1. Why do you believe this is what you’re called to do at this time?

This is an idea that we started thinking about a long time before we left on our trip.  We didn’t pursue it at that time because it seemed too big and too difficult for us to tackle, not to mention a little strange.

In our travels, though, we saw a lot of cool God coincidences, and learned a lot about what and how God can do things.  During that time we began to develop this idea more clearly.

Overall, we’ve learned that following God is about living in community.  We’re not the kind of people who do things half way—so this is where we feel our journey has taken us.

2. What portions of scripture will guide the formation of your community?

Obviously, we hope this plan is in line with all scripture.  But there are a few spots in particular.

We believe that we should all follow Jesus’ instructions and be totally committed to his cause --
“When Jesus heard this, he said to (the rich young ruler), ‘You still lack one thing.  Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me.’” Luke 18:22.

We believe that our Christian community should look more like the first century community --
“All the believers were in one heart and mind.  No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.” Acts 4:32, as well as Acts 2:42

We believe that Paul provided a model for ministry --
“We work hard with our own hands,” Paul explained to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 4:12).  He made a point not to rely on charitable donations to his ministry, but instead to provide for his own income in addition to his selfless work.

“...we gave you this rule: ‘If a man shall not work, he shall not eat’” 2 Thessalonians 3:10.  Each member of our community will provide for his own needs and the needs of others.

And we believe that we have a job to do --
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:1-3

3. What will be the purpose of the community you develop?

The purpose of this community is to share the love of Jesus.  We believe that this new format will allow us to evaluate and fulfill the needs of a neighborhood in real-time and catch the families and individuals that fall between the cracks of traditional organizations and programs.

4. What will make it different? What will makes it Christian?

The primary difference between this and many other ministries is the absence of paid administrators and the self-sustainability of the ministry.  We’re also experimenting with decentralizing the mission completely.

This ministry’s primary focus is to bring people into communion with God through Jesus.  The intent behind this ministry is to find a practical way for all of us to realistically commit 100% of our time to others.

5. To whom will you be submitted as mentors and peers outside the community?

One of the strengths of this community is the diversity of the backgrounds of the individuals involved.  Our primary accountability is to each other.  We believe that the decentralized nature of the organization will promote a healthy balance of ideas and ideals.

In addition, a critical part of this community will be integrating ourselves into existing neighborhood ministries, churches, and the like.

Finally, we’re not severing any ties with those that have shaped us.  Although we are each deciding to alter our course, we hope and pray that those who have helped us along the way will continue to be involved, and continue to offer their wisdom, insight and direction.