Community
Community is a word with many shades of meaning. At Schloss Mittersill, we use the word to describe how we are organised, and the relational values of our ministry. We are convinced that each of us is created by God to love and serve him as individuals, but also as members of the body of faith.
The resident community at Schloss Mittersill is made up of the 50-60 men, women, and children who are living either in the castle, on the grounds, or in the town. We have all made a covenant before God to conduct ourselves according to certain principles, which address such things as our relationship to God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—our service in his work, our ways of relating to one another, our outreach to others, and the work we do.
We meet daily for a common meal, devotions, and prayer—and weekly for worship, Bible teaching, and various social events. From time to time we participate in days of prayer and fasting, and individual and group retreats. The celebration of our Lord’s Supper—Holy Communion—is central in our life of devotion. Our commitment to live together in peace extends to the larger Christian family, and we enjoy good relationships with other Christian denominations and groups in our town, the country of Austria, and around the world.
Because we are an open fellowship, we consider those who once lived with us, those who stay here for shorter periods, and those who assume other responsibilities—such as Board members, financial supporters, students taking modular courses, houseparty guests, sabbatical guests, and other visitors—to also be part of our community. Although their commitments to the community are different from those who actually live and work here, our intention is to be continually drawing people in, by encouraging relationships that are mutually supportive and that bring us all to a deeper understanding of Christ’s claim on our lives, both individually and corporately.
