What is Pear Tree Society (PTS)?

The Pear Tree Society engages young adults in a one or two-year program of theological study, spiritual disciplines, and fellowship in the context of a community committed to a common Rule of Life. PTS does this for the sake of forming young adults in the life of Christ and deepening their connection, commitment, and service to Jesus Christ, His Church, and His World.

Who should consider PTS? Those who…

  • Are embarking on a new phase of life and want to consider what it means to live out their faith alongside committed mature believers, as well as with others who are at similar points in their lives.

  • Seek to deepen their spiritual life by building lasting practices of prayer and devotion.

  • Love the life of the mind and want to study Scripture, church history, theology, and philosophy, becoming immersed in the great spiritual and intellectual traditions of the Christian faith.

Why the ‘Pear Tree’ Name?

In his Confessions, St. Augustine’s theft of pears from a neighbor’s orchard in his youth becomes a pivotal moment in his own spiritual autobiography. Reflecting on it later, Augustine’s experience at the pear tree generates profound theological thinking about the nature of sin, the overwhelming quality of God’s love and grace, and the vital importance of the company we keep, or more simply, of true friendship. Although seemingly mundane, this event became filled with meaning for Augustine, as one episode among many through which God drew his heart home. Toward that same end, the Pear Tree Society exists to help young adults reflect on and practice their Christian faith in a society of intentional Christian friendship, with the hope that their hearts, like Augustine’s, may be drawn more deeply home.

If you have any further questions contact peartreesociety@14thstreetcrc.org




 

What is the Rule of Life?

As a community, Pear Tree Society members aim to be “formed in Christ” and to “grow up in every way into Christ” together (Galatians 4:19; Ephesians 4:15-16), guided by our shared commitment to the following Rule of Life:

  1. Church. Society members will faithfully attend and participate in Sunday worship at their home church, and they will seek opportunities to serve within their church. 

  2. Spiritual Disciplines: Society members will commit to a series of spiritual disciplines, both corporate and personal:

    1. Pray Morning Prayer together once a week

    2. Participate in personal spiritual disciplines on a rotating basis as they are taught and discussed in the Fellowship Meal.

    3. Commit to weekly Sabbath practice, where members will cease from work on Sundays (or another 24-hour period), and will actively reduce their use of media technologies throughout the week, in order to receive the gifts of worship, restorative rest, hospitable embrace of others, and feasting.

  3. Study. Society members will prepare well and participate actively in the course of theological study.

  4. Shared Meals. Society members will gather weekly for a common meal, extending hospitality and welcome to one another.

  5. Community. Society members will practice charity, humility, and peace toward one another, and they will strive to resolve all conflicts (disputes, hurts, violations of boundaries, resentments) with others directly and in a godly manner.