About us
our story
There’s just something about the Common Ground of the outdoors that brings people together on a level playing field, uniting unique individuals to work for the bettering of the environment, and lending itself to more open sharing, and encouraging a deeper level of listening to others who see the world differently.
It was in the middle of the pandemic that a conversation began in Bend, Oregon about forming an intentional community that shared a deep love for outdoor spaces and pursuits, reflecting the heart of Jesus in these spaces, as well as a desire to engage in honest and open conversations about faith and the person of Jesus. From our vantage point, there seemed to be very little space - very little Common Ground - where people in the outdoor community of Central Oregon could lean heavily into their love for the outdoors, serve this community, and also freely engage in dialogues about faith and process. We thought this was ironic and needed to change because, after-all, what better Common Ground exists in an often conflicted world than the outdoors.
check out our common faqs here.
Together, we’re exploring faith and the outdoors.
what matters most to us
Celebrate goodness
There’s goodness all around us and there’s goodness inside all of us. All that is good should not only be recognized, but also celebrated. Why? Well, because it’s good! And because we believe that whatever is recognized grows. Wherever goodness exists, we’re called to celebrate it and, in doing so, bring about more goodness into the world.
better the earth
We believe that the earth is an incredible gift to be received and experienced for the good of humanity and individuals alike. Yet the practices of humanity and many individuals in relation to the earth have been careless and destructive. This not only dilutes the blessing that outdoor experiences can offer today, but also detrimental impacts the lives of all, especially those in marginalized and impoverished communities. Common Ground seeks to not only operate sustainably, but also to act restoratively, leaving the earth better off as a result of our existence.
Listen well
Listening well is the foundation for cultivating an environment of safety, acceptance, and love. As much as they are often treated as such, words are not pieces of impersonal information to be adopted or discarded. Words are opportunities to better understand the life, mind, and heart of invaluable individuals. We listen to understand more than to respond and encourage others to do the same.
play hard
There’s a great phrase that says, “The juice is worth the squeeze.” As our community loves to play in the outdoors, we encourage all to play hard, to push ourselves in the outdoor arena so as to maximize the benefits of recreation. Go for that summit, train for that race, push for that FKT, break into that new grade, travel to that destination. Remember it’s all play. But still, play hard.
grow as you go
None of us start at the same place or grow at the same rate. But we all have come so far and all still have a ways to go. We see the journey of life and faith as a life-long one, moving forward at whatever pace your circumstances allow. We encourage all people to lean into this journey and grow as you go.
serve generously
In all we say do, Common Ground endeavors to be known as a community that serves others. And while service takes many forms, we seek to approach all service with a posture of radical generosity.
express yourself
We can only be loved and experience freedom to the degree that we share of ourselves honestly. We seek to express ourselves more and more authentically so that we can be more fully known and more fully loved. We invited others to do the same.
take time to rest
For healthy living to be a reality and meaningful relationships to thrive, rest must be part of the game plan. No one benefits from burn-out; the most abundant life necessitates margin. So take that time off, leave your schedule open, have a rest-day, spend time in the backcountry, go on that family vacation, and practice Sabbath. We encourage it.