Our Way of Life is based on 10 elements that make up a framework to help us understand what being a disciple of Jesus looks like in our time and setting. The ten waymarks are:
- Journeying Together – Sharing the ups and downs of our journey of faith
- Uncovering Truth – by wrestling with the Bible, experiencing Creation and learning from others
- Developing Rhythms – of prayer, work and rest, to live a God shaped life
- Hearing God’s Voice – and being open to His Spirit -in the everyday
- Being Good News – as God’s witness in action and word
- Cherishing Creation – by celebrating and caring for it in intimate connection
- Living Simply – to be more free with time, money and attention to God
- Praying for Good – to overcome evil and bring in the Kingdom of God on Earth
- Healing What is Broken – including ourselves, other people, relationships, creation and society
- Building Unity – by focussing on what we have in common and listening to others
This framework is an adaptation of the 10 ‘waymarks’ described in Simon Reed’s book, ‘Followers of The Way’, to which we are greatly indebted. Adopting a Way of Life is an iterative, lifelong process, so it takes time – a lifetime in fact! That means we can’t do it all at once and it’s probably best to choose a few specific things each week.
The culture is one of working out our journey of faith together, where any question can be asked without hesitation. The end goal is grow as people, to become more like Jesus Christ, and the outcome of that is leading better lives. Lives that are more loving, more just, more peaceful, more restorative and more God-shaped.
“Stand at the crossroads and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” – Jeremiah: 6:16
Abbey 