step ten: Get regular

Although sufficient fiber is an essential part of any diet, you won't need any to "get regular" in a Connexion group.

The word regular simply means "according to a rule." The rule in this case is the Rule of the Community of the Companions of God. A Rule is not a list of rules and regulations; rather, it is a description of a life-style lived according to radical Christian principles. It is a guide and a standard to check your progress in the Christian life you want to live.

After registering (but why wait until then?) a group should read together through the Rule at least two times, one chapter at a time. No one is required to join the Community of the Companions of God, and the group gets to decide whether to continue using the Rule or not. You may find yourselves, though, saying, "This is how we want to be as a group," and continue using it. After two times through, it's your call.

More info: A PDF version is available. For more information about downloading PDF documents, go to the document download page.

Although most will, not all chapters of the Rule will apply directly and obviously to a Connexion group. Nevertheless, you should read each one and try to extract as much from it as you can. The only two chapters which might you want to just skip, as not being applicable, are the very short chapter "On the vows" and "The habit."

Each chapter of the Rule includes the text along with several scripture passages. These verses are not part of the Rule itself but serve as meditations or thought-starters. If there are more than a few in any given chapter, you can pick and choose.