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The Order of Saint Thomas the Seeker (in development)

The Order of Saint Thomas the Seeker is a voluntary, self-perpetuating organization consisting of a community of committed Christ-followers who choose to live missionally and incarnationally through a commitment to Scripture, one another, and their respective faith communities. It is an ecumenical spiritual order, dedicated to encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth. St. Thomas represents all that is good about seeking for truth, modeling a strong missional/missionary endeavor, and exhibiting a strong relational emphasis to his missionary activities.

Over the course of 2012, The Order of St Thomas will be revamped. At this time, the Order is not meeting.

Members prioritize their relationship with God and one another. They are supported through prayer, spiritual accountability, and ministry support in order to be instruments of God’s redeeming grace through a variety of transformational ministries.

Members meet together in local chapters to study Scripture, pray, and encourage each other in spiritual growth.

The Foundation of the Order
The foundation of the Order  expresses itself in three priorities:

Priority One
We desire communion with God.  We are connected and committed to the persons of the Holy Trinity, to their rule and guidance for life.

Priority Two
We desire community with one another.  We extend this communion with God into the lives of the people of God.  We are connected and committed to the body of Christ, the church. 

Priority Three
We desire to build on the common ground of our life in this world.  We broaden our communion with God through love to the world that God has created and redeemed.  We are connected and committed to Christ’s work in the world, in creation, and in culture.

The Engagements of the Order:
This Order calls its adherents to enter the following engagements (oblations) as a way of life: 

  • A commitment to seek personal transformation as committed followers of Jesus, through the practice of spiritual formation and development.
  • A commitment to the Scriptures as evidenced by “Dwelling in the Word” for insight, encouragement, and direction.
  • A commitment to a community of faith that recognizes the church as the living and organic body of Christ.
  • A commitment to others, offering time, hospitality, and service, in so doing welcoming Christ.
  • A commitment to others who will inquire as to the well-being of my soul, and activities of life.
  • A commitment to speak truthfully, transparently, and holistically as members of the Body of Christ.
  • A commitment to live incarnationally in and for neighborhoods, communities, networks, and world.
  • A commitment to Sabbath rest and retreat for my soul.

Those choosing to join the Order agree to live out these engagements of the Order.

Rule of Life: 
As part of the Order, members will establish a personal “Rule.”  The heart of the rule is characterized by abiding in Christ as evidenced in the above oblations. The foundation for abiding in Christ together is a commitment to the discipline of dwelling in the word, and Christian practices.  As a community, we come to the text that binds us together in the Body of Christ.  As persons we are confronted, comforted and counseled by these words.  As a community, we are conformed, covenanted, and sent as missionaries into our culture by these words in which we dwell.


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copyright Institute for Missional Directions, 2007-2012
photos copyrighted by:  Greg Kendall-Ball and Darnell Weightman, used by permission only