at kin commons, we believe that
contemplative spirituality can help us
stay connected in a divisive world.
In January 2026, two historic congregations came together around a shared vision: to create a new spiritual community for anyone longing for deeper connection, compassion, and an opportunity to walk in wisdom together. Kin Commons is an unfolding space where people can gather, belong, and help shape a more loving future together.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF SANTA BABRARA
early history
The Christian Church of Santa Barbara was founded on July 28, 1888, and met in a little ivy-covered brick church on East Gutierrez St. with gatherings for preaching on every night of the week.
A Little Church on Chapala
After many moves, and a small name change to "First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Santa Barbara," the church settled into what would be our home for 100 years at 1915 Chapala St. in 1924.
A NEW VISION
In 2017, the church implemented a new vision to birth a spiritual community called "Way Collective," which would become a community of people with shared practices and values walking the Christian wisdom path together, and meeting for Dinner & Dialogue on Wednesday nights.
Way Collective @ FCCSB
In January 2024, in the wake of selling their historic church property, Way Collective moved over to begin meeting in the available space at our sister denomination's church: First Congregational Church of Santa Barbara.
How It Works
Kin Contemplative Commons of Santa Barbara uses a model of community decision-making called Sociocracy. This consent-based decision making model helps us create a flattened power structure based on equality by working in “circles.” In this system, large community decisions such as annual budget, strategic or organizational changes, etc. are made by gaining 100% community consent.
Anyone who becomes a member may participate in our working circles model, and in our community consent processes. The current circles that are functioning to guide our community are the Board Circle, Systems Circle, Gather Circle, Learn Circle, and Act Circle.
The “Board Circle" is made up of representatives from each of our four “Department Circles” — Gather, Learn, Act, and Systems, and by other "at-large" community members. Each circle has a domain to operate within, and thus contributes to the community by helping plan and host various aspects of our community life. The Circles meet regularly throughout the year to help Kin Commons continue to achieve its aim of being a space where everyone can be grounded in ancient spiritual practices, belong to a contemplative community focused on love, and become a part of nourishing a more connected, compassionate, and just world!
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