About the Founders Wayne and Irene Negrini

Wayne and Irene Negrini, the founders of Community Without Walls, received a clear calling from God while they were still young in their faith. This call was distinctly repeated over the course of time: to carry on the reformation that Martin Luther began a half a millennium earlier. Luther’s emphasis was on the grace of God—a biblical truth that was forgotten in his time.

The Negrinis had themselves experienced the grace of God powerfully in their lives. This energized and motivated them wherever they lived, whether it was in California, Holland or Switzerland. They daily served those in need without judging them for their past lives. They took people into their home and cared for them physically, psychologically, and spiritually. In the spring of 1994, God called the Negrinis to Wehingen, in Saarland, Germany, where they bought a building that had previously been an elementary school.

There they carried on with this sort of lifestyle.

As a result, a unique movement arose that astonished both of them. More and more people had the desire to move with their families to this tiny rural village of Wehingen. Gradually, the founders began to recognize God’s plan: here were people who were willing to leave everything behind and make a conscious decision to live as Christians in this community, eagerly embracing a complete change of lifestyle. Friendships grew into lifelong covenant relationships. Those who came to Wehingen pledged to remain committed to each other, yet their promises were not held together with strict rules or regulations. Although the Negrinis never intended to form a community, one emerged as a result of this growing body of disciples. Their emphasis therefore lies not on buildings and organized structures, but rather on supporting the spiritual life in living cells. The Negrinis’ calling and vision is to build the kingdom of God in human beings and to guide them into spiritual maturity (Eph. 4:13). With this in mind, a community developed with many facets and services.

In a crisis situation, here people can find spiritual and physical help as well as protection. They can also come to truly know contagious and unconditional Agape love. In a family atmosphere, they can experience personal acceptance and guidance as well as godly restoration. Christians learn the meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus and to get to know the Holy Spirit. They receive holistic healing and spiritual authority, and many of them become strong leaders. The spiritual life can be observed in the community as well as in the social and humanitarian services. God is renewing his community in our time and in our midst.

Reformation is happening ever day here! To God be all the glory!