What it is  
Agape is "a trans-denominational spiritual community whose doors are open to all seekers in search of authentic spirituality, personal transformation and selfless service to humankind." It is based in Los Angeles, California and just celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. There are about 9,000 members and the sanctuary, which is in a corporate park in Culver City, holds approximately 1,200 to 1,500 for each service. There are four services per week, one Wednesday evening and three on Sunday morning to make sure everyone gets to attend a service each week. There is a music ministry and a 200 voice choir which performs the last Sunday of each month. The whole service is translated into sign language for the hearing impaired. Large TV screens hang from the ceiling heralding upcoming events, the words to the songs so you can sing along and the projection of those on stage as filmed from the cameras around the room. The service is also projected to those sitting outside in the "over-flow area" under a tent in the parking lot. Speaking of the parking lot, after the service you can peruse the tents conveniently situated in the parking lot to the side of the building where vendors sell food, Goddess clothing, shawls, paintings and other items of interest to the community. There is also a vendor who sells Agape approved T-shirts and apparel.

My experience
When I was in Los Angeles I visited Agape and went to two services: Wednesday evening and the third service on Sunday. Since it was the last Sunday of the month the choir performed and man were they good. They were all decked out in fancy outfits from many different cultures and backgrounds and it made one of the most beautiful, musical pictures you can possibly imagine. The music was lead by Dr. Rickie Byars-Beckwith and was absolutely amazing! Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith spoke on the "Seven Pillars of Fire", which I’m expecting a copy of any day now. It was an absolutely AMAZING message providing everything we need to make our lives work. The energy in the room was of the highest vibration and transported me to another place, closer to my higher self. I felt connected to Source on many levels. At each service the opportunity is given to those at Agape for the first time to stand and be recognized by all those assembled. Everyone is then lead in a recognition of all the new comers stating that they are recognized for who they are: extensions of Source energy. It was moving to be recognized in this way by 1,200 members of Agape. I was touched so deeply that I still get misty eyed when I recall the experience and the energy that came with it.   

Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith
Rev. Michael, affectionately called, "The Rev", started Agape in 1986 from a vision for "a trans-denominational spiritual community" and he "teaches universal truth principles found in the New Thought-Ancient Wisdom tradition of spirituality". It has grown over the years to its current level and has been growing exponentially since Rev. Michael’s appearance in The Secret. Since then he’s bee interviewed on Larry King and for an upcoming segment of Oprah. He’s been the recipient of many humanitarian awards and is an amazing person. I wish I had gotten to meet him but I know I’ll get the chance another time. As it was I got to sit in the front row (after unfilled, reserved seats were released) so I was up close for the message. He and his wife, Rickie Byars-Beckwith, have written most of the songs performed at Agape. Michael has also written several books including: Living From the Overflow, A Manifesto of Peace and Inspirations of the Heart.

Dr. Rickie Byars-Beckwith
Rickie is an intuit, channeling healing music which has helped many heal. I mean, just read the lyrics for some of her songs. She and Michael compliment each other in a beautiful way. At the service Rickie performed one of the songs from her album I Found a Deeper Love. It was just beautiful. I met her at the end of the service and we took a picture together. She was very sweet and kind to meet everyone who wants to meet her. Her talent is amazing and she is a true light to the world.

Possible evolutions
At this time, since the service is already being recorded, it could be shown live on television or streaming over the web for those who want to view it. This could increase the number of members and allow those of us who don’t live in the Los Angeles area to experience the love!

Conclusions
Michael and Rickie are igniting the light of God in everyone they meet and Agape is their love of God in beautiful expression. I consider it a great honor to have been to one of the services and to have met Rickie. Next time I’ll meet Rev. Michael, too. If you are in the LA area make it a point to get to one of the early Sunday services and get there early so you get a seat in the sanctuary and can join the meditation. I definitely recommend becoming an online member, if you feel called, even if you don’t get out to LA.

Raw food
I heard a rumor, from a good friend of Rickie and Michael’s, that they are also eating raw now. I’ll bet they also eat at Euphoria Loves Rawvolution.

Read about the movie Rev. Michael is in: The Secret
Visit the website and become an online member

Donate to Agape International Spiritual Center
Read about Rev. Michael’s (and other experts) show with Oprah

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