Dwelling Places

Dwelling Places aims to inspire the Church—laity and clergy alike—by giving voice to the often-overlooked, socially and spiritually transformative witness of present-day intentional Christian communities (ICCs). Drawing on her personal experience of dwelling alongside several UK-based ICCs, Lakshmi Piette Walker introduces a seven-fold typology based on ICC operational structure, intended purpose, and spiritual charism.

Each chapter focuses on one of the seven types of community, this typology providing an accessible framework for understanding and referring to the diversity of ICCs today, expanding ICC vocabulary in ways which can help expand the imagination.

Bringing attention to the diversity of contemporary UK ICCs, and their differences in operation and charism, and challenging overly narrow conceptions of intentional community, this volume offers readers new language and imagination for what the Christian life can look like. Rich in both practical insights – e.g. rhythms of life, membership structures, financial models – anthropological reflection – addressing community demographics, transience, boundaries, and sustainability – and theological reflection – how the presence of God is made manifest – Dwelling Places invites seekers, laity, clergy, academics, church-goers, and church-sceptics alike, to be inspired by, and to learn from, the life-changing witness of ICCs.