The World Community of Saint Francis follows a traditional vocation path, adapted for members who live active lives in the world. There are four stages to the formation program: Postulancy, Novitiate, Simple Vows and Solemn Vows.

When a member feels drawn to be a member they will send a letter to the Director of Vocations sharing the details of their desire and call. Once accepted as a Postulant, candidates will spend up to four months learning about the order and a deeper study of Spiritual Peacemaking. Once complete a candidate may be accepted as a Novice in the order and remain so for a period of one year. During this time deeper reflection will be required as well as reports from a spiritual director of the novice’s choice. After the year of novitiate the member enters into Simple Profession, renewed once a year for three years. After the three-year period is complete, and the formation team agrees that the brother or sister is ready, they receive their lifetime or Solemn Profession.

The three vows members of the WCSF accept reflect the traditional vows of the order, but have been adapted for the particular needs of this community. The vows of Surrender, Trust and Gratitude reflect the Franciscan vows of Poverty (reframed to mean simplicity), Chastity and Obedience – Surrender meaning living a life of simplicity and service, Trust meaning the willingness to follow the direction of the order’s servant-leadership, and Gratitude meaning living a chaste life within the boundaries of one’s personal commitments. This vow does not equate to leading a celibate lifestyle, unless this is the direction of the individual’s soul.

Members of the order are encouraged to live in intentional communities, but this is not required, nor is it considered the norm. Those who chose to live in community will adopt a common order based upon the rule of the WCSF. This may or may not include joint funds and community based industry. It will include a common prayer schedule decided by the members. Those who choose to remain in their own homes will follow their own prayer schedule which will include reciting the Sacred Office of Peace two times daily. Members are also encouraged to find other ways to connect at least once a week through the Internet and telephone conference calls. Whether living in common or in their own homes, members will creatively adopt a traditional Franciscan lifestyle specifically adapted for the WCSF in the modern world.