Church Doctrine

Church Organization

Founder

Founding Pastor and Integration Coach

​Pachamama Sanctuary was founded by Derek Januszewski, who also serves as the Lead Pastor.  There are no specific teachers or prophets in this religion; Pachamama Sanctuary believes that it is Ayahuasca itself that serves as teacher and prophet to those who engage in its sacramental, ceremonial use.

Ayahuasca Manifesto Important Writings The Ayahuasca Manifesto, which was written by an unknown author, serves as the main religious/spiritual text for Pachamama Sanctuary

• Knowledge Keepers of Knowledge

  ​Insofar as they are knowledgeable on certain matters, the pastoral leadership team will impute knowledge regarding ceremonies, safety, and spiritual development to the members and participants at Pachamama Sanctuary.

  However, due to their extensive knowledge regarding indigenous beliefs and practices, the primary keepers of knowledge will be the ceremonial leaders and shamans conducting sacred ceremonies at Pachamama Sanctuary.

• Ceremonies and Rituals

  ​The sacred ceremonies conducted at Pachamama Sanctuary, whether involving Ayahuasca or not shall be conducted in accordance with the dictates of the specific ceremonial leader or shaman conducting the specific ceremony.  However, the basic structure of sacred ceremonies at Pachamama Sanctuary should be as follows:

  Opening Prayer – To include a prayer to the directions and a prayer of protection;

  Serving of the Sacrament – To include an offering of the sacrament, receipt of the sacrament, and consumption of the sacrament;

  Prayer – To include prayers and chants in accordance with the dictates of the specific ceremonial leader or shaman conducting the ceremony.In conjunction with the ceremonies and rituals, Pachamama Sanctuary will also hold weekly integration meetings, the purpose of which is to assist members and participants in integrating the spiritual insights gained during the ceremony into their everyday lives.  This practice assists members and participants in effectuating positive changes in their lives and consequently raises the vibrational frequency of the world at large.

• Organization Structure or Organization

  Pachamama Sanctuary has the following structure to its organization.  This structure and the corresponding duties are subject to change at the discretion of the Board of Directors: Pastor: Responsible for general oversight of the organization as a whole, oversight of individual sanctuaries, and oversight of safety guidelines and standards;

   

  Associate Pastor: In order to be an associate pastor, an individual must have a deep understanding of the principles and beliefs of Pachamama Sanctuary, a deep and wide understanding of Ayahuasca, have strong knowledge of the world within, have an intimate understanding of the Ayahuasca manifesto and live by its principles, and shall maintain integrity in all areas of life to the highest standard possible. ​

   

  An associate pastor is required to live in a way that inspires the community at Pachamama Sanctuary.  They must also embody the highest standards within all areas of their personal and spiritual lives. Finally, an associate pastor must represent Pachamama Sanctuary in a manner that maintains trust, honor, and respect from everyone inside and outside the community. ​

   

  Associate pastors are responsible to lead group service with prayer, meditation, and teachings from various approved texts or writings and teachings that are in line with Pachamama Sanctuary’s foundational principles. They are also responsible for seeking out and creating deep connections with members and participants.

   

  Associate pastors must also continue to educate themselves through prayer, meditation, and ceremony as well as texts, classes, and connections with spiritual leaders, participants, members. Lastly, an associate pastor is responsible for assisting the founder(s) with in house integration work.

   

  ​Associate pastors are expected to further their education through traditional means, as well as learning from the plants themselves, such as participating in a dieta with a traditional healer.

  Head Deacon: In order to be a head deacon, an individual must have a deep understanding of the principles and beliefs of Pachamama Sanctuary, a deep and wide understanding of Ayahuasca, have strong knowledge of the world within, have an intimate understanding of the Ayahuasca manifesto and live by its principles, and shall maintain integrity in all areas of life to the highest standard possible. ​

   

  A head deacon is required to live in a way that inspires the community at Pachamama Sanctuary. They must also embody the highest standards within all areas of their personal and spiritual lives.  Finally, a head deacon must represent Pachamama Retreats in a manner that maintains trust, honor, and respect from everyone inside and outside the community. ​ A head deacon is responsible for assisting the founder(s) with development, implementation, and delegation of operational and administrative duties as well as assisting individual location organizers with operational and administrative duties as needed. ​

   

  A head deacon is responsible for organizing community outreach and fundraising for local and regional populations. Council and Senior Facilitators: The Council consists of the pastoral leadership/team and is responsible for organizing and overseeing community outreach and fundraising for local and regional populations.

   

  They are also responsible for assisting and co-creating programs that are in line with the principles and vision of Pachamama Sanctuary. Lastly, they are responsible for inspiring in others what it means to be a good neighbor and respectful resident of Mother Earth, as well as maintaining a loving soul towards the Great Spirit.
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  Due to their intimate knowledge of and experience with conducting ceremonies, senior facilitators are responsible for holding space during the ceremony and providing assistance and/or guidance to members and participants during the ceremony.

• Holidays

  ​Pachamama Sanctuary honors Mother Earth and acknowledges the quarterly solstice with reverence.

• Appearance and Clothing

  While Pachamama Sanctuary does not have standard uniforms, we do expect our staff and leadership team to dress in all white during sacred ceremonies.

   

  It is our belief that white clothing helps reflect what is outside and instead, go within yourself. It represents humility, purity, and protection and is a reflection of your own commitment to your inner reality.

   

  While not required, we encourage all of our members and participants to also wear all white clothing during the sacred ceremony.  Outside of the sacred ceremony, we encourage our members and participants to maintain a healthy image consistent with honoring themselves and their bodies.

• Propagation

  ​Pachamama Sanctuary engages in some online marketing and community outreach in an effort to make people aware of our retreats and our mission. In no event should anyone affiliated with Pachamama Sanctuary make concerted efforts to convince others that our beliefs or way of living is superior to or better than anyone else’s.

   

  Pachamama Sanctuary prefers to acquire members and participants by attraction rather than promotion.  To that end, we believe that the greatest attraction to Pachamama Sanctuary are the healing and positive changes that occur within those who are members and participants in our sacred ceremonies.