So Long Koinonia!

PLEASE NOTE:  This blog entry was originally scheduled to self-post on Saturday after I’ve left.  I don’t want this to appear to be a “hit-and-run” posting and I would welcome the chance to speak with anyone about my thoughts here.  So with all that in mind, please read on:

Yep….I’m outta here…heading north to Asheville for a season — drop off some stuff and then over to Huntsville, AL to reconnect with a friend — the two-wheeled kind — then who knows.  I’ll be in Asheville for a season and then Huntsville for a season and just how long is a season?  I’ll let ya know when I return.

My year at Koinonia has been real…it’s been fun…but at times it hasn’t been real fun.  Guess that’s a common thing when living in community.

But I’ve been thinking…If I were King of Koinonia for a day, what would I do?  I’ve got a few thoughts on this.

Make Nash and Kurt stewards. Koinonia needs some stewards that can and will think outside of the box…bring some diversity to the the thought processes.  Right now the stewards all look alike, think alike, smell alike and talk alike…let’s get rid of the homogenous strain of leadership.

Develop a bi-cameral form of leadership. Just because someone makes a good steward, doesn’t make them a good business manager.  And just ’cause someone has a good head for business, doesn’t make them a good spiritual leader.  Establish two bodies…one to take the reins and responsibility for the spiritual growth and direction of the community and one to manage the fiscal side of the house.

Figure out what the mission is. Yah, I know the mission statement calls for helping to reduce militarism, racism and such through showing the love of Jesus Christ.  But someone explain this to me like I’m a three year old.  Exactly how does the religion of permacultureism do this?

Take Stock. Why are productive people being asked to leave Koinonia and people that would benefit Koinonia leaving voluntarily?  Precisely what is the problem here?  The problem is NOT attracting and keeping good people…that is just a symptom of the problem.  Tell me why this revolving door exists.

Eliminate “off-campus” housing. Either someone is going to be a member of the community or they’re not.  Why should some folks be allowed to “retreat” to the sanity of priviate homes away from the farm when the irritations of communal living get too close?  C’mon folks…get off the fence…either join the community full-time or leave.

Decide what Koinonia is. Yah, I know this is awful close to an earlier idea…but it bears repeating.  Is Koinonia going to be the beacon for sustainability, green-living and permaculture in the southeast?  Or is it going to show the love of Jesus to combat racism, nationalism, militarism and other “isms”.  It can’t do both.

Just two things left to say in parting.

Tell Elizabeth I love her, and…

Have a nice life.

‘Nuff said.