Are you a church?

Well, we’re not really a church. We’re not really not a church. But we’re definitely a collective! A collective is just a group of people from different backgrounds coming together for a common purpose. That's who we are. If you need to define us as "churching" together, you're more than welcome.

Where is your belief statement?

We are a community with an emphasis on shared practices and values rather than beliefs. While we think that beliefs are important, because they can lead us to act in loving or hurtful ways in the world, we also realize that beliefs are a spectrum. No religious belief or non-belief excludes you from full participation in the life of our community. We also hold the conviction that our beliefs are most shown in the lives that we live rather than the ideas we agree with. So, we hope that our lives display our beliefs. Author James Baldwin once said, "We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist." We think a community of shared practices and values committed to connection and compassion is a pretty good way to steer clear of disagreements that oppress, while leaving room for differences of opinion and belief.

Are you a Christian movement?

We are a movement of people who are living into the Christian wisdom tradition for the 21st century. This means that we are helping translate Jesus' teachings for today with an emphasis on love and liberation. We are a community transforming the historic legacy of First Christian Church (DoC) Santa Barbara, who has been loving and caring for the city in the name of Christ for over 130 years. The term “Christian” has gotten a bit complicated and has so many different connotations in our society today -- some positive and some negative. So, we’d prefer to use the language of faith rather than belief. We’ll use Kierkegaard’s ideas here to say, “If you want to know if we are Christians or not, ask our friends.” We don't care about what description you use to describe your spiritual journey. All are welcome here.

What does the “Way” mean in "Way Collective?"

The earliest followers of Jesus were called followers of the "Way." Spirituality is always a path of growth and transformation. For us, this is a “way of living” in the world, not necessarily a “way of believing.” In short, this way of living is the way of love. We practice this by lving out our collective practices and values together, and we see that emphasis to be in line with Jesus’ invitation to connected, contemplative, and compassionate living.

Why the emphasis on shared practices and values rather than beliefs?

We find that there is too much division in our world today, and that religion (when it comes with belief-boundaries) often contributes to an "us vs. them” mentality. We find that by practicing connection, curiosity, collaboration, creativity, consciousness, and compassionate action in community together, that people from all different backgrounds (from faith, interfaith, to non-faith) can and do build bridges to promote unity and find a home to work together for a more beautiful and just world.

Do I have to be religious to be a part of the Way Collective?

Nope. Not at all. Plus, religion actually means in the Latin, “bound together,” which all of us tend to be in some way anyways. So, no, you don’t have to have any particular faith background or have any particular faith conviction to be a part of the space we're creating together.

Who is welcome at the Way Collective?

At Way Collective, we are attempting to hold a space that we don’t really see in very many places in our world today. Because of our attempt to live in this liminal “in-between” space, one of our highest values is Belonging. True hospitality says that there is no identity-marker that excludes you from the core community. None. So, yes all people are welcome here! And, if you are a part of the community, we ask that you’ll commit to holding this space with us in creating an environment of true, nonjudgmental welcome for all!

What are your values?

As we practice connection, curiosity, collaboration, creativity, consciousness, and compassionate action, we see these practices corresponding to six values as well. Namely: belonging, mystery, healing justice, beauty, wisdom, and love. We hope you find those ideas inspiring as well!

When do you gather?

We gather weekly on Wednesdays at 5:15pm for Dinner & Dialogue, which includes a meal, a time of teaching and conversation, as well as contemplative practice and meditation. For more information, sign up for our e-mail list!

Will there be childcare at your weekly gatherings?

Yes, there is childcare available. We think that more families need to feel good about handing their kids practices and values that will form them into more compassionate and inclusive people in the world. We begin with gathering for a meal where kids are welcome, and when the adults begin the dialogue, kids will be cared for by our childcare team and volunteers.