Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

1. What are the benefits of becoming a Participant in the Nurturing Communities Network?

The resources on NCN’s website and relationships within the network are available to all regardless whether an individual or group are formal participants.

When a community becomes a Participating Communities, it is added to the interactive map .

Additional benefits are:

  • Being connected to brothers and sisters who likewise are seeking to witness to God’s reconciling good news through intentional Christ-centered communities.

  • Receiving encouragement, resources and friends for the journey of shared life.

  • Having imaginations sparked by the Spirit through conversations and interactions.

  • Being able to assist others who may be seeking community in other cities.  

  • Gaining from the wisdom of those who have lived in community longer.

  • Gaining courage to engage challenging topics, efforts and directions by the example of other intentional communities.  

2. What theological beliefs are communities agreeing with by joining the network?

As a network we do not seek doctrinal conformity of the participating communities.  Instead, our one common character is that we are all Christ-centered communities, seeking to model Christ’s teachings in our day-to-day living, ministry, and witness.  

This life is characterized:

  • love of neighbor and enemies

  • forgiveness

  • sharing of resources so that none would be in need among us

  • care of creation

  • offering of hospitality

  • servant leadership

3. What is the money collected from Nurturing Communities Network membership used for?

Funds are used to pay some administrative costs such as the website fee, a small stipend for administrative support, travel for visits to fledgling or struggling communities and strategic networking communities, and limited subsidies for gatherings.  

4. What does financial accountability for Nurturing Communities Network look like?

Funds are held in a separate bank account with Everence Federal Credit Union.  The account is reviewed by one of the NCN steering committee members. Regular financial reports are provided to the steering committee and are available to any member of the public upon request.

5. How is NCN’s leadership chosen?

The Nurturing Community Project (NCP) was created by David Janzen of Reba Place Fellowship in 2009 in response to the need of newly formed communities for mentoring and guidance from more experienced communities and individuals.

As the project took shape, David asked others to form a steering committee to serve as a sounding board and provide guidance for his activities. In 2017, David asked Joe and Nancy Gatlin of Hope Fellowship to take over his leadership role.  Debbie Baumgartner of Jesus People USA and Toby Mommsen of the Bruderhof also serve on the leadership team. The network continues informally with no bylaws and no term limits for either the steering committee or the leadership team. Individuals are asked to renew their commitment to serve on an annual basis.