03.16 Service to the Church
The Order of the Common Life doesn’t exist for its own sake. Our work is directed to the service of church communities, through which we see Christ working to rebuild and restore creation in local contexts.
Rule of Life
.01
Each member belongs to and actively partners in the ministry of a local congregation, whether a traditional church, a priory or an abbey.
.02
We desire the multiplication of healthy communities, especially expressed in the historical model of the local church, regardless of the precise form, structure or denominational leadership. The Order places itself at the disposal of churches within our members’ local contexts, and wherever God builds our relationships, to collaborate and equip them toward this end.
.03
As those members discerning vows contemplate in what capacity they’re invited to serve the work of the Order, they consider as well the Order’s larger mission to support and serve the Church in its local expressions.
.04
While membership and participation in the Order isn’t exclusive to any denomination, the Order places itself under the authority and leadership of Vineyard USA.