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A group of twelve Christians living in the Holme Valley have joined together as a ‘new monastic community’, meeting regularly to develop their Christian discipleship and help those around them.
The ‘Community of Soul Friends’ grew out of the experiences of the Revd Nick Heaton, Team Vicar in the Upper Holme Valley, who spent time in 2016 studying ‘new monastic’ communities and looking at new approaches to Christian living “in an age when busyness is endemic and commitment truly counter cultural.”
As a result, the Community of Soul Friends has emerged. “A group of twelve people have been working for the last year on developing something which could bring freedom to live for God in the real world today,” says Nick.
“Drawing on the insights of new monastic communities, this group has developed an offer which we truly believe can make a huge difference to people and help them grow as followers of Jesus.”
The Community members belong to various churches and don’t live together. Instead, they meet quarterly over a meal and are planning to hold Quiet Days where space will be given to explore spiritual disciplines and other aspects of discipleship. The rest of the time they communicate through the website or email and meet informally.
Community member Jon Burden says, “After many years of feeling that the traditional church had nothing to offer me, it turns out God had other ideas. I discovered and explored a 'new monastic' lifestyle.
“Following a pattern of daily prayer has really helped me discover what I think the Bible means by the peace of Christ in my life and brought a new depth to my faith."
Another member, Michael Clarke, said the approach of the Community of Soul Friends is one which can bring fresh spiritual life to churches. “Surely if churches are to thrive then their spiritual growth is essential.
“New Monasticism offers people a flexible way to order their lives around prayer as is suited to their circumstances.
“It can also be useful for people who do not find traditional church worship meaningful, helping them develop their spirituality alongside others.”
Nick Heaton says that the local response has been positive. “ This is very much early days for the community and its been great to see such a positive response locally this first few weeks.
“We are certain that God has much more in store for us. … there’s a strong feeling that, in a culture where people are more likely to ask ‘Does it work?’ than ‘Is it true?’ inviting people to join in a way of life could be a fruitful way of people coming to know Jesus and then grow as disciples. After all, the early Christians were known as ‘followers of the Way.’
Find out more at: www.communityofsoulfriends.org