1. God
Know God
The community of the Way is committed to be apprentices of Jesus, to be followers of the Way, in monastic terms to ”conversatio morum” and the practices of the monastic life that enable us to grow in our knowledge God’s nature, character and ways — to know God as revealed in Holy Scripture. We seek to reflect who God is in every aspect of our lives and ministry. The automatic overflow of knowing and enjoying fellowship with God is a desire to share that relationship with others.
Make God known
The community of the Way is called to make God known in every arena of society through radical hospitality, evangelism, justice seeking, training and mercy ministries. We believe that salvation of souls should result in transformation of societies, thus obeying Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations.
Hear God’s voice
The community of the Way is committed to creating with God through listening, praying and obeying God’s commands in matters great and small. We are dependent upon hearing God’s voice as individuals, together in community and team contexts as an integral part of our process for decision making.
Practice worship and intercessory prayer
The Community of the Way is dedicated to worship God and engage in intercessory prayer as integral aspects of daily life. We are a Benedictine Monastic community and as such the book of psalms as prayed through the daily office is our central expression of public prayer, and the Eucharist is a place of encounter with the living Christ and each other.
Be visionary
The Community of the Way is called to be visionary, continually receiving, nurturing and releasing fresh vision from God. We support the pioneering of new ministries and methods, always willing to be radical in order to be relevant to every generation, people group, and sphere of society.
Have a biblical Christian worldview
The Community of the Way is called to a biblical Christian worldview. We believe that the bible is an ancient book that requires careful study and exegesis to properly understand its message and that it is dishonouring to God to treat it as a source of soundbites and quick answers. The practical dimensions of life are no less spiritual than the ministry expressions. Everything done in obedience to God is spiritual. We seek to honour God with all that we do.
2. Land
To live sustainably as members of God’s creation
Not just part of creation but embodied within it. We are Adam from Adamah, the earth creature from the earth. Completely dependent on the earth, the humus, and appointed stewards in God’s image within it. The earth declares the glory of the creator God. We are called to look after the earth and wonder at the God who created it.
Central to Community of the Way’s mission is creation care, living sustainability and simply. This should not just be aspirational but also worked out in the practical detail of all that we do, from the purchasing decisions we make, the food we eat to how and where we worship.
3. People
Be inclusive and welcoming
We believe that all people are created by God and are unique expressions of God’s love in creation, each one beautiful, each one valued for who they are. We believe that ethnic, gender, linguistic and denominational diversity, along with redeemed aspects of culture, are positive factors that contribute to the health and growth of the society/community.
To live life in community
The Community of the Way is called to function as team living in community in all aspects of ministry and leadership. We believe that a combination of complementary gifts, callings, perspectives, ministries and generations working together in unity at all levels of our community provides wisdom and safety. Seeking God’s will and making decisions in a team context allows accountability and contributes to greater relationship, motivation, responsibility and ownership of the vision.
Exhibit servant leadership
The Community of the Way is called to servant leadership as a lifestyle, rather than a leadership hierarchy. A servant leader is one who honours the gifts and callings of those under their care and guards their rights and privileges. Just as Jesus served His disciples, we stress the importance of those with leadership responsibilities serving those whom they lead. This applies to all levels of leadership in the community.
Do first, then teach
The Community of the Way is committed to doing first, then teaching. We believe that firsthand experience gives to our words. Godly character and a call from God are more important than an individual’s gifts, abilities and expertise.
Be relationship-oriented
The Community of the Way is dedicated to being relationship-oriented in our living and working together. We desire to be united through lives of holiness, mutual support, transparency, humility, and open communication, rather than a dependence on structures or rules — recognising that in some circumstances rules are needed to insure a safe and functioning community for everyone (including our safeguarding and anti bullying policies).
Value the individual
The Community of the Way is called to value each individual. We believe in equal opportunity and justice for all. Created in the image of God, people of all nationalities, ages and functions have distinctive contributions and callings. We are committed to honouring God-given leadership and ministry gifts in people regardless of sex or gender.
Champion young people
We believe God has gifted and called young people to spearhead vision and ministry. We are committed to value, trust, train, support and make space in order to release them. They are not only the Church of the future; they are the Church of today. We commit to follow where they lead, in the will of God.
Practice dependence on God
The Community of the Way is called to practice a life of dependence upon God in all aspects of community life. As God has been generous toward us so we desire to be generous, giving ourselves, our time and talents to God.
Practice hospitality
The Community of the Way affirms the ministry of hospitality as a radical expression of God’s character and the value of people. We believe it is important to open our hearts, homes, community and ministry to serve and honour one another, our guests and the poor and needy, not as acts of social protocol but as expressions of generosity.
Communicate with integrity
The Community of the Way is committed to truthful, kind, compassionate, accurate, timely and relevant communication. We believe good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families and communities, and effective ministry.