Constitutional text - Chapter Tree - Our Community life

Obviously these models are not rnutually exclusive. There is
usually a mixture in most commmities. For example, Model II also
witnesses by rnaking vividly present to the Christian colTDTillllity
an example of the supportive and nourishing power of fraternallove.
Model III witnesses to the outgoing dynarnisrn of consecrated love.
The distinctions are based on a question of emphasis •
.Another way of understanding cornmunity is according to its underlying
"operational" principle. Realizing that the tenns are already
freighted with built-in response, it is nevertheless useful
to label these "operational rnodes" as "The Institutional Mode" and
the "Charisrnatic Mode".
The Institutional Mode
This is based on the belief that the power of the Holy Spirit
is present and operative primarily in and through ecclesially
established institutions and structures.
Organization is highly valued. Goals and procedures clearly
defined. Stable and long-range forms of ministry are established.
Change is slow.
Mernbers are defined in terms of their role in the hierarchy
of the organization. (At times the organizational model is
replaced by a farnily model, with officers cornpared to parent
figures.)
The aim is a smooth running comrnunity that can work, pray and
play together in peace and harrnony to accomplish the work of
the Kingdom.
The Charisrnatic Mode
This is based on t he belief that the power of the Holy Spirit
is alive and at work primarily within the individual members
thernselves and the conmmity as a whole.
Discernment is a rnajor activity - seeking to recognize the
call of the Spirit within the members, the coITill1Ul1ity itself,
and in the events and needs of the Church and world and trying
to understand how to best respond to this call.
Goals and procedures are more fluid (except the goal of being
attentive to the Spirit and the procedures that facilitate
that!). Evaluation and experimentation are more irnportant
than stability. Change is norma.l.
People are considered as equals - all sharing is the presence
of the Spiri t. They are defined more in terrns of the service
they provide than in terrns of the position they hold.
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