Life at L'Abri

One of the helpful dimensions of life at L’Abri is the integration of study and discussion with practical community work. This encourages us to see Christian faith as an integrated whole, rather than as something separate from everyday life. Christian life in a more holistic manner, rather than compartmentalized

Study times are a significant part of the day at L’Abri. To aid in studying you will have a weekly time when you meet with one of the workers, who will be your ’tutor’ during your stay. This will give you the opportunity to talk through the questions and issues that you have come with, and your tutor will suggest helpful resources in the book or lecture library.

The other part of the day is spent helping the workers with the practical tasks of everyday life at L’Abri. This may involve anything from helping a worker prepare a meal, to joining in gardening work, to shoveling snow, to cleaning, to helping with maintenance projects.

During most lunch times we have an informal discussion where a guest or worker can raise a topic that they have been thinking about. We then explore the topic around the table as we eat. It is a great way to learn together.

Everyone is expected to take part in these aspects of community life. L’Abri is not a quiet retreat center, and the time here can be busy. However, each branch has a regular day off each week when you can explore the local area, visit nearby cities or just take time alone to catch up.

Each week there are lectures given by L’Abri workers or visiting lecturers. Lectures seek to explore how the Christian worldview relates to a wide range of topics; from current cultural trends to theology, from philosophical questions to understanding ourselves, from engagement with the arts to assessing new technologies; and much more. Every lecture includes a time for questions and discussion during which students are encouraged to voice their perspectives and dialogue with one another.

Once a week “High teas” are arranged by the workers, followed by fun activities such as story telling, games or sharing music. We also have film nights followed by discussion. There are also a lot of other activities that go on each term at different branches; some arrange art workshops, others have theme weekends or film festivals.

Sundays differ from branch to branch; some have a chapel service on site while other branches invite guests to join them at local churches.