Joel Repic, a longtime friend and team member of Brave Cities, shares his experiences living within the Community of Celebration, a Benedictine-inspired intentional Christian community. He reflects on the core values of prayer, commitment, and communal living, offering insights on navigating conflict with grace. The discussion also touches on the unique challenges of gentrification, the difference between expectations and agreements in relationships, and the importance of gratitude in maintaining deep ties. This lively conversation brings humor and depth to the realities of building a shared life.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Community of Celebration Origins
Joel Repic's community, near Pittsburgh, was inspired by a Benedictine order formed during the Jesus People movement.
This order, originally from Houston, moved to Scotland before settling in Aliquippa in the 1980s.
insights INSIGHT
Benedictine Values
Monastic communities, often seen as isolated, are actually missionary and embody radical discipleship.
The Benedictine order emphasizes prayer, helping the poor, meaningful work, and stability within a chosen place.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Common Purse and Revitalization
The community acquired row houses, revitalizing a city block, and adopted a common purse system.
Members share resources and live simply, with older members now supported by social security.
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The Rule of St. Benedict, written by the Italian saint in the 6th century, is a foundational text for Western monasticism. It outlines a comprehensive way of life emphasizing prayer, work, community, and obedience to God. The rule's enduring influence stems from its balanced approach, integrating spiritual disciplines with practical aspects of daily life. It emphasizes moderation, humility, and the pursuit of holiness within a structured community setting. The Rule's principles have been adapted and applied beyond monastic life, influencing various aspects of Christian spirituality and leadership.
Life together
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
In 'Life Together,' Dietrich Bonhoeffer explores the practical and theological aspects of Christian community. The book, written during his time at an underground seminary for the Confessing Church in Nazi Germany, emphasizes the importance of unity under Christ and the distinction between human and spiritual love. It is divided into five chapters: Community, The Day with Others, The Day Alone, Ministry, and Confession and Communion. Bonhoeffer stresses the need for balance between solitude and community, the importance of mutual confession and forgiveness, and the role of Christ as the foundation of Christian fellowship. The book offers practical advice on living in Christian community, highlighting the need for truthful communication, humble hearts, and a commitment to serving one another[2][4][5].
On the very first day of 2025, we sat down with our longtime friend and Brave Cities team member, Joel Repic, who live and works in Aliquippa, PA. Joel shares stories and reflections from life alongside the Community of Celebration, a Benedictine-inspired order that’s been living, praying, and practicing radical discipleship together since the 1980s.
We explore the core values that shape intentional Christian community—prayer, shared life, commitment to place, and the challenge of navigating conflict without losing hope. From common purses to shotgun rhythms on New Year’s Eve, this episode weaves together the sacred and the mundane.
As we reflect on our own journeys of community in places like Alton, Birmingham, and Tampa, we talk about what sustains us when life together gets hard. What does faithfulness look like when it doesn’t feel fruitful? How do we grow into shared rhythms without copying someone else's rule of life? And what does it mean to experiment with kingdom living in the long shadow of empire?
🌿 Key Themes:
Intentional community & the cost of staying together
Benedictine spirituality and monastic influence
Developing covenant life over time
The difference between expectation and agreement
Navigating conflict and staying rooted in grace
The spiritual disciplines that sustain radical life
The interplay of place, prayer, and prophetic witness
Generational legacy and what we hope remains when we’re 70+
The Grey Pages with Brave Cities 
