One aspect of our church plant includes an opportunity for communal living that witnesses to what it means to be in relationship with one another. In order to begin translating our dream into reality, we first described what community should be about and then talked about our individual values for living in community. In many cases, the values we put forth have many different ways of being lived out. What follows is a brief summary:

Community is...

characterized by forgiveness
living faith 24/7
accountability and support
about hospitality
intentional
counter-cultural

Values for living in Community (in no particular order):

leading a simple life/vow of poverty characterized by sharing possessions with one another
purchasing goods in a way that doesn’t oppress others
being in community with the marginalized, especially the poor, and with our neighbors as we seek to transform lives
being hospitable as we welcome the stranger in our midst and share our lives with those around us
creating a safe space for people in their pain; a place where people can simply be
living in harmony with creation, which is connected to being good stewards of what God has given us
daily prayer together in some form as we live out our faith 24/7
obedience/respect for the community; that the needs of the community are first before the individual self and that the rule of the community provides a framework to work within rather than a legislative set of rules to follow
monogamy in marriage and celibacy in singleness
creating an open community that allows for others to get involved
have personal time where we can have a break from the community; also time for couples; also recreational time together for us to simply enjoy one another’s company
creating a place where children are valued and appreciated for who they are
educating each other