SCM Press Paperback English
Dwelling Places
The Practice and Witness of Intentional Christian Communities
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Dwelling Places gives voice to the often-overlooked socially and spiritually transformative witness of present-day intentional Christian communities (ICCs). Drawing on her experience of dwelling alongside several UK-based communities, Lakshmi Piette Walker introduces a seven-fold typology – organized around spiritual charism and operational structure – that highlights the diversity of contemporary ICCs. By offering new language and frameworks, this book challenges narrow conceptions of Christian community and expands the imagination for what the Christian life can look like today. Each chapter features profiles of communities, offering practical insight into rhythms of life, membership and financial models, alongside anthropological and theological reflection on themes such as transience, boundaries, sustainability, formation, spirituality and synergy with the institutional church. Dwelling Places invites seekers, laity, clergy, academics, church-goers and church-sceptics alike – whether convinced, curious or hesitant – to learn from, and be inspired by, the life-changing witness of ICCs.
Dwelling Places gives voice to the often-overlooked socially and spiritually transformative witness of present-day intentional Christian communities (ICCs). Drawing on her experience of dwelling alongside several UK-based communities, Lakshmi Piette Walker introduces a seven-fold typology – organized around spiritual charism and operational structure – that highlights the diversity of contemporary ICCs. By offering new language and frameworks, this book challenges narrow conceptions of Christian community and expands the imagination for what the Christian life can look like today. Each chapter features profiles of communities, offering practical insight into rhythms of life, membership and financial models, alongside anthropological and theological reflection on themes such as transience, boundaries, sustainability, formation, spirituality and synergy with the institutional church. Dwelling Places invites seekers, laity, clergy, academics, church-goers and church-sceptics alike – whether convinced, curious or hesitant – to learn from, and be inspired by, the life-changing witness of ICCs.