Christian Covenant Communities

[John Beiswenger]

Some years ago my wife and I toured Christian Covenant Communities around the U.S. We saw the need for these communities, but also for the creation of Christian Villages around the world; villages specially designed to help simplify the lives of Christians, allowing them to spend more time in the service of the Lord. We are looking forward to developing the first pilot, City of God Village, near Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania (www.cityofgodvillages.com). We are wondering who else may see such a need.

 

[Paidiske]

I can see the need; even more than that, it's something I'd very much like to be part of, in many ways. I often find myself wanting to live more radically for the gospel, but it's a longing most of the people around me don't seem to share.

A couple of comments about what you've put forward so far... the site mentions houses and commercial opportunities but not a church. Surely such a village will need a communal place of worship as well, around which its life will revolve?

Also, the emphasis seems to be on being separate; but I'd say - for the purposes of local mission - it would also be good to think about how a community such as this will make connections with the surrounding local community. Perhaps recreational spaces and groups can be a way to build relationships with those not in the community, as well?

In many ways what you're proposing is a family-oriented version of a monastic community, so it might well be worth looking at how some of those communities function/ed, to see how such a community can be effective for mission and socially sustainable.

 

[tampasteve]

This sounds like the protestant version of Ave Maria in south west Florida. It is a nice idea, I think.

 

[John Beiswenger]

I can see the need; even more than that, it's something I'd very much like to be part of, in many ways. I often find myself wanting to live more radically for the gospel, but it's a longing most of the people around me don't seem to share.

A couple of comments about what you've put forward so far... the site mentions houses and commercial opportunities but not a church. Surely such a village will need a communal place of worship as well, around which its life will revolve?

Also, the emphasis seems to be on being separate; but I'd say - for the purposes of local mission - it would also be good to think about how a community such as this will make connections with the surrounding local community. Perhaps recreational spaces and groups can be a way to build relationships with those not in the community, as well?

In many ways what you're proposing is a family-oriented version of a monastic community, so it might well be worth looking at how some of those communities function/ed, to see how such a community can be effective for mission and socially sustainable.

In many ways what you're proposing is a family-oriented version of a monastic community, so it might well be worth looking at how some of those communities function/ed, to see how such a community can be effective for mission and socially sustainable.

I think you understand our proposal quite well, and you sound like a candidate Villager. There is a worship center in the pilot plan, but not a church. Villagers will want to attend their local churches.

Also, as you suggest, the plan incorporates an outreach program based on Christian charity and evangelization. And yes, there are recreational spaces built into the village plan and events held for people living near the village. I'm impressed you seem to know our plan so well. I wish our new website could tell much more, but it is now designed for investors as we move forward. You can contact me through the website, if you are interested further. Thank you for your comments. John
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[Paidiske]

I might be a candidate, if I weren't in Australia. I've been interested in such communities - including "new monasticism" - and their potential for some time. I will be interested to see how things progress for you.

 

[John Beiswenger]

I might be a candidate, if I weren't in Australia. I've been interested in such communities - including "new monasticism" - and their potential for some time. I will be interested to see how things progress for you.

I wrote a novel about the future Village in Pennsylvania (City of God Village). Let me send you a copy. Contact me through www.cityofgodvillages.com with an address and I'll send it right from my publisher. Pay my way to Australia (I always wanted to go), and I'll help you start a City of God Village and community. Show me the land you have, and I'll layout a Village for you to fit with a drawing you can take to an architect. God has me fully engaged in this activity.