Being Monastics
About • Who We Are
We are a global community. Inviting people to dedicate themselves to prayer, simplicity, work, and hospitality. Each of these is grounded in a foundation of monastic practices and rhythms. Helping us to be present with God and present with others. We are an ecumenical community that is open to all. From ministers to everyday Christians to people who have left the church. For those who want to live as monastics and those who want to sojourn with us.
The Urban Monastics Vision
People present with God and others.
Choosing simple lives in cities.
Grounded in monastic practices and rhythms.
Core Values
Monastic
We are people who resonate with and are drawn to live contemplative, meditative, and simple lives. This expresses itself in our dedication to monastic practices and rhythms.
Ecumenical
This community and it’s resources are an expression of Christian unity and inclusion. People from all Christian denominations and traditions are welcome.
Urban
The third millennium is urban. To be monastic in cities is to embody collision. Meeting the busy with calm, loud with quiet, and excess with simplicity.
When one follows an Urban Monastic way of living they are acknowledging that how we live matters. That how we live impacts the way we experience our presence with with God and others. Our way of living is rooted in the grace and love of God. It is not about earning our salvation. Being an Urban Monastic is one way we respond to the mercy Jesus has lavished upon us. Living a monastic life does not result in power or authority. We find ourselves wanting to enjoy God and others with simplicity throughout our life.
The diversity of our community extends to the rigor and commitment each person gives to our Way of Life. There will be some who choose to become Monastics. To be amongst those who are actively living the fullness of our Way of Life. Many more will sojourn with us. To deeply benefit from parts of our Way of Life, and the many invitations to pray.
Our Way of Life
Our lives are guided by the Urban Monastic Way of Life. Like nearly all historic monastic movements, our Way of Life gives direction and structure to how we live. This Way of Life (also known as a commitment or a rule) is based on the Rule of St Benedict. It has been adapted for our contemporary urban contexts.
You are invited to explore and learn more about our Way of Life.
Our Statement of Beliefs
We express our Christian belief with the Nicene Creed. Those who participate are allowed to hold a diversity of theological positions. For the statements of this creed we are in unity. This community is one of praxis over theology. Additionally, statements of exclusion, and hatred are not allowed.
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
Amen
Our Seal and Aesthetics
Our seal consists of two key elements. In the center is a Christogram. That is surrounded by three interlocking squares. Our aesthetic intentionally feels present in cities. Its goal is to help our community be present with God and with others in the cities they live in.
Learn more about our Seal and Aesthetics