Communal Living

[MrJim]

tulc knows all about this-I would like to hear more from him and from others about their experiences (if any) good and bad.

Also for those of us that haven't experienced it, what are your initial thoughts about it?

 

[DevonShire]

I think you get about as much from any community as you put into it. You could be just as satisfied with a close-knit church in a small village as you would be with living on a commune.

 

[tulc]

I think you get about as much from any community as you put into it.

This is very true.

You could be just as satisfied with a close-knit church in a small village as you would be with living on a commune.

Also true, it all depends on what you're called to.
tulc(who loves his commune!)

 

[Danfrey]

Ok Tulc,

You have sparked my interest. Candice and I spent some time considering communal life. We spent all of a week at a English Hutterite startup that never quite got off the ground. It was definately an experience. As a matter of fact, I have them to thank for meeting up with the Deer Park Washington Disciples and learning of the writings of David Bercot on the early church. I would not rule out joining a community after the children are raised if the Lord wills it.

 

[handmaiden97]

Well I live in community (no not an annabaptist one) but a YWAM one, we are interdenominatioAL chirsitan ministry dedicated to knowing God and making Him known. We run Discipleship training schools that expose young people to missions.

As a staff and students we live toghether, work togheter, play together pray together. I love it....I also moved off the ministry property into town so I could have excuse to meet no beleivers

I have been here 5 years
pros.... I have a close relationships with my friends.
I have a strong supprt system for any trial in life., I have epeople I can fellowship with, gain advice and wisdome from.

cons...sometimes I get so involved here I miss out on building relationship with non beleivers...and as you know we cant preach jesus with out being around the lsot
2cndly Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our little christian bubble we no longer relate to the lost... no I never seen that movie, no I didnt know pakistan had an earthquake, who won the world series?

 

[Danfrey]

Would you say that dying to self is required on a regular basis to live in community? How are some of the ways this plays out? (If not too personal question)

 

[catlover]

Also for those of us that haven't experienced it, what are your initial thoughts about it?

AS long as it's not a Koresh type thing, sounds good to me...anything to get away from this garbage.

 

[MrJim]

AS long as it's not a Koresh type thing, sounds good to me...anything to get away from this garbage.

What sort of garbage are ya dealin' with?

 

[MadFingerPainter]

since i know nothing of commune's other than the horror stories of cults...

what is the purpose of them?

 

[Danfrey]

since i know nothing of commune's other than the horror stories of cults...

what is the purpose of them?

I think one of the keys for some of them is eliminating personal belongings thereby eliminating covetousness and greed. The example is found in Acts, where the chuch in Jersusalem had all things in common. I am neither for nor against communal living as a spiritual choice, but many who live communally see any other choice as outside God's will.

 

[MadFingerPainter]

interesting

 

[MadFingerPainter]

how is covetousness gotten rid of in a communal living situation? i mean...it's still possible for a man to desire another man's woman or something is it not? or even his suit with the sequins?

 

[Jehane]

Sequins? Your mind goes some strange places, Madfinger!

Good point though. When we first moved here the community was lots smaller than it is now & most people willingly shared what they had but it could still cause problems. Should have heard the ruckus if someone had gone to the mainland only to find their car had been borrowed & no-one had bothered to say they were wanting it that day!!!

 

[handmaiden97]

now where I live is not a chrtian Commune by any meant but we do live in community and yes it is a really challenge and growing expereince.

it is a real excersice in dying to self, in laying down rights, in being open and honest with one another. for example. today I am stressed and started crying over something trivial at lunch. now In those situations I was embarrassed, I chose to leave the room....till I could quit crying but then I came back in and explained what the deal was to my friends. They were supportive and encouraging.

 

[catlover]

What sort of garbage are ya dealin' with?

http://www.christianforums.com/showthread.php?p=26298922#post26298922

 

[MrJim]

http://www.christianforums.com/showthread.php?p=26298922#post26298922

Yeah, that is bad!

 

[tulc]

I would not rule out joining a community after the children are raised if the Lord wills it.

As you feel led of course. I will say I loved raising my kids in community.
tulc(I could tell you stories!)

 

[Jehane]

tulc(I could tell you stories!) [/quote]
Go ahead; I love stories!

 

[ACADEMIC]

Well I live in community (no not an annabaptist one) but a YWAM one, we are interdenominatioAL chirsitan ministry dedicated to knowing God and making Him known. We run Discipleship training schools that expose young people to missions.

As a staff and students we live toghether, work togheter, play together pray together. I love it....I also moved off the ministry property into town so I could have excuse to meet no beleivers

I have been here 5 years
pros.... I have a close relationships with my friends.
I have a strong supprt system for any trial in life., I have epeople I can fellowship with, gain advice and wisdome from.

cons...sometimes I get so involved here I miss out on building relationship with non beleivers...and as you know we cant preach jesus with out being around the lsot
2cndly Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our little christian bubble we no longer relate to the lost... no I never seen that movie, no I didnt know pakistan had an earthquake, who won the world series?

Well, so I find a YWAMer!

I was on staff for three years on a YWAM base in the late 1980s. My experiences were similar to how you describe yours.

 

[MadFingerPainter]

Janie there is one person in this thread who knows what I mean about the sequins. ~Giggles~