Christian Educators' Journal

A lesson from the Smurfs

by Grant Elgersma

You don't want to be a realist. You don't like the status quo. You know that if things are going to change, it has to start somewhere and it probably will start small. Which leads you to think about the Smurfs, who became such big stars despite overwhelming odds. What was their secret? How did they succeed where so many others failed? The answer, I would suggest, can be found in the mushroom. More precisely, in the mushroom houses where such a strong sense of community was fostered.

Since cino's goal is to promote a sense of community among believers in Christ, it will not surprise you that one of the modes we hope to establish aims to put several Christians under the same roof in intentional living houses. Collectively, these houses would be called cinocommunities and would in no way resemble Smurf Village, but would seek to maintain that Smurfy sense of community.

The expectation is that *cino's intentional living houses would be purposeful communities exemplifying stewardly use of living resources. Rather than being merely a "spiritual respite" from the work-a-day world, it would be a place to discover creative ways of living that could be a model for people who only know the status quo. Through research and experience, we will create a structure by which intentional living communities can be formed in a variety of locations and for a variety of purposes. Communities will consist of individuals with a common interest who are dedicated to sharing living space and experiences.

In response to a perceived need for a more radical Christian presence in local communities, we will encourage the development of intentional communities throughout North America. What we intend to offer is a structure that will anticipate and minimize potential problems. This structure will involve guidelines for starting a community, as well as guidelines for conducting the daily activities of a healthy community. Guidelines will cover issues such as collective purchase of property, establishing a common purpose, dealing with conflicts, dividing household duties and expenses, working within the local community, and principles for daily conduct. Our goal will not be to control the communities, but to set a standard that will increase the potential for community longevity and maximize the witness of the intentional community within the broader community.

Communities will be able to post listings for new members, events, and travel accommodations on cino*connect. Communities will also be able to welcome college students who seek to study in the community for a semester. We will encourage communities to contribute the knowledge that comes out of their unique experiences to cultureVision, catapult, and acts+two so that valuable lessons can be shared with others. Communities can also attend ^cino conferences to recruit members.
To make sure everyone does their fair share of dishes and picks up their dirty laundry from the floor, we will hold communities accountable to guidelines through periodic visits and through an annual community parliament. A designated member of each community must be present at these meetings to report on the activities of the home.

cino*communities will most likely be formed for a variety of reasons. Artists might band together for more affordable studio and living space. Recently graduated environmental science majors could use a place to try out certain environmental stewardship practices. Musicians may use a house for a recording project. In each case, groups would benefit from being part of an identifiable organization like cino, which will provide clear and universal standards and practices for all cinocommunities.

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding cino*communities, please contact us.