Becoming a Community of Disciples

Chapter 1 Legislative Teachings – Organization of the Monastery

Every monastery is an organization and all organizations need rules in order to run smoothly. Monastic legislative texts are these rules and they are intended to guide the community in its corporate life together. In a world where everyone wants to do what is right in his own eyes (see Judges 17:6), legislative texts ensure that everyone’s experience is, more or less, the same. They do not take away one’s individuality but create space for individuals to flourish in community together. Congregational leaders today would do well to institute legislative procedures for their communities so that there is a shared ethos among all members. This will likely help to keep at bay the marginalization of particular populations within the community for it creates a more level “playing field,” if you will.

13