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Life in Community: Joining Together to Display the Gospel
WHAT MAKES A COMMUNITY EXTRAORDINARY?
When people live in community moved by the gospel and marked by the Spirit, great things happen.
They commit to one another. They grieve together, sing together, eat, pray, and play together. They love, serve, honor, encourage, and provide for each other gladly. And they live on mission together.
Hearts are healed, walls come down, and outsiders come in. No competition. No pretense. No vain conceit. Just full hearts breaking bread and giving freely.
It is nothing short of amazing.
Most of us live in a shadow of what God intended for us. Life in Community calls us into the light. Reclaiming Scripture’s stunning vision of gospel-centered community, it inspires us to live in love unbounded. Read it, live it, and join the movement: Help unleash the power of extraordinary community.
6-Week group study included.
When people live in community moved by the gospel and marked by the Spirit, great things happen.
They commit to one another. They grieve together, sing together, eat, pray, and play together. They love, serve, honor, encourage, and provide for each other gladly. And they live on mission together.
Hearts are healed, walls come down, and outsiders come in. No competition. No pretense. No vain conceit. Just full hearts breaking bread and giving freely.
It is nothing short of amazing.
Most of us live in a shadow of what God intended for us. Life in Community calls us into the light. Reclaiming Scripture’s stunning vision of gospel-centered community, it inspires us to live in love unbounded. Read it, live it, and join the movement: Help unleash the power of extraordinary community.
6-Week group study included.
192 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2015
39 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 6, 2017
The excellent cover design, coupled with the title and purpose of this book drew my attention initially. Who doesn't long for better community? As the subtitle- joining together to display the gospel- suggests, this paperback offers Biblical advice on how to grow closer for the glory of God. I really enjoyed and benefited from reading this book. I know there are many out there and although this may not be the absolute best of the books on community, it is definitely worth reading. I am grateful that I got the chance to read it and review it. I think it would be even more beneficial to follow through with the included 6-week discussion questions. In this ''instant'' age full of distant and ofttimes unsocial social media, people need to learn and implement a real sense of love , friendship and community.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 18, 2015
I enjoyed this book. It gave some specific reasons why God calls us to be in community, and tactical items for how to properly live in Biblical community. I wish more people in our church would read this so they could understand how to enter into this type of community and really live like this!
Being in community isn't just saying "I love them, but it doesn't mean I have to like them". On page 116, he states "'Love one another with brotherly affection'” references a mutual tender affection for one another. Paul’s directive is that we are to actually care about them. God calls us to truly like one another." "God’s mercy is the basis for community. Those who look significantly different on the outside (jobs, preferences, economic status) are more alike than different because of their need for God’s mercy. Those who are in Christ sharing common group have a deeper unity made possibly only through God’s mercy." (pg. 43) As people live in community on mission, they transform together. You're shouldn't need to be transformed before you enter community -- the transformation comes as a part of being in community. We need places where we can take off our masks and be vulnerable and honest so that we can grow and so that we can experience true love.
One of my favorite parts talked about how we need to hate and love-- hate the sin that is corrupting our community member's lives and care enough about them to walk with them toward healing. "We need to become a people who love one another enough to hate the things that hurt us (and our communities)" (pg 90). We don't leave people to harm themselves physically, but we tend to do so spiritually often times. Unfortunately, I don't think we love the people in our community to risk them being upset temporarily at us, or to risk sticking our neck out for their good. A part of living in community means caring for one another's burdens and encouraging each other in our times of struggle. We are also called to point out the good in one another's lives and help them identify how we see God working in them. We need to be able to look outside ourselves and honor the good God is doing in others.
Two good ideas to better build trusting and open relationships: serve alongside others, as people are more willing to share when they have worked together; find ways to talk to people outside the normal church context, as people are more willing to share when they're having fun.
All in all, I think this book is a pretty easy read, has some good and interesting stories about his life and his church's community growth, and it offers very helpful tips on how to grow in community. I feel like it gives a good model of what the church should look like, and how the world would see the church, if the church "aggressively [sought] the community and mission of God together. We are not called to sit still; we are called to eagerly join God in what he is doing and wants to do in and through our communities. The inactivity of our churches must end." (pg 165)
Being in community isn't just saying "I love them, but it doesn't mean I have to like them". On page 116, he states "'Love one another with brotherly affection'” references a mutual tender affection for one another. Paul’s directive is that we are to actually care about them. God calls us to truly like one another." "God’s mercy is the basis for community. Those who look significantly different on the outside (jobs, preferences, economic status) are more alike than different because of their need for God’s mercy. Those who are in Christ sharing common group have a deeper unity made possibly only through God’s mercy." (pg. 43) As people live in community on mission, they transform together. You're shouldn't need to be transformed before you enter community -- the transformation comes as a part of being in community. We need places where we can take off our masks and be vulnerable and honest so that we can grow and so that we can experience true love.
One of my favorite parts talked about how we need to hate and love-- hate the sin that is corrupting our community member's lives and care enough about them to walk with them toward healing. "We need to become a people who love one another enough to hate the things that hurt us (and our communities)" (pg 90). We don't leave people to harm themselves physically, but we tend to do so spiritually often times. Unfortunately, I don't think we love the people in our community to risk them being upset temporarily at us, or to risk sticking our neck out for their good. A part of living in community means caring for one another's burdens and encouraging each other in our times of struggle. We are also called to point out the good in one another's lives and help them identify how we see God working in them. We need to be able to look outside ourselves and honor the good God is doing in others.
Two good ideas to better build trusting and open relationships: serve alongside others, as people are more willing to share when they have worked together; find ways to talk to people outside the normal church context, as people are more willing to share when they're having fun.
All in all, I think this book is a pretty easy read, has some good and interesting stories about his life and his church's community growth, and it offers very helpful tips on how to grow in community. I feel like it gives a good model of what the church should look like, and how the world would see the church, if the church "aggressively [sought] the community and mission of God together. We are not called to sit still; we are called to eagerly join God in what he is doing and wants to do in and through our communities. The inactivity of our churches must end." (pg 165)
April 29, 2023
Great resource on what true biblical community looks like! I also appreciate the group study component and practical questions at the end of each chapter for application!
March 12, 2025
Super good book! So much power in community.
October 5, 2016
Dustin Willis co-authored the book Life On Mission with Aaron Coe and is now following up with his second Moody Published book, Life In Community | Joining Together to Display the Gospel. Dustin’s desire is to see everyday people join together in the history-sweeping mission of God.
Dustin currently serves with the North American Mission Board and speaks across North America. Dustin earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Clemson University and his master’s degree from Liberty Theological Seminary. Dustin is a regular contributor at sendnetwork.com.
Dustin lives in metro Atlanta, with his wife, Renie, and their two children, Jack and Piper.
*The information above has been copied directly from the author’s website.
http://lifeincommunity.com/the-book/
http://lifeincommunity.com/blog-1/
For years I have been trying to encourage others to embrace community, I use the word fellowship. When I discovered this book, I was very excited, and I could not wait to read it. While reading the book, it seemed, at times, that I was reading my own thoughts. Which really isn’t that strange, since Dustin and I read the same Bible, and listen to the same Holy Spirit. I could not help but chuckle when I read what he wrote on page ninety-five, “my wife and many others tell me that I seek controversy. I constantly have to check my argumentative nature and make sure my motive is for the other persons’ wellbeing, not for my desire to get into a fight.” Yep, we have a lot in common. Our difference, I could not write such a book. Dustin Willis wrote an excellent book, on a much needed subject. I am grateful to Dustin for such a fine book.
Dustin used Romans 12 as a proof text, as a foundation to propose biblical community. At first I was a little skeptical, uncertain that Romans 12 was the appropriate passage. But, as I continued to read the book, it became clear that Paul’s commands to individuals were/are for the benefit of community. Dustin writes about the loneliness that we all experience, and the innate God-given need for community. He emphasized the importance of love, transparency, encouragement, and hospitality. He defines hospitality, to ensure that there is no confusion about what hospitality is (thank-you Dustin). The book contains many passages from Scripture, way to go Dustin! He discusses real people, real scenarios, and even himself. The only chapter that I believe needs improvement, was the chapter discussing suffering (Persevering Together). Since suffering is such a tough topic, no one can fully explain suffering in context, within one chapter. Those who try, always write ambiguously (in my opinion). However, I do appreciate the encouragement to suffer as a community, the urge to empathize with one another.
The book is divided into three sections.
Section 1: Forming Community
Chapter 1: The Need for Community
Chapter 2: Common Ground
Chapter 3: Continuously Transformed
Section 2: The Values for Living in Community
Chapter 4: Your Best at the Table
Chapter 5: No Masks Allowed
Chapter 6: Hate Can be a Good Thing
Chapter 7: Glue to the Good
Chapter 8: Love, Like, and Honor
Chapter 9: Persevering Together
Chapter 10: Meeting Needs
Chapter 11: Pursuing Hospitality
Section 3: Next Steps for Strong Community
Chapter 12: Do Something and Start Now
Dustin provided practical, personal reflection questions at the conclusion of each chapter. The book includes a six week, small group, study guide for the purpose of aiding local churches. I believe, that the role of the church, and the role of individuals within the church, has been misunderstood for a long time. Life in Community, written by Dustin Willis needs to be read by pastors, deacons, church/group leaders, and everyone else.
I have received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers Blogger Review Program, for an honest review. I have given an honest review.
Dustin currently serves with the North American Mission Board and speaks across North America. Dustin earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Clemson University and his master’s degree from Liberty Theological Seminary. Dustin is a regular contributor at sendnetwork.com.
Dustin lives in metro Atlanta, with his wife, Renie, and their two children, Jack and Piper.
*The information above has been copied directly from the author’s website.
http://lifeincommunity.com/the-book/
http://lifeincommunity.com/blog-1/
For years I have been trying to encourage others to embrace community, I use the word fellowship. When I discovered this book, I was very excited, and I could not wait to read it. While reading the book, it seemed, at times, that I was reading my own thoughts. Which really isn’t that strange, since Dustin and I read the same Bible, and listen to the same Holy Spirit. I could not help but chuckle when I read what he wrote on page ninety-five, “my wife and many others tell me that I seek controversy. I constantly have to check my argumentative nature and make sure my motive is for the other persons’ wellbeing, not for my desire to get into a fight.” Yep, we have a lot in common. Our difference, I could not write such a book. Dustin Willis wrote an excellent book, on a much needed subject. I am grateful to Dustin for such a fine book.
Dustin used Romans 12 as a proof text, as a foundation to propose biblical community. At first I was a little skeptical, uncertain that Romans 12 was the appropriate passage. But, as I continued to read the book, it became clear that Paul’s commands to individuals were/are for the benefit of community. Dustin writes about the loneliness that we all experience, and the innate God-given need for community. He emphasized the importance of love, transparency, encouragement, and hospitality. He defines hospitality, to ensure that there is no confusion about what hospitality is (thank-you Dustin). The book contains many passages from Scripture, way to go Dustin! He discusses real people, real scenarios, and even himself. The only chapter that I believe needs improvement, was the chapter discussing suffering (Persevering Together). Since suffering is such a tough topic, no one can fully explain suffering in context, within one chapter. Those who try, always write ambiguously (in my opinion). However, I do appreciate the encouragement to suffer as a community, the urge to empathize with one another.
The book is divided into three sections.
Section 1: Forming Community
Chapter 1: The Need for Community
Chapter 2: Common Ground
Chapter 3: Continuously Transformed
Section 2: The Values for Living in Community
Chapter 4: Your Best at the Table
Chapter 5: No Masks Allowed
Chapter 6: Hate Can be a Good Thing
Chapter 7: Glue to the Good
Chapter 8: Love, Like, and Honor
Chapter 9: Persevering Together
Chapter 10: Meeting Needs
Chapter 11: Pursuing Hospitality
Section 3: Next Steps for Strong Community
Chapter 12: Do Something and Start Now
Dustin provided practical, personal reflection questions at the conclusion of each chapter. The book includes a six week, small group, study guide for the purpose of aiding local churches. I believe, that the role of the church, and the role of individuals within the church, has been misunderstood for a long time. Life in Community, written by Dustin Willis needs to be read by pastors, deacons, church/group leaders, and everyone else.
I have received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers Blogger Review Program, for an honest review. I have given an honest review.
August 20, 2015
I try not to rate everything 5 stars, but I think this one deserves it. This is a book I not only enjoyed, but will consider purchasing and giving away copies to others. I received it as a gift myself, and am glad I did!
To be sure, Dustin Willis is scratching where I itch. This book is about helping us grow to have the kind of relationships within the church body that God desires for us and that he designed the church to provide. The book gives both a vision for biblical community, how that community is formed, and the necessary and practical values that will be present when we live in true biblical fellowship. Each chapter includes both a study of the Scripture as well as real life examples and practical application of its principles. The chapters end with a helpful set of questions to move you toward living out the principles covered in the book. The book is suitable for small group reflection and includes an appendix for leading a 6-week study.
One of the strengths is that it is written in a way that has a broad application. It does not teach a particular method of community (cell groups, Sunday school, etc.) but lays out what biblical community looks like practically and tangibly in any setting. It's principles, in my opinion, are presented in a way that can apply among a variety of sociological and cultural settings. Further, the author recognizes the differences in temperament among people and describes biblical community for a church with both introverts and extroverts (helpful, in my opinion, as much written in this genre seems to be aimed at the latter).
In the end, this book is a call to action. There is more than just theory here and there is no new model or method to try. Rather, its a practical description of what God has designed the body of Christ to be, some practical wisdom on how to get there, and a call for us to pursue that heavenly vision.
To be sure, Dustin Willis is scratching where I itch. This book is about helping us grow to have the kind of relationships within the church body that God desires for us and that he designed the church to provide. The book gives both a vision for biblical community, how that community is formed, and the necessary and practical values that will be present when we live in true biblical fellowship. Each chapter includes both a study of the Scripture as well as real life examples and practical application of its principles. The chapters end with a helpful set of questions to move you toward living out the principles covered in the book. The book is suitable for small group reflection and includes an appendix for leading a 6-week study.
One of the strengths is that it is written in a way that has a broad application. It does not teach a particular method of community (cell groups, Sunday school, etc.) but lays out what biblical community looks like practically and tangibly in any setting. It's principles, in my opinion, are presented in a way that can apply among a variety of sociological and cultural settings. Further, the author recognizes the differences in temperament among people and describes biblical community for a church with both introverts and extroverts (helpful, in my opinion, as much written in this genre seems to be aimed at the latter).
In the end, this book is a call to action. There is more than just theory here and there is no new model or method to try. Rather, its a practical description of what God has designed the body of Christ to be, some practical wisdom on how to get there, and a call for us to pursue that heavenly vision.
January 21, 2018
The author expresses relevant and eternal truths for the Christian community emphasizing the value of biblical faith expressed in unity with other believers.
I particularly like the author's humility and authenticity as he shared examples from his own life and church ministry. Rather than just rating the book a definite four-star, I gave a five-star because of the study guide questions and biblical passages provided at the book's end.
The resource is invaluable and was the reason I valued this book. Six weeks of reading the book and implementing its concepts was powerful for me because of the practical, pointed questions of the study guide. My family relationships, friendships, and social interactions have deepened and improved since spending time with others reading this book.
Anyone still pursing Jesus alone or desiring to empower the local church and community can receive encouragement and insight from this book.
I particularly like the author's humility and authenticity as he shared examples from his own life and church ministry. Rather than just rating the book a definite four-star, I gave a five-star because of the study guide questions and biblical passages provided at the book's end.
The resource is invaluable and was the reason I valued this book. Six weeks of reading the book and implementing its concepts was powerful for me because of the practical, pointed questions of the study guide. My family relationships, friendships, and social interactions have deepened and improved since spending time with others reading this book.
Anyone still pursing Jesus alone or desiring to empower the local church and community can receive encouragement and insight from this book.
March 14, 2018
Having read another book by the author which I happened to enjoy, I was struck by the way that this book resembled the writings of Bonhoeffer and Nouwen, who were both deeply interested in the way that believers lived in community [1], or at least should. I must admit this is not something I do very well. The author speaks a lot in this book about the isolation that many Christians feel and this is definitely something that I am familiar with, but I must admit that I do not feel that I do community very well. The author's fondness for telling personal stories about himself and his own life struck me as a bit awkward as well, especially as the author had a lot of things to say about such issues as his own struggles to be a good husband and a miscarriage his wife had. Hopefully his family is okay with his candor, because even as a fairly candid writer about my own life, I found much in the author's approach that struck me as uncomfortable, and given that the author was encouraging believers to live in community with other believers who encourage them, this may not have been the best way to go about it.
Like the author's previous book, this one is about 180 pages and also ends with a leader's guide for a six week discussion course on the book's material that includes questions for readers to talk about with others in a group. The first part of the book contains three chapters on forming a community with a discussion of the need for community (1), the common ground that believers have in their faith if not their personal interests (2), and the way that a relationship with God and others should help us be continuously transformed into the image of God and Christ (3). After this the author talks about some of the necessary values for living in godly community, like bringing our best to the table of fellowship (4), refusing to wear masks to hide our true selves (5), hating the right things like evil and injustice (6), being stuck like glue to what is good (7), behaving with kindness, affection, and honor towards other believers (8), persevering together and providing encouragement (9), meeting the needs of our brethren when we become aware of them (10), and pursuing hospitality even it means exposing our imperfections (11). The third section urges the reader to do something and start now to building a strong community (12) before the closing leader's guide.
One thing that can be praised about the author's approach is his acknowledgement that life in community with other believers is messy. We have to be comfortable in showing ourselves to others for who we are and others have to be comfortable in showing themselves to us. This is not an easy task even if we are the sort of people who work hard on our honesty. Yet if we are to avoid being isolated, we have to find community and feel as if we are part of a larger world that cares about us even if it often places unwanted demands on us and is nosy and intrusive. Yet when we enter into a relationship with God at baptism and have the Holy Spirit placed inside of us by God, we are called to be one with our fellow brethren as God and Jesus Christ are one, and that intimacy is a scary and messy thing. It is little wonder in an age as terrified as intimacy as our own is--and I certainly speak for myself here--that we would be terrified of genuine community, but that is what we signed up for when we became a part of God's Family at baptism. Living up to that call is by no means an easy one.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
Like the author's previous book, this one is about 180 pages and also ends with a leader's guide for a six week discussion course on the book's material that includes questions for readers to talk about with others in a group. The first part of the book contains three chapters on forming a community with a discussion of the need for community (1), the common ground that believers have in their faith if not their personal interests (2), and the way that a relationship with God and others should help us be continuously transformed into the image of God and Christ (3). After this the author talks about some of the necessary values for living in godly community, like bringing our best to the table of fellowship (4), refusing to wear masks to hide our true selves (5), hating the right things like evil and injustice (6), being stuck like glue to what is good (7), behaving with kindness, affection, and honor towards other believers (8), persevering together and providing encouragement (9), meeting the needs of our brethren when we become aware of them (10), and pursuing hospitality even it means exposing our imperfections (11). The third section urges the reader to do something and start now to building a strong community (12) before the closing leader's guide.
One thing that can be praised about the author's approach is his acknowledgement that life in community with other believers is messy. We have to be comfortable in showing ourselves to others for who we are and others have to be comfortable in showing themselves to us. This is not an easy task even if we are the sort of people who work hard on our honesty. Yet if we are to avoid being isolated, we have to find community and feel as if we are part of a larger world that cares about us even if it often places unwanted demands on us and is nosy and intrusive. Yet when we enter into a relationship with God at baptism and have the Holy Spirit placed inside of us by God, we are called to be one with our fellow brethren as God and Jesus Christ are one, and that intimacy is a scary and messy thing. It is little wonder in an age as terrified as intimacy as our own is--and I certainly speak for myself here--that we would be terrified of genuine community, but that is what we signed up for when we became a part of God's Family at baptism. Living up to that call is by no means an easy one.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
January 13, 2023
This is a good book. It really makes me want to do more hosting in our house while also creating other opportunities for people to live out community together. This is something the author says we are missing and missing out on and it has led to a stagnant kind of religiosity that also makes it easy for people to leave.
Community is certainly one recipe that will help people find a fit within their local church, while at the same time provide opportunities for outreach, growth, and discipleship. I recommend this book for pastors and staff at churches. It has some good ideas and will certainly encourage deeper thought about how to use our time and money as resources for the kingdom of God in a better and more impactful way.
Community is certainly one recipe that will help people find a fit within their local church, while at the same time provide opportunities for outreach, growth, and discipleship. I recommend this book for pastors and staff at churches. It has some good ideas and will certainly encourage deeper thought about how to use our time and money as resources for the kingdom of God in a better and more impactful way.
September 15, 2018
There are a lot of books about the church as a community. Bonhöffer’s is the classic work, but this one unpacks Christian community in the life of the church in a very accessible and graspable way. If you are struggling with knowing how to live life in church life or wondering whether church community is essential for Christian flourishing, then read this one. I was both encouraged and challenged.
March 22, 2020
A good book about living in Christian community, reminding us how to take the idea of faith out of a building you go to on Sundays, and instead deepen bonds with people in your day-to-day life. It reminded me of all the benefits you can get when you take that leap to be vulnerable and let other people in, whether that’s faith-based or not, but it can be especially great when those people are committed to helping you grow spiritually in a kind, nonjudgmental way. 3.5 stars.
August 1, 2021
“this was not a Sunday activity that took place for an hour and ended with a prayer and a song. community is more than a Sunday.”
this book was encouraging and challenged me to pursue even deeper community as well as how to continue to die to myself in that pursuit. i was challenged by the ways i idolize the comfort of my home instead of using it as a tool to advance the gospel. definitely recommend this read
this book was encouraging and challenged me to pursue even deeper community as well as how to continue to die to myself in that pursuit. i was challenged by the ways i idolize the comfort of my home instead of using it as a tool to advance the gospel. definitely recommend this read
April 10, 2019
I wish I hadn’t started this book. The scope is just way too broad so everything felt like a summary. I wanted something more focused and detailed. For some one who has never read anything on any community or hospitality this might be helpful but for anyone that has any knowledge on these topics I’d grab a more focused book.
Positively the book is biblical.
Positively the book is biblical.
September 18, 2020
This felt familiar to Side by Side or The Gospel Comes With a House Key. I’d probably be quicker to recommend those or The Simplest Way to Change the World (co-authored by Dustin Willis). This was still good, and I liked the Mission Thread at the end of each chapter. But after reading the others I mentioned, there wasn’t much new in this book.
April 14, 2022
I read The Simplest Way to Change the World by Dustin Willis a few years ago, and it was life changing. So of course when I found Life in Community I had to read it. I appreciate the practical, gospel-centered approach to life that is presented in both books.
October 30, 2022
This book greatly challenged and broke me (in a much needed way) as it helped me to confront sin and attitudes in my life that I was hesitant to let go of. Absolutely loved it. I'm looking forward to applying this book to my life and seeing how my community changes because of it.
February 22, 2024
Great content in the chapters! If you’re using this book to lead a group the discussion questions in the back don’t always correspond with the chapters content. Great for understanding the importance of growing community on mission for the Gospel.
July 17, 2017
Challenging book on the joys and hardships of living in community together as believers. It was both convicting and motivating. Definitely recommend it!
October 27, 2017
Good challenge on community. Worth the read.
February 27, 2019
Good book in building community. Great resource for group leaders and groups that would want to go through a series on community.
April 11, 2019
This is what life together, as part of God’s family, should look like. I can’t recommend this highly enough. We took our college small group thru it, and God has met us all in many practical ways.
July 17, 2023
Read this over several months with our church group. It was difficult to stay engaged with the content over such a long period of time, but we did our best.
January 6, 2026
Great Boook!! Clearly defines what Christian community is, how it should look, and how to live it. Highly recommend.
February 9, 2017
Good ideas to consider when establishing a hospitable home and community, but could have been condensed to a dozen pages. Just skim it.
February 22, 2016
God's plan for Christian growth is the gospel-centered community of the local church. Dustin Willis reminds us of that reality in his book Life in Community. This is probably the most neglected aspect of the local church.
Willis points to the need for community highlighting the loneliness and isolation that have consumed the life of so many in our society. The answer to that gnawing isolation isn't found in a Netflix marathon. What is needed Willis shows is for churches to cease placing a false dichotomy between community and mission. Willis in the following chapters provides a picture of what authentic gospel-community is to be and to do. Any idea of a self-centered pursuit of community is quickly removed as Willis highlights the need to serve other. The gospel-community orientates the life of the individual around loving and serving others.
This book is desperately needed in the local church. So many are tempted to treat the local church as a Sunday activity rather than a body of people they are called to live in community with. The vision for community given in this book provides for an organic means of engaging in mission and discipleship within the local church. What we need is not new programs but a return to viewing the church as a community. This book has led me to reevaluate some of my understanding of the priorities of the local church and I hope it will do the same for you.
Disclosure: I received this book free from from the publisher for providing this review. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...
Willis points to the need for community highlighting the loneliness and isolation that have consumed the life of so many in our society. The answer to that gnawing isolation isn't found in a Netflix marathon. What is needed Willis shows is for churches to cease placing a false dichotomy between community and mission. Willis in the following chapters provides a picture of what authentic gospel-community is to be and to do. Any idea of a self-centered pursuit of community is quickly removed as Willis highlights the need to serve other. The gospel-community orientates the life of the individual around loving and serving others.
This book is desperately needed in the local church. So many are tempted to treat the local church as a Sunday activity rather than a body of people they are called to live in community with. The vision for community given in this book provides for an organic means of engaging in mission and discipleship within the local church. What we need is not new programs but a return to viewing the church as a community. This book has led me to reevaluate some of my understanding of the priorities of the local church and I hope it will do the same for you.
Disclosure: I received this book free from from the publisher for providing this review. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...
March 30, 2016
Why I Choose this Book:
I'm trying to reach out and be more a part of the lives around me. It's so easy to huddle in my office and seclude myself at work, but I want to really live and to touch lives and be touched by other people's lives.
What I Thought About this Book:
I enjoyed the book. It was insightful, rooted in scripture, easy to read, and filled with paragraph-long real-life stories that made it easy to relate to.
The author does a great job of exploring what the Bible has to say about the way we're supposed to live life. We can't pull into ourselves and live an abundant, Godly life. Instead, we're told to be involved with other people's lives. We're supposed to bare one another's burdens, not forsake the gathering of believers, be hospitable, confess our faults to one another, and the list goes on. None of those things can be accomplished if we don't interact with others.
In Life in Community we learn practical ways to put these principles into practice and to live lives that make a difference and draw people closer to God.
Conclusion:
It was a good book, helpful, easy-to-read, and encouraging.
Rating:
I'm giving Life in Community Four Stars (Seven out of Ten).
*I received this book for free from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review*
I'm trying to reach out and be more a part of the lives around me. It's so easy to huddle in my office and seclude myself at work, but I want to really live and to touch lives and be touched by other people's lives.
What I Thought About this Book:
I enjoyed the book. It was insightful, rooted in scripture, easy to read, and filled with paragraph-long real-life stories that made it easy to relate to.
The author does a great job of exploring what the Bible has to say about the way we're supposed to live life. We can't pull into ourselves and live an abundant, Godly life. Instead, we're told to be involved with other people's lives. We're supposed to bare one another's burdens, not forsake the gathering of believers, be hospitable, confess our faults to one another, and the list goes on. None of those things can be accomplished if we don't interact with others.
In Life in Community we learn practical ways to put these principles into practice and to live lives that make a difference and draw people closer to God.
Conclusion:
It was a good book, helpful, easy-to-read, and encouraging.
Rating:
I'm giving Life in Community Four Stars (Seven out of Ten).
*I received this book for free from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review*
August 12, 2016
This book had so much practical wisdom in living together as Christians in community that I gave it the highest rating and recommended it for my Sunday school class to read together. I really liked Willis -- his personality and his honesty. I even liked that his wife described him as someone who 'seeks controversy'. I considered that part of his desire for understanding and honesty in relationships. One of the huge insights was: "Your sin does not render you impotent to address someone else's sin. Humble confession of your sin positions you to have maximum impact." I think that's why we don't help each other more by correcting when we see someone choosing a wrong way -- we don't want them turning our sin on us.
Good summary of life together in community: "People will let you down."
Best advice: "One of the best ways to fight sin is to cheer on godliness." "Call out the good you see God doing in them." "God calls us to truly like one another... Don't waste time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor; act as if you did."
Good summary of life together in community: "People will let you down."
Best advice: "One of the best ways to fight sin is to cheer on godliness." "Call out the good you see God doing in them." "God calls us to truly like one another... Don't waste time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor; act as if you did."
January 31, 2017
Biblical community is often overlooked in today’s church. However, when the church practices this community, things begin to change. People start to not feel lonely, they encourage each other, bear each other’s burdens, meet each other’s needs, etc. Willis will challenge you to step up and start living in Biblical community.
I was so moved by this book! So many times I was reading and realized just how much I need to work on living in Biblical community. As Christians, we’ve lost sight of what community means. We tend to either be so close knit in our churches that we don’t open up to new people, or we focus on missions so much that we neglect our own members. While both are important, we have to find a balance between the two. I highly recommend this book. I’m sure it will challenge you!
**I received this book free from the publisher through the Moody Publishers blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was so moved by this book! So many times I was reading and realized just how much I need to work on living in Biblical community. As Christians, we’ve lost sight of what community means. We tend to either be so close knit in our churches that we don’t open up to new people, or we focus on missions so much that we neglect our own members. While both are important, we have to find a balance between the two. I highly recommend this book. I’m sure it will challenge you!
**I received this book free from the publisher through the Moody Publishers blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 31, 2016
This one found its way to me through all the books we get at work, and I breezed through it during my lunch break. It's pretty simplistic and not a deep read by any means, and I felt like a lot of the stories (and there were a LOT) were cliche and basic, like a million other examples I've heard before in the church world. There were definitely some solid nuggets in here, and it was good to read through this and be reminded of the many ways community encourages and spurs us on in our faith, but there's just not a lot of great depth or substance here.
October 20, 2020
Dustin Willis does a great job of painting pictures of the focuses that make for authentic biblical community within the church. It is a quick read, has good examples and has provided me with a lot to chew on as a young leader within my church. I would heartily recommend it to anyone who is looking to improve community life within their church or anyone who attends a church right now and finds themselves looking for more than just a Sunday gathering and platitudes.
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