In Washington D.C. towards the end of the last century, there was a unique church called the Church of the Savior. Between the years 1950-2000, their congregation of ~200 people launched over 40 different non-profits. How were they able to have such an impact?Their community was centered around contemplative practice and high commitment small groups, where people formed deep relationships and encouraged each other to find ways to be of service to those in need.Some of the groups’ commitments were:
- A commitment to spending a certain amount of time each day in contemplative silence (prayer, meditation, journaling, etc.).
- A commitment to allowing yourself to be deeply known by the group, sharing your joys and struggles.
- A commitment to the group itself -- committing to regular attendance for one year, followed by a period of discernment to determine whether you are still called to this manifestation of contemplative community.
- A commitment to spend time with people across lines of difference, and to use that time to nurture authentic relationships.
- A commitment to using the inward journey to go outward, having contemplative practice be not just be about self-actualization, but about finding the place where your gifts and brokenness can meet the world’s deep needs.