Do you have an interest in becoming part of a Christian community?

Ringsfield Hall was set up in 1972 to offer a place in the country for children and adults from the city. A small community was formed at that time to enable the work to happen. During the 1980’s things changed, but the current Centre Directors have always had an interest in community and feel strongly that it is community which gives life to such a place and which properly defines its work. A place like this, set up as it was, is more than a job, it is a vocation. Without community it has no real heart.
Prophetic ministry

The theologian Walter Brueggemann in his book 'The Prophetic Imagination' describes how the relationship between the children of Israel and God, is spoiled by their insistence on having a king like other peoples. He relates how the consequent ‘royal consciousness’ stifles that creative covenant relationship, so that what results is an institutional deadlock that holds a grip on things as they are and fears any change, any possibility of seeing or doing things differently.
As Christians, Brueggemann states, we are called to a ‘prophetic’ role that challenges the ‘royal consciousness’ of state and church which has at best ossified, or worse has seized the power and will not let go regardless of who is being ground underfoot. The prophet observes and comments from a different – foolish point of view- like the court jester, the clown.
We here at Ringsfield, use the image of the clown as a symbol for this prophetic role to which we feel we have been called, that is to observe and comment on 21 century living, in the world and in the church, in the light of the teaching of Jesus.
The ethos of Ringsfield Hall could be called eco-theology, a belief that our relationship with God, ie our discipleship, started at the creation, and that the current ecological crisis is an opportunity for repentance; it is God calling us to become a prophetic force for justice and peace.

Our other great passion, which arises from that is to stand for something different especially with regard to children. A world view that embraces justice, peace and the integrity of creation cannot countenance the driven, neglectful, materialistic culture that surrounds children today, nor the wilful ignoring of the painful ways children in other cultures experience life. Children are our most precious gift and we wish to develop the work here as a ‘foundation’ to stand for change, to nurture and educate them well, in order for them to grow into secure adults who can care for themselves, others, and the earth; and to educate the adults who have missed the fact that children respond to the world with which they have been presented – the world created for them.

During their stay at Ringsfield the aim is to give children opportunities for creative play: the chance to socialise as children used to, to roam freely in the magical grounds, where quiet corners, wildflower meadows, woodland, long grass, and animals, combine to create a valuable respite from the pressures of 21st century childhood.
They can experience outdoor cooking, festivals, games, good food, storytelling, art, music, the natural world, and can learn about how the earth works. They can get in touch with their own self through the freedom here to move. From the inertia of constantly watching instead of moving and doing, they can discover their balance, their relationship with the world, and gain perhaps a sense of an ‘other’. In order to do this it takes people willing to give of their experience, talents and skills.
For the last 32 years school children have spent time here on residential visits with curriculum based activities. Currently, as well as offering space and sessions to youth groups and churches, we offer eco-study programmes which include PSE, Citizenship, Sustainability, and R.E., In Christian terms that relates to self, others, the earth, and God (St Benedict), or Lifestyle, Discipleship, Mission and Worship. We believe that the fall broke relationships in all of those areas, and that for Christian’s repentance and restoration is required in all broken areas.

Worship and spiritual life tends towards the Celtic; contemplative with Anabaptist overtones.
The term community is a loose term; community members would not live at the Hall, there is not enough accommodation at the moment. It is not about employment, but about a belief in what we stand for, and would involve time, prayer and commitment, a tall order! It would mean fellowship, discussion, worship, and some helping out with the work that goes on all year. If you are feeling called it would be because you have always felt these things, but perhaps not found people of like mind, who can struggle through the tough realities of kingdom living.
If you wish to call or come for a chat, please get in touch with Chris or Ross.