Building Coherent Communities
Supportive communities are essential for building spiritual health and personal growth. For some, growing up in a community that affirmed their identity and provided a strong value system was a good thing. For others, community life may have felt oppressive and rigid or even desctructive. Regardless of your previous experience, it is always possible to find or build communities that support your growth and the growth of others.
Healthy spiritual communities are characterized by seven key ideals:
Coherence: Aligning personal and community beliefs with behaviors
Caring: Effective conflict resolution and cross-generational mentoring
Compassion: Empathy and love among members
Common Values: Shared goals and respect for both individuals and the community
Code: A moral code that promotes accountability and support without shaming
Contribution: Opportunities for leadership and service, allowing meaningful engagement
Connectedness: Feeling known, heard, and valued, fostering deep emotional bonds
Which of these traits exist in the organizations and communities you help lead and build?
Which of these traits are lacking?
Dig deep…keep going.