Study at L'Abri
The L'Abri communities are study centers in Europe, Asia and America where individuals have the opportunity to seek answers to honest questions about God and the significance of human life.
L'Abri Fellowship began in Switzerland in 1955 when Francis and Edith Schaeffer decided in faith to open their home to be a place where people might find satisfying answers to their questions and practical demonstration of Christian care. It was called L'Abri, the French word for "shelter," because they sought to provide a shelter from the pressures of a relentlessly secular 20th century. As time went by, so many people came that others were called to join the Schaeffers in their work, and more branches were established. There are now branches located in England, Holland, USA, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada, Korea, Germany, Australia and Brazil.
You will find something different at each branch of L'Abri. This is influenced by the location, culture, individual workers, worker's families and the unique combination of personalities that make each branch what it is. Individual students also add to the variable dynamic of experiencing L'Abri.
Each branch is staffed by one or more L'Abri families and single people, called "workers", who look after those who come and stay - "students". In addition to the residential work, L'Abri workers are involved in conferences, public speaking and some are committed to book writing projects. Students may be living in the houses of the workers and/or having many of their meals with them. Although each branch is essentially a study centre, life is informal and personal. A typical day is divided into half a day of study and half a day of helping with practical work - cooking, cleaning, gardening etc. Meal times often involve lengthy discussion centered on a topic of concern to a particular student or worker. Some evenings are given over to lectures, films and bible studies.
Those who come and stay may do so for a few days or a whole term. Terms typically last two or three months. Under the guidance of one of the workers students are guided through study material most helpful to their situation. There are no set courses of study. Most branches have a book and extensive tape library.
There are no prerequisites for attending L'Abri. Many students are Christians and some are not. While those who come are most commonly single people there are some accommodations for couples and at some branches room for families. Each branch has its own term dates, daily rate and other booking details. It is essential to contact each branch individually as we do not have a central reservation system.
Learn more here.
photo credit: leicadog1
