Lifestyle FAQs
Are you a commune?
We do live together communally, but we do not call ourselves
a commune.
Does everyone have his own job?
We do not have independent sources of income. As followers of
Yahshua we are the Commonwealth of Israel , that
is, a body of people with one government and a shared economy.
We work together as crews and teams and, like the first believers
in Jerusalem, remain devoted to fellowship even as we earn income
.
The income we earn is not our own individual means of support
but is voluntarily shared to meet whatever the pressing needs
of the local community happen to be. Our goal in working together
in the businesses we operate is to seek first the Kingdom of God
and His justice. Seeing to it that all have their needs met is
a basic part of that justice being expressed.
Where does all the money go?
Most of our shared earnings go to pay for property taxes, food,
electricity, phone, car insurance, clothing, and health care.
Since we are a commonwealth of tribes comprising a nation, we
also willingly contribute toward the development of new communities
that are not yet self-supporting. As a people we choose to live
frugally, and none of us, including our leaders, have property
or wealth which we do not voluntarily share.
Do you use drugs?
No. Drug and alcohol use is an attempt to fill the emptiness
and soothe the pain caused by a bad conscience. As the proverb
says, "Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to
him whose life is bitter. Let him drink and forget his poverty,
and remember his trouble no more" (Proverbs 31:6-7). This passage
captures very well the darkness some of us have experienced in
the past by using drugs and alcohol. Now they have no place in
our life because we are forgiven, have the power to forgive others,
and lead a rich, full life in the Community.
What kind of sexual practices do you engage in?
We uphold the standard of a lifelong marriage covenant between
one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). Within this marriage relationship
we enjoy sexual intimacy. Outside of the marriage covenant, sexual
relations are sin, and we do not approve of or practice sin.
Do you allow members to have access to medical care?
We are very concerned about our health. This is why we place
so much emphasis on a healthy diet, getting regular exercise,
fresh air, and rest. When we need the services of dentists, doctors,
or hospitals, we seek them out.
Medical care is a matter of personal choice based on each person's
faith and conviction. While we as a people prefer the simplest
and most natural means of healing possible, we do not restrict
people's access to medical care, nor do we presume to know just
how their healing will come.
Do you celebrate Christmas?
We often give thanks for the amazing birth of our Master in
Judea long ago, pondering its many deep meanings. But, like the
believers of the Early Church, we pay no attention to any particular
day. The fact that He came as one of us is what fills us with
awe and hope, not any particular date on the annual calendar.
The modern Christmas holiday is a collection of religious beliefs
and cultural practices that have piled up over the centuries.
While some of them might have some validity, the frantic materialism
we see so often in our day leaves us cold.
We do like to make a special effort during this season to open
our homes to those left lonely and dissatisfied by the holiday
spirit, so we often have a special meal for guests on such traditional
holidays.
Do you hold regular religious services or meetings?
We gather every morning and evening to share our hearts and
worship and pray. Our dress is somewhat informal compared to most
religious meetings, yet is modest and clean. All have freedom
to share what they are hearing in their heart from our Father
(1 Peter 4:11). We sing songs and dance Israeli-style folk dances.
We pray together at the end of our gatherings and usually have
a meal together afterwards. You are welcome to join us at any
of these gatherings. Please check with the local Community for
the exact time.
Do your people collect welfare?
No. We do not believe we should take money that the government
raises by taxing our neighbors to support us in our voluntary
lifestyle. That money is for destitute people who have no means
of support and no way to get that means. We believe that Our Father
in heaven will see to it that we never lack food and clothing
(Matthew 6:25-34).
Do your members collect social security benefits?
Yes. Social security is different from welfare. It is mandatory
group insurance based on premiums paid out of a person's earnings.
Although we do not collect welfare, we think those in our midst
who spent perhaps many years paying into the Social Security system
are entitled to their benefits.
How are leaders chosen?
Leaders are chosen because they have administrative gifting
and the heart of a shepherd, and their personal life meets the
qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. This
is done with the full consent of those whom they will be leading.
Ephesians
2:12 "Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ,
excluded from the Commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the
covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.
Acts
2:42 "And they continued steadfastly
in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread,
and in prayers.
Printer-friendly
