We are an internet based, Inter-denominational Christian Convergent Community, drawing our spirituality from the “Early Church” (33-600AD), in particular, Celtic Christian spirituality. We consider our Community to be part of the “Ancient-Future” Church, blending the “old” with the “new”.

The Ark Community celebrating together with Agape Community, UK.

Inter-denominational

We believe in ONE Holy Universal Christian Church, consisting of ALL Believers, professing Jesus Christ as the only means to salvation,   regardless of denomination. Denomination is your chosen expression, not your religion!

Convergent

We acknowledge, celebrate and combine (converge), all the Christian Streams, blending them into ONE unified Christian experience. Diversity is the basis for true unity and completeness. Without each other’s diversity, we lack completeness. The diverse spiritual traditions actually complement each other, they were never meant to oppose each other. 

The great spiritual streams are:

-         Contemplative

-         Holiness

-         Charismatic

-         Social Justice

-         Evangelical

-         Sacramental & Liturgical

 Community

We are an international community of Christians, coming together to form intimate relationships based upon a common spiritual pilgrimage. We are not a “Local Church”, nor attempt to substitute it. Yet we are a vital organ within the Body as we desire to serve the universal Church by offering a common walk towards Christian transformation for those who join our Community.

  Together, we walk into eternity!

 In brief, we are a Christian community who believe in Jesus’ example of the “Good Samaritan” as an expression of TRUE faith. As a community, we are jointly dedicated to the establishing and development of a Christian Community that “ACTUALLY” reaches out to others.

 We do not want to remain inside our Church walls and keep Jesus and His “Abundant Life” to ourselves. We want to share His life on the streets, where He gave it away! Rob Bell say’s, “The Gospel is good news, especially for those who don’t believe it.” … (Referring to those who are blessed by our changed lives – Our faith should make the world a better place, for all).

 As a Community, we have FOUR main aims, which guide and inspire us:

1. Assist and encourage personal “practical” Transformation (How do we live Christ-likeness today?).
2. Establish and develop an International Inter-denominational Christian Community, “Build an Ark”.
3. Support the worldwide task of “reconciliation” between the various Christian Churches: Anglican, Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox etc.
4. Orphan care and support Church planting.

 We are an Inter-denominational Christian Community who work very close to the Protestant, Orthodox and Catholic Churches, in Europe, South Africa and South America. This is one of our primary focuses, … working toward Christian “Unity”.

 As Tony say’s… “We tolerate without compromise in order to co-operate without division”.

 The Ark Community follows the spirituality of the early Celtic Christian Church in Britain and Ireland. We seek to follow the example of a “simple faith”, lived in the spirit of Community. Many of our Companions (Community members), are monastic and contemplatives at heart. It is our common deep desire to know Christ in an intimate and experiential way. The early Celtic Christian Church was based upon small intimate Communities, which were conducive to both discipleship and Christian transformation. We as a Community have adopted this “rule of life” and endeavour to live in Christ’s presence as much as possible within our busy modern lives … making the secular sacred with His omnipresence! … We are vessels of glory!

The founding members of The Ark Community, are Tony and Emiliana Palmer. The Community was founded in South Africa in 2002, by the coming together of a small but intimate and committed group of friends from various Churches. What these friends ALL had in common, was their serious commitment to Christ and His purposes.

 This serious approach to Christianity has remained at the very centre of the Community. Discipleship and Transformation is the path we all  have chosen!

 Tony and Emiliana have two children, Daniel and Gabriella. Tony is of Celtic (Irish/English) descent and Emiliana is Italian.

Tony is an ordained Minister, ordained by the Anglican/Episcopal Church, within the CEEC (Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches). He relates directly to his Archbishop, Robert Wise as his Canon to Church Unity Affairs (www.theceec.org). Our Community is also consecrated within the CEEC as an Inter-denominational Christian Community, and enjoys much input from Father Robert’s wisdom.

 Tony is initially trained as a Medical Underwriter (Med. Dip. 1987), with further specialised studies in HIV/AIDS management (WITS University Medical School, RSA). He accepted his vocation to full-time Ministry in 1993 and then studied 3 years at a Christian College (Rhema Bible Training Centre, RSA), completed a short course in Biblical Archaeology and Biblical Studies (UNISA University, RSA), has a Master Degree in Philosophy, “College of Theology” (St. Alcuin’s Seminary, USA), and has an English Teachers Certificate from Cambridge University, UK (CELTA).

 Tony is currently busy with his Doctorate Degree in “Early Church” studies (33-600 A.D), with a particular interest in the Community life of the early Celtic Church.

 Emiliana also completed 3 years of Biblical Studies at the same Christian College (RBTC), and also holds a Cambridge English Teachers Certificate (CELTA). Together, Emiliana and Tony had the privilege of serving as Directors for Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, KCM RSA, and Tony served as Development Director at Acres of Love (www.acresoflove.org), Homes for Abandoned HIV/AIDS babies and children.