What's fascinating is that groups like the Amish are very similar in a lot of respects to to what many of these intentional communities are doing, with one exception. Groups like the Amish are highly successful and growing. In Pennsylvania alone they've grown from 59,000 to 81,000 in less then 10 years. There's been similar growth in Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin.
There is a key difference between the Amish (and Hutterites) and other intentional communities. Their growth comes from within, i.e. high birth rates and a high rate of retention, though the Evangelical movement has eroded this somewhat. Amish communities double in size approximately every twenty years. In 1970, the Amish numbered about 7,000 in Lancaster County, PA. In 2018 they numbered 33,143 - a 343% increase in 48 years / 3.29% annually, compounded. These two Anabaptist groups generally don't endeavour to attract new members. Some Mennonite groups and the Bruderhof grow both internally and externally, each having their own requirements for an outsider to become a member. Still, the Bruderhof have existed for about 100 years and number 3000 presently, of which about 500 have Schmiedeleut Hutterite origin after the unity between the two frayed; the first time in 1955, which saw 60 per cent of the members of the Forest River Colony (near Fordville, ND) leave the Schmiedeleut and join the Bruderhof, and the second time in '95, with more Hutterites joining the Bruderhof. That 500 is both those who left and their later descendants. In 1987 the two groups established a merged Schmiedeleut/Bruderhof community, Oakwood Colony, near Rochester, Minnesota. In November 1990, the Lehrerleut and Dariusleut Hutterite branches decided to end their relationship with the Bruderhof, which in turn exacerbated tensions amongst Schmiedeleut Hutterites. Further, the majority of the members of the Macedonia community in Georgia (who brought their toy making business with them), numerous Quakers, and a significant number of members from Midwestern congregations of the Church of the Brethren joined the Bruderhof. Members also came from Celo, Kingwood, Koinonia, and several other small communes. I reckon a reason, but not _the_ reason, the Amish are so successful is because of the familial bonds. Not only does one share the ties of religion, language, culture, history, etc., but they are relatives as well - this is not saying conflict doesn't happen within families. Not only do they have skin in the game, they have blood in it too.
I guess another problem with some communal living arrangements, especially in cases where there is no system of accountability, democracy or transparency, is the danger of an individual or group within the community monopolising power and forming a self-elected oligarchy that can exploit the rest of it.
I have lived communally in successful intentional communities. The reason they are still going is because, as you say, they arise from a central expression of faith and practice. Without that deep, "personal commonality" of being rooted in a shared spiritual venture where one uses everyday situations in community to deepen one's connection to the divine (as I lived in a Buddhist context please allow me to use a broad term that mist can agree on), then I can only imagine failure. I have watched a few of your videos and am greatly impressed by the way your communities are an expression of faith, a result rather than a cause, as you so beautifully put it. I wish you all well, and may you all move and grow from strength to strength.
We wouldn't keep trying if there weren't a need to find an alternative. Well worth the failures. Thank you to those who have suffered them so that the rest of us might reach a better alternative to what is "normal".
While I find the Bruderhof interesting, I could never do it because I am very introverted and enjoy working alone or with a couple people. Also, I am very independent. While I enjoy socailing with people, I do not tolerate distractions.
Hello again! I can't remember where I read it now unfortunately, but I read a study some time back that said that religious/intentional communities that have higher standards of discipline, accountability and higher 'entry costs' (e.g. forsaking private property) are the kinds of communities that last a lot longer than the other ones with fewer rules and expectations. I think because people have to invest so much into it that they are willing to see things through even when things get difficult- which is what happens in life in all kinds of areas, when you think about it. It requires character. And without a serious commitment, you don't get a serious payoff. I have visited a few hippy and anarchist communities and the ones that I've seen that work for any length of time are the ones with a core group (usually of just two or three) who are committed to certain ideals and principles more than they are to simply living in community as an end or benefit in itself (so those members probably don't fit the usual mould of either hippy or anarchist in the strictest sense!). So yeah, I agree with you that what 'works' is commitment to ideals and principles that go beyond temporary good vibes, and it is important to know that going in. Thanks for making this series. You guys have a lot of important wisdom to share.
Religious communities combined with "costly signaling" requirements, ideally 11 or more seems to provide the best results according to social science resarch. However, while costly signaling requirements (such as worship services or fasts or religious studies, things that are personally inconvenient yet not objectively useful to the community) increase the longevity of religious communities by sifting out free riders who are not serious about the religious commitment, such requirements actually shorten the longevity of secular communities, apparently sifting out everyone.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It has been a pleasure to watch and learn. However, there are a few concerns and questions, if I may. 1) We are social beings and although some time away in solitude is good, long term isolation takes a tole on our mental health. 2) We don't always have to run away from problems, but taking a step back and finding solutions may be a better alternative. With those two things said, I have a possible solution: start small, non-profit, eco-friendly, sustainable, off-grid, permaculture farming villages surrounding each city. Here are a few great examples: 1) ua-cam.com/video/iCGXVk-cBVk/v-deo.html 2) ua-cam.com/video/gfCcI6_1iiA/v-deo.html 3) ua-cam.com/video/fWYcsfnHfIU/v-deo.html The village's mission and primary objective is to provide for the poor and vulnerable within the city with food, jobs and environmental education thereby, reducing crime. The villages will offer temporary (no more than one year) housing and work for the homeless and food security for the city. The first step in this project would be to organize a few people interested in it. Then present the plan to the city for approval. There is a lot of govt funding and support for projects like this. I have additional ideas on how to get started and operate the farms, if you are interested. Now is the time to get started before the commercial farms use up all the water again
Y’all made me laugh with that ending. Clickbait😂 I love you guys. I’ve been learning so much about the Bruderhof from you and Laura. God bless and take care!❤️
Only Christ can impart the strength it takes to forgive and continue in this world. ..community wouldn't be too different. .we are hooman ..without Him everything fails...I fail with him..he turns everthing for good. I LOVED your reverse psychology approach ...I admire your boldness to tackle a perception people may have about you.. you are just wholesome and interesting. .keep educating us💖 without your community intentionally living community by outreaching locally ...perhaps my father wouldn't have repented. .seriously. ..So from the example you live in the broader community has an impact! Hope this encourages you where you reside...Thank you for your commitment... 🌱
I think I want to found an intentional living community. I have 45 acres in rural western Colorado (6,300 feet elevation) with electricity, high output well, 25 fenced irrigated acres, and plenty of home sight locations on the other 20 acres. There is one home (mine) on it now. I am Christian, very tolerant, but I don't want to compromise on the few basic tenants of Christianity. Is it possible to make a community where Christianity is the main spiritual force but not the leading community force for the group? I want the main tenants of the community to be a togetherness and appropriate family-friendly love, that drives the long-term sustainable mission.
Sounds like a gorgeous location. When it comes to sharing life with others, all you can do is try. We've found that being focused on following Jesus is the most important; not living in community for the sake of living in community. - Rich
I would be willing to move it it weren’t for your bitter winters. I too seek a christian community with certain values but not crazy. Let us know if you do think you might do it
@@scottc8152 sounds really great. I'll check our you information. We have lots of sun in Western CO. Winters get come at night but usually above 40 F (if not warmer) in days due to intense sun. Summers are hot though.
Thanks for this content. The title made me click! Shared onto my FB page. Our hopes for intentional community are to follow Jesus within the context of special interest hobby-centered congregate living such as model railroading. Your work there is expanding our enthusiasm here. 😇
Do you have a video about the economics of each community? How is income produced? Are you a church for tax purposes and are tax exempt? Can a community be economically viable if it had to pay taxes? If you are not paying taxes, how do you justify using all the utilities (hospitals, garbage collection, sanitation, electricity, gas, water supply) funded by all the individuals and corporations who are paying taxes? Does that seem like 'mooching' off the government?
Good questions. Short answer: We pay taxes on our businesses as well as personal income tax. Our church (like any church) is tax exempt. So no we're not mooching.
Bruderhof There would be no personal taxes if no one is paid a wage. Can you do a video on the businesses you run? So it seems those who manage the businesses bear the financial pressures for the rest of the community. Yes?
If the center of a community is not Jesus. That community not have a center. Forgiveness, transformation of the character, grow up in a deep life in the Spirit of Gospel is essential for a authentic Community. Without repent and conversion nothing is possible. (Cf. Mark 8:34-35; Luke 9:23-24; Matthew 10:38; Philippians 2:5-11) ¡Saludos desde Chile!
So those people who live on an island near India has no center cause they dont have Jesus but they predate Jesus and the bible and modern day civilization. Funny how these communities are still going after 6000 years and all other communities have fallen.
+ Tanzy Thress: OMG they tried SO HARD to recruit me into their group when I was at SAU in 2013. I even attended a dinner they had with my Bible study group because we were curious. I LOVE The Yellow Deli for their atmosphere and place, but THAT’S IT.
what do you guys think of the twelve tribes communities? I find it a turn off that they say they are the "only thing that matters in the world" or the only people God and his Spirit is working with. They believe they will produce the 144,000 male sons who will be blameless and there are a four level process to complete this. I thinkthe Bruderhoff has had disagreements with Spriggs leadership but they have a common heart. What is your take on the Twelve Tribes or other Christian communites?
Regenerative Co-Op of Pomona is an intentional community of about thirty residents, about to celebrate having run for twenty years. I've been here for fifteen. We are diverse in religious identities, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender expressions, and age. Our focus is sustainability. We just might have found a successful model which works by *not* demanding too much from each other in terms of time and resources.
@@michaels4255 "Retention" isn't our goal, in that many--often students-- live with us only a year or so. Nevertheless, we are at full capacity right now and the percentage of us who are longer-term continues to increase, as well as average age. We have become more organized in the past five years since our founder's tragic motorcycle death.
all this Christian jargon is eroneously drawn from one small place in the Bible's Book of Acts, where some of the early Christians lived together for a while. Nowhere does the Bible teach or command this, so it's a matter of taking an historical account of what happened and translating it - erroneously - into Biblical doctrine.
What's fascinating is that groups like the Amish are very similar in a lot of respects to to what many of these intentional communities are doing, with one exception. Groups like the Amish are highly successful and growing. In Pennsylvania alone they've grown from 59,000 to 81,000 in less then 10 years. There's been similar growth in Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin.
There is a key difference between the Amish (and Hutterites) and other intentional communities. Their growth comes from within, i.e. high birth rates and a high rate of retention, though the Evangelical movement has eroded this somewhat. Amish communities double in size approximately every twenty years. In 1970, the Amish numbered about 7,000 in Lancaster County, PA. In 2018 they numbered 33,143 - a 343% increase in 48 years / 3.29% annually, compounded. These two Anabaptist groups generally don't endeavour to attract new members. Some Mennonite groups and the Bruderhof grow both internally and externally, each having their own requirements for an outsider to become a member. Still, the Bruderhof have existed for about 100 years and number 3000 presently, of which about 500 have Schmiedeleut Hutterite origin after the unity between the two frayed; the first time in 1955, which saw 60 per cent of the members of the Forest River Colony (near Fordville, ND) leave the Schmiedeleut and join the Bruderhof, and the second time in '95, with more Hutterites joining the Bruderhof. That 500 is both those who left and their later descendants. In 1987 the two groups established a merged Schmiedeleut/Bruderhof community, Oakwood Colony, near Rochester, Minnesota. In November 1990, the Lehrerleut and Dariusleut Hutterite branches decided to end their relationship with the Bruderhof, which in turn exacerbated tensions amongst Schmiedeleut Hutterites. Further, the majority of the members of the Macedonia community in Georgia (who brought their toy making business with them), numerous Quakers, and a significant number of members from Midwestern congregations of the Church of the Brethren joined the Bruderhof. Members also came from Celo, Kingwood, Koinonia, and several other small communes.
I reckon a reason, but not _the_ reason, the Amish are so successful is because of the familial bonds. Not only does one share the ties of religion, language, culture, history, etc., but they are relatives as well - this is not saying conflict doesn't happen within families. Not only do they have skin in the game, they have blood in it too.
I guess another problem with some communal living arrangements, especially in cases where there is no system of accountability, democracy or transparency, is the danger of an individual or group within the community monopolising power and forming a self-elected oligarchy that can exploit the rest of it.
I have lived communally in successful intentional communities. The reason they are still going is because, as you say, they arise from a central expression of faith and practice. Without that deep, "personal commonality" of being rooted in a shared spiritual venture where one uses everyday situations in community to deepen one's connection to the divine (as I lived in a Buddhist context please allow me to use a broad term that mist can agree on), then I can only imagine failure.
I have watched a few of your videos and am greatly impressed by the way your communities are an expression of faith, a result rather than a cause, as you so beautifully put it.
I wish you all well, and may you all move and grow from strength to strength.
We wouldn't keep trying if there weren't a need to find an alternative. Well worth the failures. Thank you to those who have suffered them so that the rest of us might reach a better alternative to what is "normal".
I agree, good point
While I find the Bruderhof interesting, I could never do it because I am very introverted and enjoy working alone or with a couple people. Also, I am very independent. While I enjoy socailing with people, I do not tolerate distractions.
Hello again! I can't remember where I read it now unfortunately, but I read a study some time back that said that religious/intentional communities that have higher standards of discipline, accountability and higher 'entry costs' (e.g. forsaking private property) are the kinds of communities that last a lot longer than the other ones with fewer rules and expectations. I think because people have to invest so much into it that they are willing to see things through even when things get difficult- which is what happens in life in all kinds of areas, when you think about it. It requires character. And without a serious commitment, you don't get a serious payoff. I have visited a few hippy and anarchist communities and the ones that I've seen that work for any length of time are the ones with a core group (usually of just two or three) who are committed to certain ideals and principles more than they are to simply living in community as an end or benefit in itself (so those members probably don't fit the usual mould of either hippy or anarchist in the strictest sense!). So yeah, I agree with you that what 'works' is commitment to ideals and principles that go beyond temporary good vibes, and it is important to know that going in. Thanks for making this series. You guys have a lot of important wisdom to share.
Thank you. And this: "without a serious commitment, you don't get a serious payoff," is very true!
Religious communities combined with "costly signaling" requirements, ideally 11 or more seems to provide the best results according to social science resarch. However, while costly signaling requirements (such as worship services or fasts or religious studies, things that are personally inconvenient yet not objectively useful to the community) increase the longevity of religious communities by sifting out free riders who are not serious about the religious commitment, such requirements actually shorten the longevity of secular communities, apparently sifting out everyone.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It has been a pleasure to watch and learn. However, there are a few concerns and questions, if I may.
1) We are social beings and although some time away in solitude is good, long term isolation takes a tole on our mental health.
2) We don't always have to run away from problems, but taking a step back and finding solutions may be a better alternative.
With those two things said, I have a possible solution: start small, non-profit, eco-friendly, sustainable, off-grid, permaculture farming villages surrounding each city. Here are a few great examples:
1) ua-cam.com/video/iCGXVk-cBVk/v-deo.html
2) ua-cam.com/video/gfCcI6_1iiA/v-deo.html
3) ua-cam.com/video/fWYcsfnHfIU/v-deo.html
The village's mission and primary objective is to provide for the poor and vulnerable within the city with food, jobs and environmental education thereby, reducing crime. The villages will offer temporary (no more than one year) housing and work for the homeless and food security for the city.
The first step in this project would be to organize a few people interested in it. Then present the plan to the city for approval. There is a lot of govt funding and support for projects like this.
I have additional ideas on how to get started and operate the farms, if you are interested.
Now is the time to get started before the commercial farms use up all the water again
Y’all made me laugh with that ending. Clickbait😂 I love you guys. I’ve been learning so much about the Bruderhof from you and Laura. God bless and take care!❤️
Only Christ can impart the strength it takes to forgive and continue in this world. ..community wouldn't be too different. .we are hooman ..without Him everything fails...I fail with him..he turns everthing for good. I LOVED your reverse psychology approach ...I admire your boldness to tackle a perception people may have about you.. you are just wholesome and interesting. .keep educating us💖 without your community intentionally living community by outreaching locally ...perhaps my father wouldn't have repented. .seriously. ..So from the example you live in the broader community has an impact! Hope this encourages you where you reside...Thank you for your commitment... 🌱
Thank you! That is an encouragement. Best wishes to you.
You guys are hilarious and real Christ like people. It’s amazing to see
I think I want to found an intentional living community. I have 45 acres in rural western Colorado (6,300 feet elevation) with electricity, high output well, 25 fenced irrigated acres, and plenty of home sight locations on the other 20 acres. There is one home (mine) on it now. I am Christian, very tolerant, but I don't want to compromise on the few basic tenants of Christianity. Is it possible to make a community where Christianity is the main spiritual force but not the leading community force for the group? I want the main tenants of the community to be a togetherness and appropriate family-friendly love, that drives the long-term sustainable mission.
Sounds like a gorgeous location. When it comes to sharing life with others, all you can do is try. We've found that being focused on following Jesus is the most important; not living in community for the sake of living in community. - Rich
@natty nate Haitian Zulu warrior spirit lol. No way. I'd rather jump out of a plane with no parachute over rugged mountains and be eaten by wolves lol
Yeah not into that
I would be willing to move it it weren’t for your bitter winters. I too seek a christian community with certain values but not crazy. Let us know if you do think you might do it
@@scottc8152 sounds really great. I'll check our you information. We have lots of sun in Western CO. Winters get come at night but usually above 40 F (if not warmer) in days due to intense sun. Summers are hot though.
Thanks for this content. The title made me click! Shared onto my FB page. Our hopes for intentional community are to follow Jesus within the context of special interest hobby-centered congregate living such as model railroading. Your work there is expanding our enthusiasm here. 😇
Do you have a video about the economics of each community? How is income produced? Are you a church for tax purposes and are tax exempt? Can a community be economically viable if it had to pay taxes? If you are not paying taxes, how do you justify using all the utilities (hospitals, garbage collection, sanitation, electricity, gas, water supply) funded by all the individuals and corporations who are paying taxes? Does that seem like 'mooching' off the government?
Good questions. Short answer: We pay taxes on our businesses as well as personal income tax. Our church (like any church) is tax exempt. So no we're not mooching.
Bruderhof There would be no personal taxes if no one is paid a wage. Can you do a video on the businesses you run? So it seems those who manage the businesses bear the financial pressures for the rest of the community. Yes?
I love the series. Thank you again for taking the time and effort to lift up community focused on living out Jesus' teachings.
Thanks for the encouragement! Next up is an interview with someone who started their own intentional community back in the 1970s.
If the center of a community is not Jesus. That community not have a center. Forgiveness, transformation of the character, grow up in a deep life in the Spirit of Gospel is essential for a authentic Community. Without repent and conversion nothing is possible. (Cf. Mark 8:34-35; Luke 9:23-24; Matthew 10:38; Philippians 2:5-11) ¡Saludos desde Chile!
You are so right! Repentance and conversion are central to life in community. Great to hear from you!
There are other centers.
So those people who live on an island near India has no center cause they dont have Jesus but they predate Jesus and the bible and modern day civilization. Funny how these communities are still going after 6000 years and all other communities have fallen.
Is there a community that can be visited close to San Diego?
Peace be with you all and grace
Unfortunately not. Pretty much all on the east coast at this point.
No anyone can join
There are. Don’t have photos to hand
A little leaven leavens the whole.
nice one! yes Jesus has to be at the centre and self at the outer!
We have the yellow deli people here in Chattanooga Tn. This is where it was started back in the 70 ?
Here's how the Bruderhof got started: www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/our-journey
+ Tanzy Thress: OMG they tried SO HARD to recruit me into their group when I was at SAU in 2013. I even attended a dinner they had with my Bible study group because we were curious. I LOVE The Yellow Deli for their atmosphere and place, but THAT’S IT.
@@adverseflower34 is that the 12 tribes group????
Chris Lam I think so? I honestly don't know.
natty nate Haitian Zulu warrior spirit So obviously I'm black...there were only two blacks and everyone else was caucasian....
What if u fall off a ladder and get a broken neck . Does the commune take care of you. What if u molest a child does the commune take care of you.
Awesome job 👏👏🥰
Is FIC-Foundation for Intentional Community Christian?
Don't believe so
what do you guys think of the twelve tribes communities? I find it a turn off that they say they are the "only thing that matters in the world" or the only people God and his Spirit is working with. They believe they will produce the 144,000 male sons who will be blameless and there are a four level process to complete this. I thinkthe Bruderhoff has had disagreements with Spriggs leadership but they have a common heart. What is your take on the Twelve Tribes or other Christian communites?
Regenerative Co-Op of Pomona is an intentional community of about thirty residents, about to celebrate having run for twenty years. I've been here for fifteen. We are diverse in religious identities, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender expressions, and age. Our focus is sustainability. We just might have found a successful model which works by *not* demanding too much from each other in terms of time and resources.
Sounds very interesting. Do you have a website?
That's really cool! Thanks for the info.
How well is it retaining the second generation?
@@michaels4255 "Retention" isn't our goal, in that many--often students-- live with us only a year or so. Nevertheless, we are at full capacity right now and the percentage of us who are longer-term continues to increase, as well as average age. We have become more organized in the past five years since our founder's tragic motorcycle death.
thnk u
Villages are as well a dangerous option
For a Community that doesn't agree with social media etc. they are really out there, and cashing in on this! Reality at it's worst. Double standards!!
When I read the headline I thought intentional said international lol
well said. Jesus is the foundation for successful community not intentional community.
Niche clickbate lol
The only way an intentional community would effectively work is on a post apocaliptic scenario... Think about it.
????? So the thousands of functional intentional communitys don’t work
all this Christian jargon is eroneously drawn from one small place in the Bible's Book of Acts, where some of the early Christians lived together for a while. Nowhere does the Bible teach or command this, so it's a matter of taking an historical account of what happened and translating it - erroneously - into Biblical doctrine.
I really believe in intentional community but this was a disgustingly deceptive video. Shame on you.
I disagree. It is bad. I’m glad I’m not part of community living. I value my family privacy.
What did I just watch...
This was like watching Bob Ross on thorozine.
Scott Gust whatever dude
@@Bruderhof Don't feed the trolls. Thanks for the videos by the way, I'm enjoying them, keep 'em coming. God bless :o)
2nd Birth everyone loves Bob Ross any which way
Thorozine?
Your way wrong it’s 2020 dude get with the times
Not helpful.