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Structures of community

Contemplative community built around a sanctuary space and a vow (Springfield IL) ... Residential retreat centre with short and long term community members, managing the house. ...

Jims
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Structures of community

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    Slide 1:Structures of community

    Slide 2:Forms and models

    A core community which offers hospitality to others (Taize, monastic) Families/individuals with apartments in a shared complex (Ramsdorf, Poland) Moving households/families into an estate or street (Sheffield St Thomas) Households within 10mins of a shared central venue (Kansas City BR) Contemplative community built around a sanctuary space and a vow (Springfield IL) Shared house with rhythm of prayer & missional commitment (‘micro community’ - Calgary BR) Residential retreat centre with short and long term community members, managing the house. Dispersed communities, committed spiritually / financially to each other (Northumbria, Iona)

    Slide 3:Common order and ‘rule’?

    Needed to define values and ways of operating (clarity, common culture). It will be there whether written or unspoken, fixed or dynamic. Interaction of rule vs leadership. Lifelong rules and vow (simple, foundational) vs detailed practises & customary (time & place specific). Taize: ‘rules’ = principles to apply.

    Slide 4:Why community?

    Ekklesia = a community in the NT. There should not have to be a ‘choice’ between church or community. There is an apparent conflict between ‘church’ and ‘community’ models in historical theology and practise. (eg: catholic churches vs orders) Can we accept a diversity of truth and expression, or must we look for the ‘best’ and bring everyone into it?

    Slide 5:Leadership

    Healthy leadership is a necessity. Community can be distorted by a single gift or style of leadership (eg: all pastoral / prophetic / evangelistic). Does the apostolic bring the balance? Leadership should be based on the example of Jesus – servanthood. Positional leadership contains a temptation to abuse – and is also very hard to end! Positional, Personal, Functional authority. Mutual submission, vow of obedience?! Unsubmissive leaders reap what they sow.

    Slide 6:Finances

    No-one talks much about this so our insight is poor. Is it a spiritual stronghold? Where the money goes is a good reflection of your real priorities! Community life should be 30% cheaper. This can be invested into our mission. Some communities will also engage in wealth creation. Ramsdorf: contribution EUR400/m Recognising individual circumstances. Moravians – common simple lifestyle. Revenue versus capital contributions. % shares in the value of the property. Spiritual entrepreneurs – invest in kingdom.

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