This is Part 2 of a week long conversation concerning the motivation behind and the difficulties that come with being a part of an intentional community. This is a continuation of yesterday’s post where I began stating the first half of the reasons why you should not rush into living in an intentional community. The biggest reasons are listed here today…
5. Once you begin inviting undesirable people to worship with you, you’re going to find it hard to worship with them.
It may sound funny when you hear the story of a schizophrenic sitting on the front pew flipping the bird at the pastor and congregation throughout the service. Or to hear about the homeless person who comes to church smelling so bad the entire sanctuary fills with a year’s worth of body odor. But will you be able to overlook those things when it’s happens in your church?
4. You’re going to get stabbed in the back.
If your ministry includes the underprivileged, or homeless, or the addicted, metaphorically you are going to get kicked in the gut over and over. Alcoholics and drug addicts will tell you themselves that you cannot trust them. But you’ll have to, and then you’ll have to be okay when you find they’ve taken advantage of you. And when many of those who are used to living without necessities and niceties find that you are a source of those things, Christian commitment will not be high on their list of priorities.
3. You will always have a small church.
You’re probably ok with this one for now. And really, the church growth movement has passed on. But when you’ve been ministering in the same place for 10 years and still have the same basic 50 people, will you be okay with that? Most people who attempt to join you will not last long. And who would, given these 7 truths so far?
2. No one will appreciate your hard work
Don’t expect a parade every time you bail someone out of jail or provide service to your community. Most of the time you won’t receive gratitude for your efforts. Don’t expect your community members to provide it; they’re doing the same thing!
1. Many people will hate you.
From the anti-Christian people in the community to your own Christian brothers and sisters, living counter-culturally brings out strong emotions. If you are young, will your parents understand when you cancel your trip home for Christmas in order to provide company for the homless in your area? Will established churches have a false impression that you feel superior to them? Will people of faith accuse you of being a cult? For sure.
Christians are all called to live in community, but not necessarily communities like these. God will reward us for our obedience to his leading in our hearts, but don’t expect his leading to be easy or fun. If he is leading you to live in an intentional community, may he bless you beyond measure. You’ll need it, and you’ll deserve it.
source: greycap
I will, and I didn't mean that to sound rude. I was a little shocked by some of it which makes me all the more interested in the next part to the discussion.
Are any of the staff or are all of the staff of The House Studio living in communal living? Are you doing what was posted on another post a few days ago? " Another benefit is the money, time, and resources that would be saved by communal living—splitting bills, chores, and amenities. All the time and money saved could go directly to ministry."
No Peter, none of the House staff is currently living communally.