidays and to help bring the joy of the season to a situation that otherwise might not be touched.
Involvement with the
National organization: "Voices for Children".
Coordinated a supply relief effort for the victims of the Tijuana floods.
Bi-coastal Television Show, "Winds From the Sea" - 4 years, 1984-1988.
President of Tri-County International New Thought Alliance.
Chaired and Hosted two I.N.T.A. district conventions.
Listed in "Who's Who" of Ventura.
1991 Radio Show - KIEV AM (870).
PERFORMANCE IN THE COMMUNITY (Continued)
Board of Directors - North County Resource Center, a non-profit organization.
Numerous articles in newspapers either authored or written about me.
Continues to speak to service organizations and businesses.
Mass wedding vow renewals for three years at state fair.
Active with Rotary service club.
Masonic activities.
Has always been a strong financial supporter of community non-profit services: Missions, Shelters, Food Distribution, Children's
Issues, etc.
Worked with judges and county supervisors on a state-funded project for the high-risk children that slip through social service "cracks".
Present global outreach: support our sister city on the Crimean Sea in Russia, which is the first study group to become a recognized Church. | |
