Monastery of the Soul

Here's a little info on Monastery of the Soul

What – Monastery of the Soul is an exploration into new/ancient forms of following Christ.  Taking the stability, authenticity and Christ-centeredness of ancient Celtic Christian monasticism and applying it to our digital, nomadic world.  

In the past new monastic movements were started by monks who, being led by God, would find a location separate (typically remote) from the world to begin their monastery.  Over time God attracted others to join them in their service to the Lord.  We believe God has given us a different model.  Rather than following this attractional model we believe that present day monks need not necessarily be sequestered inside stone buildings but may instead be called to live out committed monastic lifestyles while living, working, schooling, playing anywhere in the world.  Monastery of the Soul will be a distributed monastery with monks living and serving in the world rather than isolated from the world.  (Although female monastics are typically called nuns I’m using the term monk for both male and female in hopes that all will feel welcome)

Monastery of the Soul is both here and everywhere, both virtual and physical.  Ours will be a virtual community where we share can our lives, our hopes and our struggles with our follow monks wherever we are and wherever they are.  It is in our souls and travels with us wherever we go – work, home, school, church, vacation.  In this all-access digital age your monastery and your fellow monks are wherever you can get a connection.   Ours is also a physical community when we come together at local and regional Monastery of the Soul Gatherings to worship, share and serve others. 

Monastery of the Soul is a missional community.  We believe God has called our community to help meet the spiritual and physical needs of those around us.  Like the Celtic peregrinus pro Christo who have gone before us small bands of monks will travel the world sharing Christ’s love.  On these 8-12 day trips our monks will pray for the people and the lands where God leads us.  These adventures may also include respectfully sharing God’s Word with those who do not have access to it and helping with physical needs. 

Monastery of the Soul is a welcoming community.  Carved in stone over the entrance to many ancient monasteries where the words Pax Intrantabus, peace to all who enter.  My prayer is that Monastery of the Soul, following the Celtic tradition, is a hospitable place where all feel welcomed to join us in seeking, fellowship, community, worship and service.  That it is a place where seekers find an open, non-judgmental atmosphere to explore God and his Word.  A place where Believers find community, encouragement, opportunities for service and much more.  A place where pilgrims find rest, restoration and encouragement as they journey along life’s pathways.

Who – I am Monicus Peregrinus, a wandering, wondering pilgrim monk on a life-long adventure to know Jesus and make him known.  My wandering has taken me to over 30 countries since I began my adventure with a purpose and my wondering has led me to start Monastery of the Soul.

I’m also known as Randy Pierce.  In my day job I serve as Director of Extreme Missionary Adventures, a faith-based nonprofit organization that empowers volunteers to help with spiritual and physical needs around the world.

I am the abbot of our little community. The one responsible for keeping our little monastery online.  I work mostly behind the scenes keeping things running smoothly, posting items, answering inquiries and such.

Why – The short answer is because I believe God, speaking through his Holy Spirit and his Holy Word, told me to start a virtual monastery where anyone, especially those who have been turned off by the local church, can find Jesus and follow him.  

A little longer answer might be that I believe I am co-creator, along with God (and others who I don’t know yet), of a vibrant growing community of saints and seekers known as Monastery of the Soul.  This monastic adventure began with a fascination of Celtic monks and their wildly adventuresome spirit of openness to God and God’s call to take his Good News into the world.  Those guys totally depended on the Holy Spirit as they brought the Gospel of Christ to new lands.   

Over the following weeks, months and years I expect Monastery of the Soul to evolve into something I can’t even imagine at this time but that God has fully planned.  I believe God will use Monastery of the Soul to help spiritual seekers of many different faiths and no faith at all find new/ancient pathways that lead to him and to a life of service to God and to others.

How – In the spirit of Celtic hospitality we welcome you to our monastery of the soul.  Look around.  Check us out.  Look into our Way of Life.  Share your thoughts.  You are welcome to visit and participate as much or as little as you like.  When you are ready you can also be a part of Monastery of the Soul by simply agreeing to our Way of Life and participating in our online community of monks.  As a monk you can have a say in how our community operates.  Please share your thoughts but remember we want to be open to all so let's keep it friendly.