Know Christ & make him known

Cloistered in Simplicity

St. Charles Stuart, a friend of the Little Gidding Community, martyred in 1649

Formation

Formation is a process much like dating and engagement before marriage: Postulancy is the dating sequence,  and the Novitiate is the engagement. It’s an opportunity for the parties to get to know each other, appreciate and accommodate each other, and respond to each other in ever deepening ways.

For many, the essential Community Rule will be quite sufficient; others may desire more discipline and exterior evidence of tangible, on-going growth. Our Rule is seeker-driven, which means that beyond the Community Rule each member is free to develop their own program, with direction, as they feel led by the Lord. No one knows your strengths and weaknesses better than you do; no one else has quite the same perspective on what you need to be working on in your life than you and those closest to you. The contribution of every member enriches all of us, and there is room for everyone regardless of how much or how little he or she feels called to do.

In the Postulancy we begin at the beginning, and we begin with you.

There are certain things that we expect from all members, namely that they be baptized Christians. This is the entry point for members of Christ’s body and hence for membership in any Christian Community. Also, it is expected that members shall be modest in speech and dress. Modesty in speech means that, insofar as we are able we guard the gate of our tongues against swearing, gossip, lying, cursing and bragging. Modesty in dress is a similar Christian practice. Additionally, members are expected to wear a cross or other Christian emblem on the exterior of their clothing, except when any religious ornament is forbidden by an employer or other legitimate authority. These requirements for speech and dress are an opportunity to witness our faith in Christ and, although they are simple to describe, genuine modesty requires vigilance and practice to achieve.

Members are expected to attend the Church of their choice weekly. A Christian without a Church home is by definition separated from the body of Christ, and this too is a starting point for deeper Community. A local spiritual director is another essential element of our formation. This can be a pastor or some other godly person who has years of experience in walking with Christ; someone who will be willing to check in with you on a monthly [or more] basis, to help you stay on track as you begin your new journey with us.

Generally a person spends six months to a year in the Postulancy and one to two years in the Novitiate living our lifestyle in its entirety before making a final decision, with their Pastor, whether or not the Community of Christ the Sower is the place God wants them to stay. This is a highly individual decision, both on the part of the Aspirant and on the part of the Community.

We’re working on a new formation booklet for any that would like additional information, and hope to have it ready soon. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us if we can answer any questions, if you’d like to request prayer, or if we can be of service to you in any way; And please, pray for us, that we may fulfill our mission, to

Know Christ and make him known!

Begin at the beginning, and above all, keep it simple.

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