A rule of life for the modern era
At Eden, we believe that how we live together matters as much as our beliefs and convictions. And so, we are shaped by an ancient practice, used by communities of Jesus followers for nearly 2000 years, called a Rule of Life.
The meaning of Rule comes from the Greek word for trellis; a tool designed to enable a grapevine to get off the ground and grow upward, to become more fruitful and productive.
In the same way, a Rule of Life is a schedule and set of practices and relational rhythms that create space for us to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did. It is how we practice the way of Jesus, together.
A rule of life is how we practice the way of Jesus, together.
Our Shared, Sacred Rhythms
We are forming as a church family around a collective rule of life. For us, there are nine spiritual practices we think are essential to following Jesus in our place and time. These core Practices work together to form a trellis for Eden Church that support our entire community. They are our shared, sacred rhythms.
We are building a growing library of resources for each practice to help you along the way as you begin to incorporate our sacred rhythms into your rule of life.
A community of communion with God in a culture of distraction and escapism through the practice of Prayer.
A community of courageous fidelity to orthodoxy in a culture of ideological compromise through the practice of Scripture.
A community of peace and quiet in a culture of anxiety and noise through the practice of Solitude.
A community of holiness in a culture of indulgence and immorality through the practice of Fasting.
A community of rest and celebration in a culture of hurry and exhaustion through the practice of Sabbath.
A community of contentment in a culture of consumerism through the practice of Generosity.
A community of love and depth in a culture of individualism and superficiality through the practice of Community (coming soon).
A community of hospitality in a culture of hostility through the practice of Witness (coming soon).
A community of justice, mercy, and reconciliation in a culture of injustice and division through the practice of Service (coming soon).
“A good rule can set us free to be our true and best selves. It is a working document, a kind of spiritual budget, not carved in stone but subject to regular review and revision. It should support us, but never constrict us.”
Margaret Guenther
Wife, Mother, & Anglican Priest