Bruderhof FAQ: Do you have to pay to join?

[@greyjay9202]

Liked the grandfather, and the horticulturist, too. He had an interesting face. I'm more drawn to the life of the early Desert Fathers, but I get where the Bruderhofs are coming from.

[@tightwadonpurpose7003]

I wondered if it is allowed to leave money in a 401K or in a trust if your children leave they could have something to get them started in life?

[@AlmaMariaRinasz]

but someone does worry about money, the community needs money to keep the lights on, so how does that work?

[@Bruderhof]

Yes we need to work to earn our living but ultimately we believe God provides ("Give us this day our daily bread") so there's no reason to worry plus we have each other.

[@hidinginsight1879]

How are financial decisions made? Is there a governing body or group or person that makes sure the costs are met? What about if Bruderhof earnings are beyond the costs? And what about purchasing for the community? How is that handled?

[@skellingtonmeteoryballoon]

@@hidinginsight1879 trying to apply for position on the treasury board?

[@hidinginsight1879]

@@skellingtonmeteoryballoon not funny. Not applying for any job and I'm not getting paid to ask the question either. No, but I AM a forensic auditing accountant who knows exactly how certain cults, sects and offshoots handle their money and manipulate their members into a certain kind of guru-focused enslavement. I'm not seeing any evidence of that in the Bruderhof group at all, but I'm not getting paid to look for it either. I just keep watching the videos for inspiration, hope and peace. Even so, when the subject of fiduciary responsibility comes up in their video it does prompt me to ask the standard set of questions I always start an audit with: who, how and where are financial decisions made? The response to that question is generally where the corrupt and cankerous elements of any group either control or hold sway. Frankly, I have been wondering if there's some kind of Christian variety of the creepy Jagad-Guru-Chris-Butler type at the helm, but that has nothing at all to do with the kind and gentle messages the videos made by the real, actual members are putting out there. And, frankly, I kinda LOVE THAT THE BRUDERHOF AREN'T ALL ABOUT MONEY, MONEY, MONEY because in my line of work one quickly learns how greed for money ruins lives and the stress of earning enough to make ends meet has led some to commit crimes.

[@seheabol]

@@hidinginsight1879 very interesting. I love what I’ve seen of the Bruderhof but naturally part of my careful mind wonders about a potential cults aspect and stuff. I’ve watched tons of videos and haven’t gotten that feeling either. It felt a little red flaggish to have to give up all your earthly belongings BUT you aren’t expected to give them to the community AND that is part of the draw IMO. You then become more free to focus on the spiritual with as little interference as possible from the tangible / capitalism. If I didn’t have a pack of pups and a wife (who would never) I would be very interested. But I wouldn’t trade them for the world either.

[@lisagreene6155]

What if you have nothing really of any value house, car etc.. beforehand?

[@CandyCinema]

You won't need it anymore. You work to build the community, and the community gives you what you need.

[@Bellg]

@@CandyCinema I don't think that this answer is an answer to what she asked. I understood it more like "can you join if you have nothing to "give up" to begin with"

[@UnPoquitoDeSal]

I think that is answered in the video - it isn't about how much you give up or have (especially in comparison to others) but be willing to dedicate yourself 100% to serving Christ in the context of Christian community. Everyone can give up 100% of what they have in their bank account.

[@DuckSenseTV]

Can homeless people join the community?

[@derp8575]

@@cecilfoxhound3274 It's not squeezing if a person joins and stays of their own free will.

[@luciparadise6781]

@@cecilfoxhound3274If you are in the community, you need to participate. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@rachelcookie321]

@@cecilfoxhound3274 you make it sound like working a regular job is slavery. They have to work to keep the community alive, if no one works then they’re all going to be homeless. It’s no different to working a regular job outside of the bruderhof.

[@spiritualmama5497]

Do you have t give up a pet

[@JorJorCrelatto]

I don’t it. People do have pets in the communities.