Community of Christ the Sower Rule

Know Christ & make him known

Cloistered in Simplicity

The Holy Rule

We pray in common once a day. Those able to do so come together in groups or as families, to support and sustain one another in prayer; others use the same form of worship on their own. In the course of our daily prayer we pray for each member of the community in turn.

Daily Prayer

Communion

Each week those who are able come together in groups to celebrate Communion. All members, from whatever Christian tradition they come, receive the bread and the wine; and children at the discretion of their parents also receive, as fellow members of Christ’s family. If possible we also come together to share a meal each week.

Covenant

Each year in early autumn we renew our covenant before God as members of the community; at the same service we also receive new members into the community. Before formally joining the community prospective members share for a period in its prayer and fellowship, seeking to discern, with the help of a pastor, whether their Christian discipleship would be strengthened through membership; when they and the pastor feel it is right, the pastor commends them to the community as members.

Stewardship

Each year during the Christmas season we commit anew our time and resources to God’s service. Beforehand all members speak in confidence with a pastor reviewing their stewardship, seeking in their use of time to find the right balance between prayer, work and leisure: and in their use of money and other material resources the right balance between the claims of family, community, local church, and the poor and deprived of the world.

Reconciliation

Each year during Lent, and at other times if it seems necessary, we have a service of reconciliation. Beforehand we each find time for personal reflection, perhaps with the confidential counsel of a pastor, seeking to discern those aspects of our lives where we are not at peace with God and with other people.

Ministry

Each year during the Pentecost season we reaffirm all the members of the community as ministers of Christ, recognizing that we all have spiritual gifts from God to be used within and outside the community. Also from time to time we commission particular people as pastors to guide us in our discipleship. Pastors are chosen with the unanimous consent of the community as people sensitive to the needs and insights of others, yet resolute and clear-sighted in leadership.