Focus Inhabiting the Church book In Preparation Cost Contact Us

focus The focus of this conference will be an exploration of the new monasticism movement and particularly the role of Scripture and church history in forming and guiding these communities. Two of the primary purposes of this gathering are to discuss the themes of the book Inhabiting the Church (see below), and to bring together people from diverse church traditions who share a strong belief in the role of community within the Church. Just as the writer of Hebrews re-told the stories of the faithful ones of Israel (chapter 11) to encourage the Hebrew Christians as they faced persecution, we seek to examine the stories of the faithful ones who have gone before us -- and particularly the Benedictines -- to inspire us to live faithfully as the Church in the face of the idolatry of the present age. New monasticism has been defined as "[acknowledging] a movement of radical rebirth, grounded in God’s love and drawing on the rich tradition of Christian practices that have long formed disciples in the simple Way of Christ. This contemporary school for conversion which we have called a 'new monasticism,' is producing a grassroots ecumenism and a prophetic witness within the North American church which is diverse in form, but characterized by the following marks: Relocation to the abandoned places of Empire. Sharing economic resources with fellow community members and the needy among us. Hospitality to the stranger Lament for racial divisions within the church and our communities combined with the active pursuit of a just reconciliation. Humble submission to Christ’s body, the church. Intentional formation in the way of Christ and the rule of the community along the lines of the old novitiate. Nurturing common life among members of intentional community. Support for celibate singles alongside monogamous married couples and their children. Geographical proximity to community members who share a common rule of life. Care for the plot of God’s earth given to us along with support of our local economies. Peacemaking in the midst of violence and conflict resolution within communities along the lines of Matthew 18. Commitment to a disciplined contemplative life. (Source: "12 Marks of a New Monasticism") Our host, Englewood Christian Church, maintains a strong belief that conversation has an essential role in the life of the Church. They are excited about the opportunity to offer a space in which dialogue can unfold. It is our hope that interactive conversation -- the telling of stories, active listening, asking questions, etc -- will be a major part of your conference experience. inhabiting the church, the book (the cost of conference registration includes a copy of this book) Inhabiting the Church: Biblical Wisdom for a New Monasticism Tim Otto Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove Jon Stock (who will not be able to attend this gathering) If the church is more than just a building, what could it mean to live in it--to inhabit it as a way of life? From their location in new monastic communities, Tim Otto and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove ask what the church can learn from St. Benedict's vows of conversion, obedience, and stability about how to live as the people of God in the world. In story-telling and serious engagement with Scripture, old wisdom breathes life into a new monasticism. But, like all monastic wisdom, these reflections are not just for monks. They speak directly to the challenge of being the church in America today and the good news Christ offers for the whole world. What people are saying... "Conversations between contemporary Christian communities and Benedictine monasticism are among the most surprising and promising in the church today. Given that the roots of monasticism and of contemporary Protestantism lie in different parts of the Christian tradition, mutual engagement between contemporary Christians and monastics has been rare. Recently, however, the scene has shifted, and Inhabiting the Church represents the new eagerness to learn the art of living together faithfully from experienced and ancient practitioners." —Christine D. Pohl, from the foreword "This book is a timely intersection of the new and ancient, breathing fresh life into an aging body. An older generation will find this book a long-awaited reassurance that the Spirit is still stirring radical nonconformity on the margins of empires. And the contemporary renewal of new monastics and prophetic tricksters will find a cure for the pretension and sloppiness that can so often taint our vision or tempt us to pretend that there is 'something new under the sun.' With both courage and humility, we will all find ourselves invited to inhabit the incarnational body that makes God visible to the world . . . May it inspire all of us to become the church that God longs for." —Shane Claiborne, author of The Irresistible Revolution in preparation In order to foster dialogue in our gathering, we suggest preparing your heart and mind beforehand by reading (or re-reading) and reflecting on one or more of the following books (You can purchase any of these books when you register for the conference and have them shipped immediately to you ): The Rule of St. Benedict (available online) ( We are doing a reading of The Rule: HERE . ) Schools for Conversion: 12 Marks of a New Monasticism -- Essays elaborating on each of the 12 marks listed above. The Irresistible Revolution (Shane Claiborne) -- the inspiring story of one new monastic community cost (It's not too late to register... We have extended the regular registration period to Friday May 4! ) Standard Registration (received on or before May 4):     $100     $75 for full-time students Late Registration (received after May 4):     $120     $90 for full-time students Group Registration (received on or before May 4): If order to foster long-term discussion about new monasticism, we are offering a special discount for churches / communities that are sending 3 or more members.     $85     In order to receive the group rate, please register on or before May 4.     and please have at least 3 people register within a few days of each other at first.     Further registrations can be added to the group later -- through May 4. contact us If you have any questions about this gathering, any suggestions or if you want print/electronic resources to help promote Inhabiting the Church in your church community, please drop us an email:      inhabiting.the.church ( AT ) gmail ( dot ) com or by phone, you can contact Chris Smith at:      317 . 639 . 1541 [ HOME ] [ ABOUT ] [ SPEAKERS ] [ HOSPITALITY ] [ SCHEDULE ] [ REGISTER ]