Genesis Communities
Mission:
To cultivate, enjoy, and sustain intentional, close-knit, Jesus-centered communities through commitments of faith, simplicity, and purity.
Vision
We reflect the devotion of the Acts 2 church to our Lord Jesus Christ and to his community.
Acts 2:42-47: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
We sustain lasting and stable communities that live and serve the common good together, enduring beyond any single house, person, church, or social circle.
John 13:34-35: A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
early 2010s members at the Greenhouse.
Convictions of Belief*
Our life together is founded on Jesus, the Christ and Son of God. We desire to love Him, to follow Him, to obey His commandments, and to testify in word and deed to the coming of His kingdom here on earth. (John 1:1-14 and 14:6, Col 1:15-20, 1 Cor 3:11; Luke 6:47- 49, John 14:15, Rom 10:8-15, Matt 6:9-10)
We affirm the apostolic rule of faith in the triune God as stated in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, hold to the ethics rooted in the 10 commandments, and follow the example of the Christians and saints who have come before us and helped illuminate the way of Christ. (Acts 2:42-47, Eph 2:19-20, Matt 28:19)
Our faith is grounded in the Bible, the authoritative witness to the living Word of God. Through the Holy Spirit, we seek to be guided in all things by the New and Old Testaments. (Tim 3:14-17, Matt 5:17-19, Is 55:10-11, Luke 24:25-47, 2 Pet 1:19-21, Deut 6:4-9)
Our Communal Commitments
Since the 6th century, Christian orders have been taking vows when entering community to direct how they live out the teachings of Jesus together. These vows are known as the “Evangelical counsels”: obedience (faith), poverty (simplicity), and chastity (purity). In keeping with these early expressions of community, we commit to these essential components in a lifestyle of faith, simplicity, and purity.
Basic Rhythms of Life Together
All residential members commit to gathering together for a weekly meal and weekly prayer/worship. Additionally, each member commits to active involvement in a local church family/congregation, Beyond these commitments there are practical things to be done such as chores, maintenance, and planning meetings.
We strive to live out the following values:
Peacemaking (conflict resolution, forgiveness, speaking the truth in love, humility)
Unity (devotion to one another, respect, encouragement, vulnerability)
Promise Keeping (healthy accountability, responsibility, honesty)
Godliness (spiritual growth, Sabbath keeping, gratitude)
Hospitality (neighbor-love, generosity, humility)
Types of Membership in the community
Supporter – people in the greater community who want to participate in the dedicated rhythms of the GC
Apprentice – People who want to try out common life together by moving into a Community home (one year or less.)
Partner – People who, after their first year, have made a commitment to active life in the community
Covenant – People who, after life as a partner, feel called to community long term (5+ years) and who are willing to commit significant time and effort into managing the assets and setting the direction of the community
And…
Our other activities change throughout the year and can include the following
Book studies
Prayer groups
Potlucks
Community service projects
National Night Out
Parties and weddings
Vacation Bible School
Concerts and movie nights
Intentional Community Gatherings
Discipleship
Prayer groups (Monday & Thursday mornings)
1:1 mentoring opportunities and other gatherings (Book studies)
Involvement in local church
Hospitality
Hosting visitors, as though hosting new friends
Special interest gatherings (art/craft nights, movie nights, worship nights)
Regular sharing of meals including an open Monday night potluck at Greenhouse
Mutual Support
Communal living for some
Sharing resources (time, tools, finances..)
Individuals operating in their gifts and specialized skills.
Future large projects and shared work (farm, employment opportunities)
Homes:
Nurturing Communities Network
We are part of a larger network of communities around the globe. Check out the map!
History:
We started in January 2003 as a community house seeking growth in a community context. Since this time we have expanded and a network has grown. Genesis Communities hopes be a support to the larger network of Christ centered community households in the metro area.