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Structures of community

Structures of community. 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)

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Structures of community

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  1. Structures of community

  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)

  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.

  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?

  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.

  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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