
FAQ
Questions are welcome.
Find grounded answers about membership, education, community, and the role of sacraments within The Living Church.
FAQ library
Frequently asked questions
Start here for practical answers about membership, sacramental access, dosage, preparation, community and visiting The Living Church.
Membership
What is The Living Church?
The Living Church is a San Francisco-based entheogenic church and spiritual community centered around education, intentional practice, community care, and sacred mushroom traditions.
Is membership free?
Yes. Membership in The Living Church is free for adults 21+. Becoming a member gives you access to educational resources, community gatherings, guidance and member-only offerings available through the church.
How do I become a member?
Begin by creating an account, completing the membership registration, and signing the digital waiver. Once your completed waiver is matched to your account, member-only resources and the sacrament menu can be accessed.
Who can join?
Membership is intended for adults 21 and older who are interested in TLC's educational, spiritual, and community-centered approach. New visitors do not need prior experience to begin learning.
Do I need prior experience?
No. Many people arrive with questions, curiosity, or a desire for a more grounded setting. TLC encourages learning before participation so members can move at a thoughtful pace.
How long does activation take?
Membership usually updates after your account and completed waiver are matched. If something appears delayed, contact TLC so staff can help check your status.
Sacraments
What are sacred mushrooms?
Sacred mushrooms are mushrooms containing naturally occurring entheogenic compounds that have been approached in ceremonial, spiritual, and communal contexts. TLC discusses them with respect for tradition, responsibility, and education.
What role do sacraments play within TLC?
Sacraments are one part of a broader framework of education, community, intentional practice, preparation, and integration for adults 21 and older.
Why is the sacrament menu member-only?
The sacrament menu is limited to active members because TLC treats member-only sacramental offerings as part of a structured church pathway, not a retail-first experience. Membership registration and waiver completion come first.
Can visitors access sacraments without joining?
No. Member-only sacramental offerings are available to active members only. Visitors and prospective members are encouraged to begin with education, membership information, and community gatherings.
How should I approach sacramental participation?
TLC encourages adults to approach participation with intention, preparation, humility, and a plan for integration. The emphasis is on spiritual practice and community context rather than novelty or recreation.
Dosage
What is the dosage guide for?
The dosage guide offers educational context around commonly discussed ranges. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or guarantee of how any person will feel. Experience varies by person, preparation, setting, potency, and sensitivity.
What is a microdose?
A microdose is commonly discussed as a very small amount, often around 0.1–0.25g. Effects can vary by person, potency, sensitivity, mindset, and setting. TLC frames dosage as only one part of a larger preparation and integration process.
What is a museum dose?
A museum dose is often described as a range that may bring noticeable shifts while a person remains engaged with their surroundings. TLC presents this as educational language, not a directive.
Why can the same dose feel different for different people?
Individual sensitivity, mushroom potency, mindset, environment, preparation, and timing can all shape the experience. A number alone cannot fully predict what will happen.
Does TLC provide medical dosage advice?
No. TLC does not provide medical advice or individualized dosing instructions. Educational materials are meant to support informed questions, careful preparation, and responsible decision-making.
Set & Setting
What is set and setting?
Set and setting refer to the inner and outer conditions surrounding an experience. Set includes mindset, intention, and emotional state. Setting includes environment, people, timing, and support.
Why does environment matter?
Environment can influence whether an experience feels grounded, spacious, and supportive. Sound, light, comfort, trusted support, and interruptions can all make a difference.
How do I prepare my mindset?
A simple intention, quiet time beforehand, honest self-checking, and realistic expectations can help create a steadier foundation. Preparation is not about controlling the experience; it is about entering with care.
Should I participate alone?
TLC encourages people to think carefully about support, context, and readiness. Trusted community, preparation, and a grounded environment can be important parts of responsible participation.
What if I feel uncertain or nervous?
Uncertainty is worth listening to. It may be a sign to slow down, ask questions, attend an educational event, or spend more time preparing before taking any next step.
Integration
What is integration?
Integration is the process of reflecting on an experience and translating insight into grounded daily life. It can include journaling, conversation, rest, community support, and practical changes.
Why does integration matter?
Experiences can bring up feelings, questions, or insights that continue unfolding afterward. Integration helps people make meaning patiently instead of rushing to conclusions.
What are simple integration practices?
Gentle reflection, writing notes, taking a walk, speaking with a trusted person, resting, and returning to ordinary responsibilities can all support integration.
Can integration happen in community?
Yes. Many people find that respectful conversation and shared language help them stay grounded. TLC's community context is intended to support reflection without pressure.
What if an experience feels difficult afterward?
Give yourself time, seek trusted support, and avoid making major meaning too quickly. If you are concerned about your wellbeing, contact an appropriate health professional or support resource.
Community
Are there gatherings or events?
Yes. TLC may offer community gatherings, educational events, orientation-style gatherings, and integration conversations. Event details can change, so check the Events page for current information.
Who joins the TLC community?
Members include adults who are curious, experienced, returning after time away, or simply looking for a more intentional and respectful setting. The common thread is a desire to learn and participate thoughtfully.
Can I attend before becoming a member?
Some public information and events may be available to prospective members. Member-only resources and sacrament access require account creation, registration, waiver completion, and active member status.
What is expected of members?
Members are expected to approach the community respectfully, follow TLC's process, honor boundaries, and engage with education, preparation, and integration as part of participation.
Is TLC only for people with spiritual experience?
No. People arrive with different backgrounds and language. TLC uses a grounded, welcoming approach so adults can learn without needing to already know the culture or vocabulary.
Member Access
How do I access the sacrament menu?
Create an account, complete membership registration, and sign the digital waiver. Once your membership is active, you can log in and view the member-only sacrament menu.
How does TLC confirm my membership?
Your membership status helps staff confirm access to member resources and the sacrament menu. Use the same email address for your TLC account and waiver so your status is easy to confirm.
What if I already signed the waiver?
If you already completed the waiver, make sure your account and registration use the same identifying information where possible. If your status still does not look right, contact TLC for help matching your records.
Can I view the sacrament menu before my membership is active?
No. The sacrament menu is reserved for active members. Prospective members can still explore public education pages and membership information while completing the membership process.
Why does the process have multiple steps?
The steps help TLC keep sacramental access connected to membership, education, and waiver completion. The goal is clarity and responsibility, not unnecessary friction.
Login Help
Who do I contact if I need help logging in?
Contact TLC directly through the contact information provided by the church or ask staff for help. Include the email address you used to register so they can look up your account more easily.
What should I do if my login works but I cannot see the sacrament menu?
Your membership may still be pending, your waiver may not be matched, or staff may still need to approve your account. Check your account status first, then contact TLC if anything looks incorrect.
What if I used the wrong email address?
If you registered or signed the waiver with a different email address, contact TLC so staff can help connect your records. Using consistent information makes activation smoother.
Can staff reset my password?
For security, password recovery is usually handled through the login system's reset process. Staff can help point you to the right place if you are unsure where to start.
Why does my account still say pending?
Pending usually means one or more membership steps still need to be completed or connected. Confirm that registration and waiver steps are complete, then contact TLC if the status does not update.
Legal
What is an entheogenic church?
An entheogenic church is a spiritual community that places sacred plant or mushroom traditions within a religious, educational, and community framework. TLC approaches this work with care, humility, and clear boundaries.
Is TLC giving legal advice?
No. TLC provides educational and community information, not legal advice. Members with legal questions should consult a qualified attorney familiar with their circumstances.
Does membership guarantee legal protection?
No. TLC does not promise legal outcomes or individual protection. Membership creates a church and community pathway, but laws and personal circumstances can be complex.
Why is the waiver required?
The waiver helps TLC document that members understand important boundaries, responsibilities, and acknowledgments before accessing member-only areas. It is part of creating a clearer and more accountable process.
Is TLC a medical provider?
No. TLC is not a medical provider and does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or clinical services. Educational content should not be treated as medical advice.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help.
If you're unsure where to begin, reach out to TLC or start with membership. Membership is free and gives adults 21+ access to the next steps.