ESTUDIO BÍBLICO CON PROPÓSITO

Structure  is  defined  as  arrangement,  organization,  configuration,  composition.   A  community  requires  some  shape  and  composition.    The  structure  of  a  core   community  ideally  will  follow  the  vision,  purpose  and  values  of  the  people   creating  it.  If  it  does,  the  community  will  show  up  as  the  flowing  of  peoples   deliberate  intent.              

These  structural  components  can  be  stated  as  agreed  upon  intents  that  the   members  make.    Many  of  these  are  referred  to  in  detail  in  later  sections  to   allow  deeper  understanding.    The  following  are  some  values  (IN  CAPS)  and   the  structures  that  might  help  members  get  what  they  want.  

WE  MEET  FACE  TO  FACE:    We  value  actually  being  together  as  opposed  to   “virtual”  communities  of  long  distance  connections.    Therefore  we  choose  to   live  in  proximity,  meet  often  and  regularly.    To  make  sure  this  happens  we   make  commitments  of  “long-­‐term”  duration.      

WE  LIVE  NEAR  EACH  OTHER:    We  want  to  actually  be  physically  with  the   people  in  our  core  community,  therefore  we  make  a  commitment  to  living  in   this  place,  this  bio-­‐region,  this  neighborhood.    We  commit  to  staying  right   here,  caring  for,  stewarding  this  land.  And  though  we  mostly  live  in  separate   homes,  they  are  all  within  “bicycle  distance”  of  each  other  by  conscious  choice.   This  keeps  us  in  proximity.  (see  chap.29)  

WE  MAKE  A  LONG  TERM  TIME  COMMITMENT:    Because  we  intend  to  stay   together  we  have  committed  to  our  “core  community”  for  a  minimum  of  3   years.    We  consciously  choose  to  pursue  life  long  friendships  with  each  other   and  with  our  families.    We  know  our  community  will  be  there  to  care  for  us,   our  families  and  bury  each  other  when  the  time  comes.      

WE  SPEND  SPACIOUS  REGULAR  TIME  TOGETHER:  We  recognize  how   consistently  “being  together”  sustains  our  humanity  as  well  as  allowing  us  to   constantly  deepen  our  relationships  with  each  other.    Therefore,  we  gather   together  frequently  (weekly  or  at  least  every  2  weeks)  to  celebrate,  support   each  others  work  in  the  world,  enjoy  each  other  and  build  the  intimacy  bonds   of  deep  community.  After  our  personal  partner  and  children,  we  are  each   other’s  first  priority.    We  show  up!  (see  Chap.  30)  

WE  SUPPORT  EACH  OTHER’S  NEED  FOR  SOLITARY  TIME:    Especially  as   women  and  men  mature  into  elder  hood  the  need  for  alone  time  is  essential.     We  encourage  our  members  to  listen  to  and  honor  their  intuition  and  

knowingness  while  also  expecting  clear  communication  before  absence  from   group  gatherings.    We  make  the  commitment  to  communicate  regularly.    

OUR  PREFERRED  AGE  GROUPING:    Our  “core”  community  is  mostly  over  40   with  the  main  cluster  in  their  50s,  with  some  in  their  60s,  70s  &  up.    We  span   at  least  3  generations  which  includes  some  younger  singles  and  several   couples  with  children.    

MEMBERSHIP  SEQUENCE  PROCESS:    We  have  established  specific  criteria,   guidelines  and  systems  by  which  we  admit  new  members.    Candidates  pass   through  a  provisional  period  during  which  we  get  to  know  each  other  and   mutually  determine  the  appropriateness  of  the  fit.  (see  Chap.  26)  

MAXIMUM  GROUP  SIZE:    We  grow  slowly,  organically  and  dynamically  as  a   collective  body  up  to  150  people;  the  maximum  size  in  which  we  might  still   contain  intimacy.    We  choose  to  nourish  these  close  friendships  vs.  many   casual  acquaintances.  (see  Chap.  34)  

GENDER  SAFETY:    We  hold  a  high  value  on  intimacy  from  the  heart  between   male  and  female  members.  Because  we  want  safety  for  authentic  intimacy   within  our  Core  Community  we  require  some  boundaries  and  agreements   around  sexual  behavior.    To  maintain  the  highest  level  of  trust  we  consciously   avoid  secrets  and  choose  to  be  deliberately  “non-­‐sexual.  ”      (see  Chap.  32)    

GOVERNANCE:    We  recognize  the  need  to  establish  leadership  within  the   community.    We  know  that  the  catalyst/founder(s)  pass  on  the  leadership   tasks  as  soon  as  it  becomes  possible.  How  the  formal  process  will  look  will  be   worked  out  by  each  separate  community.  

FINANCES:    We  know  that  some  monthly  assessment  will  be  needed  to   support  the  operations  of  the  community.    It  might  be  $10  or  $20  per  month   paid  in  annual  amounts  of  $120  to  $240.00.    We  will  trust  our  administrators   to  figure  out  where  to  use  funds  as  our  needs  show  up.  

CONFLICT  RESOLUTION:  We  recognize  the  skillful  resolution  of  conflict  as   one  of  the  most  important  skills  we  can  have.    We  know  that  many  of  us  have   these  skills,  learned  from  previous  training  and/or  community  situations.    We   will  develop  a  brief  training  model  so  that  we  all  share  a  similar  skill  set  in  the   ability  to  process  conflict.    (see  Chap.  33)  

ADAPTABILITY  TO  EVOLVING  CIRCUMSTANCES:    We  trust  our  ability  to   deal  with  the  unknown.    Each  of  us  has  different  history  and  geographical   links,  which  may  bring  challenges.    Within  our  commitment  there  is  always   room  for  making  another  decision.  

LEAVING  OUR  COMMUNITY:    Because  we  explored  each  person’s  integrity   and  ability  to  make  a  commitment,  we  do  not  expect  much  turnover.    However   if  life  circumstances  change,  with  a  heartfelt  good-­‐bye  anyone  may  leave  

honorably  with  blessings.        

INVOLUNTARY  EXIT:    If  a  broken  pre-­‐set  accountability  or  other  

incompatibility  arises  that  cannot  be  successfully  mediated  by  a  circle  of   elders  -­‐  then  membership  may  ask  a  person  to  leave.