Ecclesiastical Structure:
Individual Churches and their Congregations

International Hubbard Ecclesiastical League of Pastors

pecially trained Scientology ministers who do not serve on the staff of churches, missions or other church organizations but who provide auditing and introductory services in the community are called Field Auditors. They work alone or in groups. Field Auditors and their groups are assisted by the International Hubbard Ecclesiastical League of Pastors (IHELP). Based in Los Angeles, IHELP was created to provide auditors who minister religious services outside organized churches and missions with the guidance they need. IHELP provides religious materials, publications and assistance so these ministers can minister Scientology religious services to those taking their first steps on The Bridge.

(“Bridge” = the road or path the Scientologist follows through auditing and the study of Scientology materials is known as The Bridge. This embodies an ancient concept — a long-envisioned route across a chasm between man's present state and vastly higher levels of awareness.)

Another growing area of the Scientology lay ministry is the Volunteer Ministers Corps, Scientologists who use the technology to help others in their communities resolve the basic problems of daily life — job stress, relationship difficulties, study problems and substance abuse. The Volunteer Minister can use a wide array of Scientology practices and counseling techniques to help people in times of travail. In cases of illness, he can help speed recovery by addressing the spiritual causes, and on the scene of accidents he can use techniques to relieve the pain and lessen the trauma.

Volunteer Ministers use The Scientology Handbook, a 900-page compendium published early in 1994 that sets out the most basic and practical techniques and procedures of the Scientology religion. This work is also available as a series of booklets, divided by topic, which have been distributed free of charge to thousands of individuals. Utilizing the “how-to” principles contained in these books, anyone, of any faith, can improve his or her own life and the lives of others. Whether someone is suffering from a severe loss or wishes to improve his marriage, the Handbook provides information that can be immediately applied. It is an invaluable aid for Volunteer Ministers and, in fact, for anyone who wants to improve his or her understanding of, and effectiveness in life.

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