Sorcha vividly describes each community, naming both their operational strengths and limitations. She also invites us into spirited and vulnerable conversation, exploring themes of longing, belonging, young adult community, discernment and long-term spiritual formation.

In this episode, Pete takes us on a spiritual journey, sharing his lifelong involvement in prayer movements and intentional Christian communities. We also discuss the past, present and future of new monsticism/intentional Christian community in the UK.

Correction: At 38min I say the Nurturing Communities Network is an American network, when it is in fact international in scope. It’s well worth checking them out!!

Whilst not technically an intentional Christian community, Englewood are an incredibly inspiring witness of how intentional community can be fostered in a congregational context - a rare blend of the intentional and institutional being married together in really quite cool ways! Their intentionality around love of neighbour and neighbourhood has also born awe-inspiring fruits.

Listen in to learn more about this hopeful, humble, energised, vocationally driven, church congregation with a huge heart for love of neighbour and neighbourhood community.

You can subscribe to the mentioned Englewood Review of Books’ substack here :):

[One of the two mics unfortunately ran out of storage 30min into the interview so apologies for the slightly inferior audio quality of the second half.]

Listen in for an exploration of homelessness in the US, what radical hospitality can look like today, and to hear the wisened reflections of a longtime communitarian. An inspiring and thought-provoking listening!

More about Amistad CW can be read about here: https://amistadcw.wordpress.com/https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/tiny-homes-new-haven-homeless-backyard-encampment-18645323.php

In providing church-affiliated community housing, CRECHE helps individuals secure long-term affordable housing amid the hostile Boston housing/rental market and provides opportunities to belong to, and be blessed by, long-term community living. By virtue of their stability and their wider commitment to community, CRECHE houses also nourish their congregations and work to improve and revitalise their neighbourhoods.

Listen in to be inspired by CRECHE’s compelling model for church-affiliated community housing and to hear of the abundance of God through a number of Spirit-filled events.

I am always cautious of representing communities on their behalf and in this presentation I am only able to give very brief overviews. In editing the recording, I have also noticed areas where I have gotten details slightly incorrect, or retrospectively would have used different and better language. I ask for your grace and also highly recommend supplementing this presentation with the more detailed community overviews and interviews available here on Dwelling Place (you can use the search bar to find resources on a specific community). Please reach out using the comments section if you would like access to the accompanying PowerPoint presentation, comprising of summary slides and photos.

In this Zoom interview, long-time family and staff member Joe Black powerfully communicates Craig Lodge’s witness as a House of Prayer and as a community of formation for young adults. This interview is steeped in the wisdom and power of prayer making for an incredibly inspiring and nourishing listen.

Listen in on this talk, given at Earlham College, to be inspired by Shane’s intentional and local Christian community work, and national and international activism. Filled with joy, compassion and grace, with a generous sprinkling of humour, you are sure to find yourself uplifted and inspired by Shane’s striving to walk the way of Jesus.

Today, Koinonia remains an interracial community attracting people from a diversity of places, ages and spiritual backgrounds. In this interview, Daniel and Carolina reflect on their experience of being interns at Koinonia Farm and how this intertwines with their spiritual journey and growth.

Listen to this interview with the wonderfully gentle and vibrant Sue to learn more about Koinonia’s pioneering history and how it strives to be a “demonstration plot for the Kingdom of God” today.

In this interview, Ian shares more on the Blackfriars Community whilst also generously sharing his wisdom from setting up other Christian communities. Knowledgeable, experienced and passionate about new monasticism this is deeply enriching interview and a must-listen for anyone curious about the importance of Christian community/new monasticism for the Church today.

In this interview Revd Richard Carter, founder of the community, shares more on the structure, spirituality and rhythms of the Nazareth Community and the importance and value of new monasticism.

Initially owned by an individual, and now hosted by a couple in partnership with a Christian charity, the 41 community is an exciting witness of urban community and the reclaiming of multi-roomed property for vibrant affordable living.

In this interview, Phil - who has been at no. 41 under its various stages of ownership and running - shares more about the 41 community, whilst also drawing on his experience of the L’Abri community and sharing his passion for urban models of community.

(N.B. Some corrections on my part: Scargill closed in 2008, re-opening in 2009; the Bruderhof are ~3000 strong worldwide; I believe some Iona volunteers share dorms.)

The Chemin Neuf community was founded in France post-Vatican II, drawing on both Ignatian and charismatic spirituality. 50 years on, it now stands as a worldwide, ~ 2400-member strong community of single men and women, priests, consecrated singles (celibates), married couples and families. It is both Catholic and ecumenical in identity, with a mission for Church unity.

Learn more about this fascinatingly diverse community in conversation with Sr Joanna, current leader of Chemin Neuf UK.

In this podcast, community member Sophie gives a comprehensive yet concise overview of LoveBristol, as well as providing incisive insights on community living.

Mim Skinner, amongst many any other fascinating things, is author of the book “Living Together: Searching for Community in a Fractured World”. In this book she recounts her experiences of, and insights into, a variety of different communities from Christian, Buddhist, urban, eco, tech-y and even naturist. You can find out more about her book here.

Listen to this podcast for an exploration of the current UK community scene and to glean experienced insights into a variety of community models.

10 years ago, the Birmingham parish of St Philip & St James lost their church building to structural damage, and in response purchased 2 local community houses which form the residential base of the Hodge Hill/Common Ground community.Over the years, these community houses have provided a special home for a diversity of people, and have been the centre of many church and local community activities.

Achor was established in the summer of 2013 with five members and two houses. There are now over ten volunteers living across five houses praying and serving alongside one another. The aim of Achor is to contribute to Christian mission by being a positive social influence in the area, contributing towards community cohesion and building a flourishing community. By living on the ground in the Sherburn Road area, we are able to understand local needs better and so focus resources more effectively and provide greater continuity in our community engagement.

At the heart of Achor is intentional Christian community, focussing on the importance of sharing life together and sharing God’s love in practical ways with the local community.

The Achor Community have a regular rhythm of life which includes praying together regularly, sharing a weekly meal together, and serving in the local community. Members also give a proportion of their income for the costs of the community and its activities.”

In this interview, Demarius Walker draws on his knowledge as an ESC board member to provide an overview of the workings of the national ESC. Additionally, having lived in 3 different ESC communities, Demarius shares his personal and diverse experience of living in ESC communities, whilst also sharing his learnings as the first and current director of the Trinity ESC, Indianapolis.