Here's the link to the section on leadership in Foundations of our Faith and Calling that I mentioned www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations/church-order/pastoral-leadership and here's the section on decision making www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations/church-order/making-decisions.

Laura, you're so articulate and clear. I SUPER appreciate the leadership aspects...how it really works within your community...your sharing all this. Thank you!

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

Ай бұрын

Thanks for your comment! Wishing you the very best 😊

Your sons will be such gentlemen and so well-spoken. You are one of the few KZreadrs that I can listen to, relax and not be bored.

The simplicity and community of Bruderhof life is alluringly romantic and ideal, however it's the emphasis on a living breathing walk with Jesus and guidance by the Holy Spirit which truly amazes me. God bless you and all in the community. You are truly glorifying the Father!

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Felicia!

you are an excellent orator. I enjoy your talks very much.

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I love your channel.

@thelasthomelyhouse

3 жыл бұрын

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof you are very kind. It is a rare gift to be able to communicate so well Laura. thank you xxx (how amazing that we have this connection over age, country, interests - I love it!) xxx

Your joy is infectious, I would love to have met you when you were in England.

I love that your explanation stated that the people need to be taken care of. It’s our mission to reach out to others and win them to Christ but it’s also important to keep our “sheep” fed and make sure they are taken care of. One thing a little if churches overlook these days. They are so busy reaching the lost yet forget their own people. Their flock.

These were really lovely, nuanced reflections on leadership and decision making in your church, Laura.

Your leaders have definitely done well to appoint you as "Public Relation Manager" of the Bruderhof. I keep listening with amazement and interest.

The more I read about Bruderhof the more I feel suited to this path.

I'm not a believer but love your videos and love the idea of intentional communities. Keep up the good work ☺️

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

It’s been interesting to read what people who have left the Bruderhof had to say...it’s so different to what Laura describes

@mikem5475

Ай бұрын

I have been trying my best to hear that perspective but haven't been able to find it

I was one who asked about decision making. This video was very helpful. I especially appreciated the points you made about servant leadership, listening for divine direction rather than our personal desires, and also patience to move toward unity. These are important aspects for all of us to take up, regardless of whether we live in an intentional community. Thank you!

I was very intrigued and interested in the bruderhof until I watched Tracy Lockwood’s “Life after Utopia” speech here on youtube. If someone reading this is genuinely thinking about joining this group, I urge you to watch that video first.

@michelferreira9695

3 жыл бұрын

You don't need to join Christian communities to walk with Christ, to spread the Word, to be an example in Christ. If you find things that you think it's right at Bruderhof, because it reflects on Christian values, then put that on practice on your life, suggest it on your church or your home.

@John-FourteenSix

3 жыл бұрын

“If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.” - C. S. Lewis

@hardyhofer5160

3 жыл бұрын

Tracy Lockwood is a confessed atheist , she despises followers of Jesus ,why take her council . You don t have to live in a closed community to become a born again Christian.

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Marissa - I can only speak to my own experience, but I can’t really relate to much of what Tracy says. This video is coming from the American Atheist channel so there’s obviously a fundamental difference in worldview and values. I know that as a teen I didn’t understand many of the motives and decisions that my parents made, but looking back I can see that they were trying their best to be faithful to their calling, even if they made mistakes. Visitors are welcome on our communities and you’re always welcome to come and see for yourself (after Covid I guess!). All the best, Laura.

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

BTW there’s a page on the Bruderhof website with stories from young people who’ve grown up on our communities and decided to do something else with their lives www.bruderhof.com/en/reaching-out/different-paths

Excellent content. Thank you.

You radiate joy. Thank you, for all the videos. As someone mentioned in the comments, your oratory ability is outstanding. Keep well your side 🖤

Well explained! 🤙😀 After seeing your vlog, I purchased Another Life Is Possible. Found the stories inspiring and the photography was excellent. I can highly recommend it.

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

@lailja21

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear of another who also enjoyed the book so! I purchased some as gifts. Excited to share them with others.

I like how open & honest you are. Thank you for another interesting & thought provoking video. Love from Australia 🇦🇺

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lynne! Merry Christmas to you in Australia!

God Bless you Laura. “If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.” - C. S. Lewis

Thank you. Well done.

The first time I told someone that the Kingdom of Heaven is not a democracy, they nearly fell off their chair and thought I was a heretic who was going to completely derail them spiritually with that kind of philosophy! (Such a philosophy WOULD of course derail them, but only from the wrong tracks.) So comforting to hear that I am not the only 'radical' out there who understands this truth. And yes, unity is not the same as conformity; they have such very different foundations, and very different trajectories.

Hi laura your videos are amazing I think what you are saying is very true. All the best see you next time

Thank you for this discussion, Laura. In our church we are blessed to have 5 couples, elders & wives, who direct the ministry. We also have deacons with specific roles. We believe in "whole body" ministry which I think is what you describe. However, we trust our leaders to pray & be led by Holy Spirit to direct the life of the church. That applies while all our meetings are still online as well as physical meetings!

It seems as if you've chosen a life that suits you very well. I admire and respect that.

As to leadership, there's so many that experience fear not being controlled. Then there are those that instigate chaos to show people they need leadership. Which go back to O.T., Gods people were supposed to do right by themselves. Yet, so many always calculate things to their benefit or favor. Where they have to be controlled. But, take those that will live by the faith, they do not need someone controlling them. Which, I have lived among others that understand these things. Now if it were others, you'd end up like Chicago.

This is really exploratory about how it goes. I love it. thank you!

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

So glad!

Absolutely love your videos, Laura! 🍂🍁

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

I so enjoy all your videos. You are an excellent speaker and explain everything so well. I have read Another Life is Possible, such a wonderful book. I too have read the foundations of faith and believe as you yet have never heard it explained so well. Thank you so much for sharing.

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Barb!

I just love the Bruderhof life...I wish things weren't so screwed up. I would be there already. I want to visit in the spring.. And plan to.. But we will have to see how things go....😒

Thank u so much for these vids.💖. I'm a huge fan.lol..in this crazy world it is so nice to be reminded of what is really going on. God 1st..and GOD wins🙌💯🥰. I would so like to meet u and hangout. We could have many giggles. I giggle when u do😄

Spot on. No church is a democracy. Also I appreciate your videos. You always encourage me keep my eyes on Jesus in the most practical ways. I do not live in an intentional Community, but I am involved in an intentional Christian Community. And the same principles apply though we do not live together on one communal piece of property. Blessings to you and your family!

Great job Laura proclaiming the message of leadership in the Bruderhof!

I love your videos Laura! If I were younger I might join your community however I am a Catholic Christian for 65 years and I'm devoted to my faith as you are to yours and I respect that! Actually we have many things in common! But you are just so darn cute! And you look so pretty in that pastel blue! God bless you and your family during this Advent season!

Laura, I have been enjoying your videos. I am a born-again Christian, and the closest I've come to true community was our singles group back in the 80s. I miss those days so badly, when we were accountable to each other, everyone was cared for, and the pastors were gentle and firm. It was no meat market like I've heard singles groups can be. Now I live a different life, as I am disabled and my cousin lets me live with her. I am not in touch with any other Christians, but plan to change that via Facebook. All the old members are in my friends' list, just waiting for community to happen again, I think. I read over the foundations part of the Bruderhof website, and was surprised to see the Catholic creed there. I didn't think y'all were Catholic. I was brought up as one, but never made the life-saving connection to Christ and left. I had a dramatic salvation experience on June 23, 1986, and my life has never been the same. Yes, I have troubles, but God tells us everyone will. Jesus is everything to me and even if He didn't help me in this life, I'd be His. Eternally. Please keep up your ministry. I will be here watching. Thanks!

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Susan, thanks for writing. The creeds that are in Foundations are from the very early church and are shared by all orthodox Christians, including Catholics of course. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas! Laura

@emzadia

3 жыл бұрын

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thanks so much for replying, Laura. And for educating me. There's a line in there about being a catholic. That's what threw me. Otherwise I agree with it. Hope you are having a blessed week. Looking forward to more videos from you. You are a pastor yourself in a sense! 💒

Thanks Laura! 😊

Life in community can be wonderful and difficult all at the same time. People having an opportunity to speak honestly is so important. I loved your emphasis on the Holy Spirit and prayer. Calling upon God is really the only way community living can work. Thank you for being so open about these many things, Laura!

Hi Laura, do you choose pastors and deacons like a fellowship or more like a conference?

Also can I ask about how the preachers & teachers are appointed. In our church our full-time elder has overall responsibility for preaching & we are blessed with 2 other preaching elders as well as several others in our congregation gifted in preaching.

Hi Laura, another great video!! 💜💜💜

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! 🤗

A very important topic and you handled very well. Thank you. It seems public service in our broader society has been corrupted beyond recognition. It is refreshing to hear that a context exists that allows public service from the heart to be realized. Term limits are one way to govern leadership so that our best intentions are realized. Do leaders serve for a specific period of time and are there limits to the duration and breadth of a single individual's leadership contribution?

@manonash67

3 жыл бұрын

Interesting to note that this question has not been answered yet...

Thanks Laura. This was a really insightful video. For visitors and those considering Christian based intentional community, but who may only have a basic grasp of the Bible, are there teaching and learning opportunities and chances to study and pray to grow in faith? As always, thank you for your videos. I have learnt a lot.

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Yes there certainly are. Right now over on the Bruderhof website they're doing zoom meeting a couple times a week for folks who are interested

@simondavey7787

3 жыл бұрын

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thank you. Having explored some of the opportunities, there seems to be a lot of positive chances to engage.

There is a bruderhof in Kent UK but I can't get there shame there's no free transport then I'd only have to save up to stay in a hotel or something it would be a cool experience

My cat likes your videos! He fell asleep with his paws over his nose. Your voice must be calming :) Do you have superstitions in the Bruderhof? A lot of people were anxious about there being two Friday the 13ths this year, for instance. And my cat stayed longer in the shelter because black cats are seen as unlucky. But I think he’s great!

Always enjoy your posts Just curious to know if people can have pets with them.

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, absolutely

Ti voglio tanto bene tesoro ❤️❤️❤️🤗🤗🤗🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

Did you have to ask to have a KZread channel which you post on about the bruderhof? Do community leaders ever have any input or thoughts on the things that you post? Are their things that are off limit or alternatively encouraged that you post?

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

I come up with the content myself, although I do discuss about what I'm planning to talk about with friends and family, also because it helps me sort out my thoughts :) But I don't have to ask for permission for any of it. Stuff that's off limits is stuff that I think is too personal for KZread!

💛

Very interesting video. As usual, you explain things clearly, which I really appreciate. One thing that does bother me about many religions is that only men are permitted in the top positions as ministers, priests, rabbis, etc. I'm sure this is because of adherence to religious texts like the bible, but still...In those ancient times, I think these texts reflected the general view of society towards women. Even in our more recent U.S. history, some of those views--like not allowing women to vote--prevailed until fairly recently. So I wonder why many religions haven't evolved, in the way our culture is slowly beginning to evolve. It's obvious that women are fully capable of these religious roles, which is evident as some religions do allow them this higher level of leadership. My more cynical self thinks that this practice persists because it allows men to cling to the power they have. This also goes for male dominance in many professions and aspects of our culture. For instance, how many female orchestra conductors do you see? This is not meant as a criticism of your community, which has been in existence for so many years. Apparently, you all are putting in practice a theology that works.

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jackie. We believe that church leadership (being a minister) is something that is reserved for men, we do have women in many other leadership roles in our business, medical clinics, schools, etc.

@patricewassmann212

3 жыл бұрын

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Why? are men some how more spiritual or closer to God than women? Just because they have a male body? Our souls have no gender.

@Corinna_Schuett_GER

3 жыл бұрын

@@patricewassmann212 the Bible is clear about roles and Tasks but EACH of them is important to God. The apostle Paul explains male (spiritual) leadership in 1 Timothy 2:12-14 by creation order and the cause of Fall in Eden: "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to *usurp authority over the man,* but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression." Unfortunately, many brothers have ever abused that passage to suppress sisters and thus "quench the Spirit" in church. It's a question of order and authority from the creation process. If you read the *book of Jubilees* which was removed from canon (rather by ungodly men than by women!) you may learn how long Adam was in Eden BEFORE Eve so as we lack this book among other inspired scriptures we cannot fully understand the concept today. Love and blessings your way! 🙏💗

@Moerocha62

3 жыл бұрын

@@Corinna_Schuett_GER In biblical times women were considered the property of their fathers or husbands, their children could easily be taken from them, and they could even be sold into slavery. How then can we literally take the words of scripture re:the roles of men and women in church leadership? For centuries women weren’t thought smart enough to be doctors, and were relegated only to jobs involving home and childcare. Slowly we became teachers, shop keepers and other professions normally only allowed to men. I think we have proven ourselves just as capable and intelligent and able to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as men. Therefore I pray that mens’ acceptance of this reality will also continue to grow. Women who feel called by God to staying home and raising children, as I did, even after earning a master’s degree, should listen to that call. Women who feel called by God to business or medicine or ministry, should listen to that call as well.

@Corinna_Schuett_GER

3 жыл бұрын

@@Moerocha62 What you describe as "biblical times" doesn't say anything about godliness of the man you describe. This is how GODLESS fathers and husbands treated their families (and still do). In *Proverbs 31* you may read about the "perfect wife" so doesn't she work as well as a full business woman here too? God does praise such a woman as He has created her as a COMPLEMENT to man but in full perfection in herself as an individual. She doesn't need to "imitate man" to be fully satisfied in life. Your mindset seems to be very influenced by good old feminist thinking, not by Gods Word and His thinking about women. Yet it is GOD who determines the tasks for each (!) of His creation. That doesn't mean to be strict about e.g. a father spending quality time at home or a mother running the family financially. But every thing has its time and period in life and a little baby needs a mother and not being raised in kindergarten. A spiritual woman and stay-at-home mom has great influence on her children which has got ETERNAL (!) consequences for THEIR lives if you think about it. It's a life and death question for the children, heaven or hell. Doesn't that count much more before God than having a good career or fight for equal salary for the individual? What an honour and great task for the woman given by God to have her children formed and prepared for spiritual, ETERNAL salvation to LIFE in Christ Jesus! 🙏😇 Blessings your way!

On your website it says men are leaders of the family, women their helpers. How come women are not seen as capable of being leaders, not within community at large nor within the family? Do you concider yourself less capable of deciding what’s best for others, such as your children, than your husband is? Would be really interesting to hear your view on this topic.

@manonash67

3 жыл бұрын

...again no reply to this quality question.

is pastoral counseling only for those within Bruderhof? Thank you

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

It's definitely available to others too - if you are interested you can email info@bruderhof.com and ask to speak to a pastor. All the best!

@billdale2828

3 жыл бұрын

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thanks for the reply

Are there music teachers on the bruderhauf?

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

yes there are. Two of my friends are currently studying to be music teachers as well! thanks for asking☺️

How are you dealing with Covid so far? And is it hard working and not getting paid and buying the things that you want?

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

We're actually lucky we haven't had Covid so far where I live. No it's not hard living here. I love it!

Do big disagreements happen within your community, how are they resolved?

@SiervadeDios777

3 жыл бұрын

I believe they follow the model that Christ laid out in Matthew 18.

I will never forget reading an article about a Christian community (many years ago, I think it was in an "OpenDoors" ministry report) whose church building had been burned down three times within a short time and the leaders would decide to rebuild it every time in the same manner on the same spot. I always asked myself, didn't they ever PRAY about the fact the church being burnt and asking God first WHY that is? Such is the practice of many I guess... Hopefully not at your place! 🙏🐑💗😇

A very interesting talk. I never thought about democracy and the Church; although I knew there must be a separation between the Church and state. I used to belong to the Anglican (Episcopalian) Church, and they would have clergy and laypeople vote on theological matters at a synod. This is how same-sex marriages are offered at Anglican Churches in Canada. This was done despite the Bible saying otherwise. I like your decision-making process instead, because it is based on the word of God rather than politics.

Why do you not take the Lords Supper every Sunday? "Do this on the first day of the week", paraphrased by me, ......just asking.

why do most of the married women wear rings on both hands same finger?

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

All members wear a ring on their right hand which is a reminder of our vow to remain faithful to the church throughout our life, just like the wedding ring is a reminder of our vow of faithfulness to our spouse.

Do you ever get bored since you don't have TV's or feel like you're missing out on stuff since you dont live like the outside world ? And do you feel like being in the Bruderhof you feel pressured to be like a perfect "Christian" ?

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

I don't think we miss out on much here! And we're far from being perfect Christians - just trying the best we can to live in obedience to Jesus

How do your leaders become your leaders?

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Describes it here www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations/church-order/pastoral-leadership

Thanks Laura, for attempting to articulate the decision making process. I am troubled by your assertion that the HS speaks the same way to every member. This is the surest way to mistaken unity for uniformity. However Holy Spirit leading works, it must be respected as a personal matter. It is entirely possible for one member to conclude one thing, and the other something else. Your decision to close Sannerz in Germany is a case in point. I would have held the position that this founding Hof is extremely important to Hof members on an historical basis. Imagine the many Bhof youths-to-come who will want to visit the founding place, and draw inspiration from it. The other truly troubling aspect of the Hof's decision-making process is to cast the democratic process in an unfavorable light. Even the followers of Jesus cast lots (a form of voting)!! I see no tension whatsoever between Spirit-leading and vote casting. The vote, as I see it, is the honest way to proceed after thoughtful deliberations have run their course.

Why do you say “on the bruderhof” instead of “in the bruderhof”?

@LaurafromtheBruderhof

3 жыл бұрын

Bruderhof in the sense of a location. Like "on the farm" not "in the farm". Also I'm bad at grammer.

@Ollie7707

3 жыл бұрын

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof oh! I get it. Thanks for the reply

Необх перевод. О чем речь?

Felix Manz: I will die for my beliefs Bruderhof: We have an answer to every question

Women can't be in leadership/ministry? that is denying the gifts of God of 50 % of the people. I find intentional Christian communities fascinating but sadly it seems that in almost all of them women are denied full participation and are somehow not quite as "worthy" as men.

I remember the video u did about the head covering, and that u chose 2 not 2 wear it anymore. This is a perfect example of how the Jezebel spirit works amongst Christian women. You, as a person don't show any traces of Jezebel spirit at all, but it still is hidden there. One of the main things Jezebel does is usurpe authority over men. U don't do that I think, but the second thing a Jezebel spirit does is, it loves 2 remove the head covering! 100 years ago most women in Europe would cover their head once married, and even prior 2 marriage. It is a sign to angels of the order between a woman and the man. When u wear a head covering and dresses/skirts, u don't really give much access to the devil to mess with your head, and jam usurper/feminist/unclean spirits into your head. Another reason why head cover is 2 be worn is that u don't need to look for it every time u do closet prayer. Yes, men are leaders. Women are to follow. You rebel there u r litterly rebelling against God's order!

@manonash67

3 жыл бұрын

?

@vm80

2 жыл бұрын

What utter nonsense.

@Adriana-vp1rm

2 жыл бұрын

@@vm80 No nonsense, but I should re - word it better. Was writing in rush. Watch Chris laSala's video on Jezebel. But concerning the lady in the video I think she is lovely in general. And wise.

@onewheelatatime2905

2 жыл бұрын

Surely what you do and say is more important to God than what you wear!

@Adriana-vp1rm

2 жыл бұрын

@@onewheelatatime2905 Not a good answer. What u wear is very important also.