At the start of 2026, an invitation went out to many longing for deeper community:
Are you ready for a way of life that is good news—
to you, to others, and to all creation?
What followed was more than a workshop.
Over eight weeks, a small group of seekers gathered online to explore the foundations of shared life—what it means to follow Jesus together in a way that is intentional, embodied, and sustainable.
Then, two weeks after Easter, many of them met face to face for the first time at Maple Ridge Bruderhof in upstate New York for a final weekend immersion.
From participants:
“We are all seeking God’s will and trying to live in community in one way or another. But to meet each other face to face—to be vulnerable, humble, and grateful together… it was amazing.”
“Beginning each meeting with gratitude is something I’m taking with me. Gratitude turns us outward—away from ourselves and toward others. It humbles us in the simple gifts of life and makes room for joy, attentiveness, and hope.”
—Amanda (Maple Ridge)
“I come away from this experience invigorated, knowing we have so much to learn from each other. I hope this is the first of many such gatherings. We need spaces where we can keep opening ourselves to new ideas and iterations of God’s design. The Spirit is like the wind—and if we are not flexible, our hearts won’t be touched or changed.” —Amanda
“This weekend was filled with powerful moments that helped me connect deeply with the course material. One day, we went through the main components of the framework with several Bruderhof members, hearing their stories and the questions they continue to wrestle with. Their generosity and joy in sharing gave me a vivid picture—through lived experience and story—of the depth of regenerative culture we are all seeking in intentional Christian community.”
—Rosey (Georgia)
Video: Enoch from a community in Georgia shares his highlight of the weekend
“Through teaching, sharing, working, and fellowship, the weekend was a full and rich experience. I’m grateful to Kent, Ian, and Joel—not only for the content they brought, but for the questions they asked that pushed me to think more deeply. I would recommend this gathering to anyone seeking to grow in living out the Gospels in community.” —Kevin (Maple Ridge)
“As someone who inherited community, one of the biggest highlights for me was interacting with people—now dear friends—who are actively trying to build community from scratch. Just as an established community can be a helpful example to those starting out, so the experience and perspective of those forming something new is also deeply helpful for those of us living within traditions handed down across generations.
There is a purity and rawness to these new beginnings that stands in contrast to a life steeped in tradition and history. It’s hard to fully articulate, but the intentional, hungry seeking I witnessed cannot be fabricated—and it breathed new life into my daily existence.
Seeing our community through the eyes of newcomers deepened my gratitude for God’s work all around me. I am thankful to have been part of this gathering, and I wish the same experience for others—whether inside established communities or not.”
—Wesley (third-generation Bruderhof member)
Sunday morning: lively praise songs had children dancing in the aisle.
Taken together, these reflections point beyond individual moments or impressions. They converge on a shared recognition: something deeper was being formed in the space between us—through encounter, learning, and the practice of community itself.
Reflections, Take-aways, & Future
What emerged over that weekend wasn’t just insight, but a glimpse of what many are seeking: a shared life marked by gratitude, openness, and a willingness to be changed by one another.
For some, it brought fresh eyes to a community they had long called home. For others, it gave form to something they are only beginning to build. For all, it pointed toward a way of life that can’t be manufactured—but can be received, practiced, and grown together.
This workshop was one small step in that direction. More are already being planned for those who find themselves asking similar questions.
If that’s you, we’d be glad to be in touch.
