User:Storbakken/Radical Living

Radical Living is a Christian intentional community located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.

The community was founded in 2007 by a married couple, Jason and Vonetta Storbakken, who "longed to be an active participant in the living body of Jesus Christ (i.e. the Church)." For them, this meant following the example of the first Christian communities as described in the Acts of the Apostles, in the midst of a neighborhood confronted by gentrification, gross economic disparities, and other social injustices that afflict people who live in places of concentrated poverty. Radical Living is a multicultural, intergenerational and ecumenical community of artists, workers and students that includes singles and families. The name Radical comes from the Latin word radix, meaning root and is defined as "of or relating to the origin." Radical Living members have both personal finances and also share a common purse. They envisioned a community where people of diverse ethnicities and economics could live and share life in a spirit of love and service.

Etymology of Radical Living
The name "radical" comes from the Latin word radix, meaning root and is defined by Merriam-Webster as "relating to the origin." Radical Living members refer to Jesus' saying in Revelation 22:16 as the Biblical source for their name: "I am the root and the offspring of David." Radical Living is politically non-partisan and refrains from identifying as politically Left or Right, yet their activities tend to be progressive and they emphasize concern for the the socially marginalized, which often leads people and media to view them as politically radical.

History
In 2007, Jason and Vonetta Storbakken decided to open their brownstone home to other followers of Jesus Christ. The couple sought to return to primitive Christianity and to share their lives with others in a spirit of love and service. In August 2007 the community was launched. Vonetta christened the community Radical Living. By late summer 2007 their brownstone was filled with Christ-followers, and soon thereafter two other houses on the block were converted to community houses. Within a year Radical Living had three community houses, eighteen members, and a rhythm of community.

Ministries and structure
Radical Living ministries include civil rights work, racial reconciliation, peace activism, immigration reform, elder programs, and more. Current ministries include a food pantry, racial reconciliation, immigration reform, and welcoming visitors and guests in hospitality.

There are three houses–Hart House, Marcy House and Pulaski House–connected to Radical Living. They are located in a one-block radius and function as one community with 18 members. Based on their interpretation of the New Testament, Radical Living members are "dedicated to living a meditative, prophetic and prayerful life, centered in Christ, engaged in our neighborhood, concerned with social justice, and led by the Holy Spirit."