Easter Workshop 1981
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Depending both on the structures and terminology that develop, “community” may mean very different things to different groups of Christians. This sheet deals not so much with structures as principles and relevant issues. Words that keep emerging are ‘caring,’ ‘sharing,’ ‘serving’ and ‘commitment’ – priorities that have led many into a very different way of life from what they previously embraced.

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“….bound together in covenant love,….manifesting in peace, holiness and family fidelity…..with secure and obedient children. A community where loving correction and instruction produce healthy growth and maturity…’ (from Don Basham’s ‘A Covenant Community’)

“If you spend all your time meeting together, there’s no time left to put into practice at home all the things you’ve learned.” (-Ladd Fields, Church of the Redeemer)

“….the structure of community became important only because it provided a vehicle for obedience. A Hutterite brother once told us, “The Bible nowhere commands that Christians live in community, but it is almost impossible to apply the commands of Christ without it.” (-Dave and Neta Jackson – ‘Living Together in a World Falling Apart.’)

“Brothers and sisters, our unity in love is going to be a lot more than feeling good about each other. It’s going to be an increasing commitment to serve and care for one another.” (Kevin Ranaghan)

“We need to re-emphasize the servant role of the Church,” a brother at another community declared to us a few weeks later. This spirit of serving- of laying down my self and taking up the cross in obedience of Christ – leads naturally to a spirit of sharing. If in obedience to Christ I am willing to give up all that I think I am, I need not hoard what I have. I can share it gladly.
Historical records of early church- communities seem to indicate three types of meetings. One was a closed meeting for the committed members only, in which the group sought the Spirit’s leading and strength. A second was a meeting especially designed for the instruction and teaching potential or new members. The third was more evangelistic or worshipful, often conducted in the public place and open to all.” (Dave and Neta Jackson- ‘Living Together….’)

“We can’t be sucked into the old liberal preoccupation of trying to make a sick world well. We’re called to act well by the power of Christ. Nothing is more effective in darkness than to let the light shine. Talking about the light does no good, nor do efforts to wipe the darkness away.” (Art Gish)

Whether living together under the same roof or merely sharing our lives more closely and committedly with other believers, we are called to show forth Christ’s glory in a tangible way by the quality of our life and relationships, to be in Don Basham’s words:
“a community of God’s redeemed people, bound together in covenant love; a community of faith, worship, praise and selfless ministry; a community where all life is inspired and directed by the Spirit of Jesus Christ and is lived to His glory as a witness and testimony to the world.”

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A COVENANT COMMUNITY

A community of God’s redeemed people;
bound together in covenant love, submitted
to compassionate authority and rulership,
and manifesting peace, holiness and family
fidelity expressed through revered
fatherhood, cherished woman and
children. A community where loving
correction and instruction produce healthy
growth and maturity; where dedication to
excellence produces the finest results in
arts, crafts, trades and commerce, providing
prosperity and abundance for all its
members. A community of faith, worship,
praise and a selfless ministry, manifesting
individually and corporately the gifts
and fruit of the Holy Spirit. A community
where all life is inspired and directed by the
Spirit of Jesus Christ and is lived to His
glory as a witness and testimony
to the world.

DON BASHAM