CCDA Intentional Community Network Check-in: April 8 on Zoom
NCN partners with CCDA to share insights around intentional Christian community. Evan Howard will tell us "how community supports socio-political engagement." Extra: CCDA Conference info.
“My final chapter of Deep and Wide is an apologetic for intentional community,” Evan Howard told me as we chatted about the upcoming meeting on Zoom.
Over 80 CCDA members opted in as members of the “Intentional Community Affinity Network” since its launch in 2024. You may join the bi-monthly check-ins on Zoom even if you aren’t a CCDA member.
What’s a Check-in about?
Hosted by members of intentional communities and churches practicing community in various formats, we welcome attendees, invite everyone to introduce themselves, and facilitate a Q&A. We invite a guest speaker to share their own experience. We posted recordings of two recent sessions (free downloads). Scroll down to see 21 distinct resources offered by the Network.
Wednesday, April 8 at 1 - 2 pm Eastern Time: Network Check-in on Zoom
On April 8, Evan Howard will share his insights—here’s a preview from his recent book Deep and Wide: Reflections on Socio-Political Engagement, Monasticism(s), and the Christian Life:
“I think God is doing something and I want to draw our attention to it. I want to call some of us into it. I hinted at this when I spoke in the first chapter about the “continuum” of monasticism and described people who lived “in between” an ordinary family form of life and a strictly vowed religious form of life. I stated that “I celebrate families who live in the same urban neighborhood, who pray together daily, who commit to a life of simplicity, and who take concrete steps to follow ever closer in discipleship with Christ. I applaud individuals who meet weekly online to share how they have kept a common Rule of Life of prayerful rhythm, sexual fidelity, and humble service.
Like the medieval beguines, these contemporary “semi-monastic” expressions may be exploring valuable options for Christianity today. I will take one step further here. I believe the Spirit of God is moving among us, calling many into in-between forms of life: forms of life that do not shallowly separate devotion and action, but which seek to integrate them, looking to live both deep and wide with all that this might mean. I see it everywhere.” —page 187
We’ll reserve the last half of the meeting for questions and answers.
Two more virtual Network meetings are scheduled (June 10 and August 12) before we meet in person on November 9, during the CCDA Conference in Richmond, VA.
If you’re wondering what CCDA has to do with intentional community and NCN, see our “Networking with other Networks” page.
If CCDA is new to you, take a look at the extensive website to see their diverse offerings. “Inspire, Train, and Connect” is CCDA’s motto, and they deliver.
CCDA National Conference
A number of NCN members and communities attend the CCDA Conference regularly. A pastor friend says, “It’s the best opportunity to network with others in your area of work or interest—if you’re interested in church-based community ministry of any kind.” Here’s a glimpse of the 2025 Conference, just getting started: