Within the Christian community in Texas, the community has been likened to the Amish in its pursuit of “peaceful coexistence with the land” – where residents come together after becoming disillusioned with city life

A fascinating documentary takes viewers into a Texas community that lives the same way as the Amish, favoring traditional practices over technology.

Documentary filmmaker Kirsten Dirksen spent time exploring the Homestead Heritage, which spans 510 acres in Waco, Texas.

The Christian community of more than 1,000 residents states on its website that it ’emphasizes simplicity, sustainability, self-sufficiency, cooperation, service and high-quality craftsmanship.

‘They also strive for a peaceful coexistence with the country, other people and other faiths.’

In a YouTube video, Kirsten speaks with various community members to get a taste of what life at the Homestead Heritage is like, and near the end she sums it up as “idyllic.”

Documentary filmmaker Kirsten Dirksen spent time exploring Homestead Heritage, which spans 510 acres in Waco, Texas

The Christian community of more than 1,000 residents reports on its website that it ’emphasizes simplicity, sustainability, self-reliance, cooperation, service and craftsmanship’

Greg Godsey, co-owner of the Heritage Coffee Shop and the architectural firm Heritage, says he moved to Homestead Heritage from Austin with his wife after becoming disillusioned with life in the city.

He explains, “I really loved my job and I loved what I did, and yet my wife and I felt like we needed to leave the suburbs and reconnect with the country.

“We knew this community and we wanted to come this way.”

Greg says his lifestyle was initially a “big change” as he went from being a business owner to selling metal panels.

But over time he found opportunities to establish himself in the community and was able to obtain his architectural degree, allowing him to open his own practice and run a coffee shop.

In the film, Benjamin Neikirk, co-owner of the coffee shop, says he came to Homestead Heritage after coming to the same conclusion as Greg about the direction his life was taking and the poor work-life balance.

He tells the camera crew, “Before we came to this community, we lived in Houston and I was a businessman.

‘I was never home, I never took a vacation, I was constantly working. [Moving here] was a way I could sell my business there and then stay here. [Now] “My wife and I get up, we come to work together… this is a beautiful thing.”

Greg Godsey, co-owner of Heritage Coffee Shop and Heritage Architecture firm, reveals he moved to Homestead Heritage from Austin with his wife

While there are many new residents at Homestead Heritage, Greg explains that there is a third generation of community members since it originally began as a Christian organization in New York in 1973, with founders Blair and Regina Adams paving the way. The church in Texas started in 1980, after a stint in Colorado.

In one scene, he introduces woodworker Mark Borman, who moved to Homestead Heritage at age nine.

Instead of going to school, most children in the community learn a trade or apprenticeship, and Mark eventually built a successful career in woodworking.

In the documentary he explains how he uses wood from the estate to make various furniture. He is so experienced that he can measure things by eye.

He describes his lifestyle as follows: ‘I live here on the farm… it’s about a five minute bike ride to work every morning.

‘I have been working here in the shop for 28 years and build a lot of custom-made furniture.

‘I was about fifteen [when] I knew I wanted to be a woodworker. I don’t see it so much as work, I actually find it a lot of fun.’

In addition to woodwork, the Homestead Heritage community makes their own textiles using looms and leather goods, while farming is their main occupation.

Benjamin Neikirk, co-owner of the community’s coffee business, says he moved there for a better work-life balance

In addition to woodworking, the Homestead Heritage community makes their own textiles using looms and leather goods, while farming is their main occupation.

Greg explains that most residents keep animals and grow crops, but that this is not a requirement to live there.

He says, “We can share milk production, or we can share animals and swap pastures.

‘Different people find their way in different places. You know, for some, farming is full-time and a real passion and for others it’s just gardening.

‘Some people really like to have a few animals, while others have no animals at all, but like to grow agricultural crops… This way everyone finds their own way.’

For those considering joining Homestead Heritage, the website states that “anyone can become a member of our community, provided they fully understand our beliefs and our way of life and are fully committed to living them.”

It continued: ‘We invite anyone who is interested to spend time with us, ask questions and get to know us.

‘There is also an abundance of literature available for those who want to know more about us.’

Woodworker Mark Borman moved to Homestead Heritage when he was just nine years old

For those considering joining Homestead Heritage, the website states that ‘anyone can join our community, provided they fully understand our beliefs’

The website also emphasizes in its frequently asked questions section that there is no specific dress code or uniform “but our members do seek to share a common outward identity that expresses the inner values ​​inherent in our shared Christian faith.”

‘These values ​​include simplicity, modesty and a desire to be free from the lure of fashion and competition that prevails in consumer cultures.’

Greg concludes the documentary with a commentary on the future of the community and its desire to become fully sustainable.

He concludes: ‘We know what steps we all need to take to become truly sustainable.

“That’s not going to happen in one generation. We want to be clear about the direction we’re going and we don’t want to be impatient.

“We know that this is not a one-generation vision… it’s becoming multigenerational.’

Many viewers have given the video a positive review, finding the community’s lifestyle “beautiful” and “inspiring.”