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Simplicity -- Striving to live with only what one needs, not wants. We are not driven by simplicity (or we still serve money), but we are committed to love, which demands simplicity. Non-violence -- Driven by love which does not express itself in violence towards people... absolute community and individual commitment to not use violence. Spirituality -- The community shares a common desire for spirituality, often expressed through work, worship, prayer, and sharing of the sacraments. Relationships -- Commitment to balance time inside the intentional community as well as building relationships outside... balance between inward growth and relationships and outward growth and relationships. Jobs -- Commitment to balance work inside and outside The Simple Way, individually and communally. Kingdom of God -- Commitment to building the Kingdom of God, through ending poverty. Together -- TSW will strives to work with, not for, people -- allowing the people most affected by problems to lead the way in the struggle for their solutions. Healing -- We are all broken. And we are all on a journey towards wholeness. This healing is individual, communal, and social. Accountability -- Community members are held accountable to one another by love. With open permission and intentional commitment to actively hold one another accountable, we work toward loving God and loving people. Local assembly -- The community worships with and builds relationships with congregations. Non-profit -- The non-profit is an instrument to systematically function as a Body, but if this system hinders the Spirit of the community or its vision, it will be abandoned. Structure -- The community recognizes the necessity and danger of structure, and establishes structures not as a prescription for community but as a description of how the body and family function, often driven by individual roles rather than systematic delegation. The creative and performing arts -- We recognize that we are created Imago Dei to be creators. Each individual has unique and special creative abilities that add to communal "art". Also, we value the role that art has in breaking the cycle of poverty and liberating emotional and spiritual deprivation. Projects -- The community may find projects to do as a Body and family, which all persons commit themselves to (in different capacities), and individuals initiate personal projects with the community involvement in mind. All projects are born out of love, not out of the desire for programs. Growth -- The nature of love is to grow. There are both opportunities and dangers in growth. Everyone is invited to "come and see". Anyone desiring to join the community or a new Simple house must first have a journey with the existing community members. Balance -- The community will continue to struggle for transformation both on the systematic (in the macro and micro) level and on the personal level... small things with great love, great things with great love. Play -- The community is committed to playing... creating foolishness as we dance together; never forgetting to cry and always remembering to laugh. Rest -- Action must be accompanied by reflection, and reflection by action. Rest is done as a community and as individuals, distinct from playing. Justice Hope Beauty
Functionality (what it really looks like each day) Money -- it is generally our policy to not give out money. When necessary, we go with the person. If giving out money, we check with at least one other community member. Drugs -- No illegal substances are allowed in the house under any circumstance. Relations -- We do not allow ourselves to be alone with a new guest to the house. As relationships develop, community members' discernment is respected, but aloneness with a guest is strongly discouraged. It is generally our policy to not be alone with kids. If this is necessary, we check in and out with another community member. Alcohol -- We recognize the implications of buying and using alcohol, especially in our neighborhood. When alcohol is to be consumed in the house, this is to be discussed with the other community members. Weapons -- No implements of death allowed, regardless of race, creed, religion, or perceived level of power or authority (including police officers). Donations -- Suggested donation for living in the intentional community is $150 a month or $50 a week. Guests -- there are several levels of commitment for guests. Initially, we generally invite anyone to visit anytime. Any overnight visits are decided as a community. If individuals want to become permanent community members, this is to be discussed after previously visiting. Them must commit to Loving God, Loving People and Following Jesus, and to the vision, commitments, Foundation, and Functionality of the community and The Simple Way. Non-violent civil disobedience -- There are times when we must choose to stand in solidarity with the oppressed rather than follow the law of the world. We choose non-violence because the Powers choose violence. Our resistance is always born out of relationships where the people most affected are in leadership. House meetings -- Mandatory, once a week..."points" meetings designed to connect with information, dates, ideas, struggles. Prayer -- Sometimes scheduled, sometimes not... highly suggested, not mandatory even when scheduled. Family Dinners -- Mandatory, bi-weekly... scheduled dinner time for the family to check-in with one another and be together. Community members often share meals together outside this scheduled time. Roundtables (guest dinners) -- Bi-weekly dinners, often inviting guests... for the purpose of discussion or special activities (i.e. visiting communities). Re-Evaluation -- Times of reflection to keep connected as individuals and as a family, often scheduled when a new member comes into the community (after 2 months...) Sabbath -- Time of rest and/or reflection and/or playing... done sporadically during the week as individuals and as a family. One day is also set aside as a Sabbath, typically Sunday. The community rests (as well as routine activities). Emergency -- Must be willing to be flexible and sacrifice when there are special needs requiring a meeting, discussion, or simply bonding.
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