Common Life Church is an initiative of the Canton Abbey. Both are different fresh expressions of church – Canton Abbey being more of a “mission society” expression with a small team of community catalyzers at the center and Common Life Church being more of a local church expression.
“Our little accidental church formed out of a desire to live a common life with others where a real openness to different perspectives and journeys was fostered and honored. We love sharing meals together and we are learning how to practice vulnerability with those we are in community with.” – Eric Hershberger
“Common Life Church is a community of loving supportive people whose mission it is to create space for genuine relationships, shared experiences, and spiritual friendship. This goes beyond a Sunday morning, this is an everyday kind of church. From gathering at tables, to gathering around a leaky pipe, to gathering around a loss of a family member, this church is not about membership, it’s about becoming a family and noticing the work of God in our lives. I have never felt so close to a church family before and through spiritual practices, friendships, and worship, my relationship with God has never been stronger. I’m incredibly thankful for this expression of church, and will forever seek out a community like this one.” – Luke Donaldson
“Canton Common Life Has been an extension of Jesus to me. I know him more deeply because of the love, kindness, and grace that has been shown to me by our church family.” – Hannah Miller
Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church
What is the Fresh Expression called?
Common Life Church is an initiative of the Canton Abbey
Where is it?
Canton, OH
Who is it for?
Common Life Church aims to be a hospitable environment for the un- or de-churched who are spiritually curious and interested in exploring what it means to belong to a community animated by a shared way of life.
What do they do?
We gather weekly for a shared meal, shared spiritual practices, and table-based conversation that helps us notice and nurture the loving work of God in our lives, in the lives of others, and in the world around us. But beyond this, we remain connected throughout the week via active WhatsApp groups through which we share needs, resources, and opportunities for deeper connection and collaboration.
Who is the Pioneer?
JR & Amy Rozko are the co-founders of Canton Abbey and serve (voluntarily) as Pastor for Calling & Community Development (JR) & Pastor for Faith Formation (Amy) of Common Life Church.
Where can I learn more?
You can learn more about Canton Abbey here and Common Life Church here. Both of these expressions of church are strongly tied to JR & Amy’s vocations as priests in the Diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others and its chapter of the Order of the Common Life.
