Institute for Spiritual Development

A Metaphysical Church and School for Spiritual Development 

Welcome to a new and exciting future at ISD Oneonta!  What is the Institute for Spiritual Development? It's both a metaphysical church and an educational center originally founded 40 yrs ago in Sparta, NJ.

This new chartered chapter is harnessing the growing spiritual awareness movement in Oneonta, NY. Lovingly created by Rev. Diana Friedell & her sister Rev. Sue Landon, we are now led by a powerful leadership team, and executive board.  We are the fourth chapter- the other ISDs are in Sparta, NJ, Madison, NJ, and Washington, DC. Three others have sprung up since we began! Welcome Sarasota, FLA,    ISD Treasure Coast,  and ISD Middle Tennessee

 ISD is a church that focuses on healing, intuitive connection, and the joy of finding the spirit connection within rather than being told how it should or could be experienced. We welcome those who want to belong to a spiritual group of like-minded people, in which you can explore and find your own path in a community of love and support.


There are classes, services, events, and a sense of community and fellowship. Energy healing and intuitive messages are delivered as a regular part of the worship service. Classes offer many tools which will help you on your life path, and the community we are creating together is one of openness and acceptance, and the ability to adapt with  change and growth. 


To quote the Rev. Kathy Kerston, the Director of ISD Sparta:
"To live in health, happiness and prosperity is everyone's birthright, whether we choose to follow a certain path is our individual choice. No dogma or belief system is imposed upon anyone."


We hope you will join us in this auspicious beginning, the first steps of becoming a well-established institution that supports the people of Oneonta and the surrounding area in living full and happy lives.

In Peace,  Rev. Diana Friedell, Pastor
  • Soaring w/ Spiritual Sensitivity w/Renee Starting 2/21 6-7pm Tuesdays through 3/28 See calendar for more info.
    Soaring w/ Spiritual Sensitivity w/Renee Starting 2/21 6-7pm Tuesdays through 3/28 See calendar for more info.
  • Sat. April 29th 11am-12:30; Kimberly Winsor on practices for grounding, personal power and healing for people from all walks of life! See Calendar entry for info...
    Sat. April 29th 11am-12:30; Kimberly Winsor on practices for grounding, personal power and healing for people from all walks of life! See Calendar entry for info...
  • March 30th,Free Class! 5:30 "Ethics & Protocol for Lightworkers" with JoAnn & Diana- see calendar for details. . .
    March 30th,Free Class! 5:30 "Ethics & Protocol for Lightworkers" with JoAnn & Diana- see calendar for details. . .
  • Sat. April 1st, 10a-3p w/Story Ducey- helps you bring forth messages with facts & evidence that your sitter can clearly recognize. See details on calendar entry!. . .
    Sat. April 1st, 10a-3p w/Story Ducey- helps you bring forth messages with facts & evidence that your sitter can clearly recognize. See details on calendar entry!. . .
  • April 6th & 13th 5:30-7p with JoAnn Wormuth- what is each chakra for? & how may I clear and heal the energy? See Calendar for Details & to Register. . .
    April 6th & 13th 5:30-7p with JoAnn Wormuth- what is each chakra for? & how may I clear and heal the energy? See Calendar for Details & to Register. . .
Soaring w/ Spiritual Sensitivity w/Renee Starting 2/21 6-7pm Tuesdays through 3/28 See calendar for more info.
Soaring w/ Spiritual Sensitivity w/Renee Starting 2/21 6-7pm Tuesdays through 3/28 See calendar for more info.

With the belief that all paths lead us Home, ISD is dedicated to helping each spirit walk their path with courage and joy.

We stand for each individual’s right to seek their own personal Truth, as they respect the same right for others. We honor the sacred texts of all traditions of the Light.

We believe that communication with all spirits is possible and can be manifested.

Are you Intuitive and notice some of your GIFTS Kicking in? Is it TIME to develop those intuitive gifts and harness them to use for making vital life decisions? For yourself and others?  Let your intuition be your guide through these troubled times. Check out the Intuitive Practitioner Certificate Program, starting in January, with our amazing ISD Faculty to guide your process. 10% Discount if you sign up for the whole program! Watch the video below to meet the faculty. . .

The Ministerial Program at the Institute

Are you called to spiritual leadership?
Using your gifts to help others along their spiritual and metaphysical path?

Through this program people are trained to be ordained ministers, with all the rights and responsibilities of any professionally ordained minister, priest, rabbi, or other religious designation.
Join us at "You are on a Journey", a free class about the meaning of the spiritual path at ISD  which also meets a requirement for ministry.