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Better Together: Discover the Power of Community
Community Is the Surprising Solution to Your Self-Help Needs
Exercise. Eat right. Share your faith. Produce fruit for God. Oh, and try to relax. Ever feel like trying to succeed is all about you? Or that trying to "die to yourself" only makes you more self-focused?
The Bible certainly has a lot to say about "me," but it has much more to say about "we." In fact, there are over 100 passages in the Bible where the two words "let us" are used. Let us not give up meeting together . . . let us encourage one another . . . let us serve one another. Could it be that the only way to fix "me" is found in "we"?
In Better Together , pastor Rusty George teaches how to satisfy your deepest needs through the power of "us." Together we connect with God better. Together we heal better. Together we overcome fears, raise families, fight temptations, and bless the world around us better. Learn how to live in true community to find the fulfillment you've been looking for.
Exercise. Eat right. Share your faith. Produce fruit for God. Oh, and try to relax. Ever feel like trying to succeed is all about you? Or that trying to "die to yourself" only makes you more self-focused?
The Bible certainly has a lot to say about "me," but it has much more to say about "we." In fact, there are over 100 passages in the Bible where the two words "let us" are used. Let us not give up meeting together . . . let us encourage one another . . . let us serve one another. Could it be that the only way to fix "me" is found in "we"?
In Better Together , pastor Rusty George teaches how to satisfy your deepest needs through the power of "us." Together we connect with God better. Together we heal better. Together we overcome fears, raise families, fight temptations, and bless the world around us better. Learn how to live in true community to find the fulfillment you've been looking for.
- GenresNonfictionChristian
208 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2018
12 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 4, 2018
This book was incredible. Growing up in the individualistic culture of American society, it can be easy to fight for our independence, isolate ourselves, and just not actively pursue community. In the book, George tells the story of Roseto, Pennsylvania, a small town of Italian immigrants. During a study, doctors found that the people in this town had incredibly low occurrences of heart disease. While they were researching this, they found that they also had abnormally low occurrences of ulcers, suicide, alcoholism, drug addictions, and crime. After researching every potential cause or reason behind this, they were unable to find anything that would remotely produce these links. The only outstanding thing about this town was its community. Here is what they eventually found: “These people lived in such a close-knit community with one another that their ‘togetherness’ literally overcame their poor diets and lack of exercise,” (pg. 57). If living in community can result in such positive health benefits, imagine what it can do for the rest of you.
This book addresses the attitude of “I don’t need anyone” in such a wonderful way – the author is so humble and honest, and he comes alongside of you in a ‘let’s do this together’ way instead of the ‘you need to do this’ way that so many other books do. It talks about how community is beneficial for you and your relationship with God, and how healing happens together. There was a whole chapter on perfectionism and how it relates to relationships, and I literally spent the entire chapter going, “Oh my goodness. That is me.” And I loved the last chapter on leaving a legacy, especially regarding the balance between protecting you and your family from the world and yet growing your community so that you are a blessing to the world.
Overall, this book was phenomenal. It was short, to the point, and relatable, and in my opinion would be beneficial for everyone to read.
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Review originally posted here.
This book addresses the attitude of “I don’t need anyone” in such a wonderful way – the author is so humble and honest, and he comes alongside of you in a ‘let’s do this together’ way instead of the ‘you need to do this’ way that so many other books do. It talks about how community is beneficial for you and your relationship with God, and how healing happens together. There was a whole chapter on perfectionism and how it relates to relationships, and I literally spent the entire chapter going, “Oh my goodness. That is me.” And I loved the last chapter on leaving a legacy, especially regarding the balance between protecting you and your family from the world and yet growing your community so that you are a blessing to the world.
Overall, this book was phenomenal. It was short, to the point, and relatable, and in my opinion would be beneficial for everyone to read.
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Review originally posted here.
March 16, 2018
In this book, Pastor Rusty George (a self-proclaimed introvert) gives you the tools to "do life together," whether that feels natural to you or not.
In his effort to find a way out of a spiritually exhausted funk, Rusty discovered not just the value of community, but also the God-given necessity for it. With easy to read short chapters Rusty shares his funny life stories, Scripture references, and insight on how to live life 'Better Together.'
This book is for someone to read on their own or is perfect to use for a small group study. The book is broken into 4 sections of 3 chapters each and each chapter ends with a set of 4-5 Discussion Questions, which help you make it more personal (go deeper) and adds more substance to a group's discussion.
Section 1: Help! Everyone Drives Me Crazy
Section 2: Better Together...to Connect with God
Section 3: Better Together...to Overcome Our Weaknesses
Section 4: Better Together...to Leave a Legacy
In his effort to find a way out of a spiritually exhausted funk, Rusty discovered not just the value of community, but also the God-given necessity for it. With easy to read short chapters Rusty shares his funny life stories, Scripture references, and insight on how to live life 'Better Together.'
This book is for someone to read on their own or is perfect to use for a small group study. The book is broken into 4 sections of 3 chapters each and each chapter ends with a set of 4-5 Discussion Questions, which help you make it more personal (go deeper) and adds more substance to a group's discussion.
Section 1: Help! Everyone Drives Me Crazy
Section 2: Better Together...to Connect with God
Section 3: Better Together...to Overcome Our Weaknesses
Section 4: Better Together...to Leave a Legacy
March 29, 2018
We certainly live in an era of self focus. Yet we know from Scripture that we should be connecting with others. How do we do that if we are an introvert? What if we're cautious because we've been hurt in the past?
George has written this book to help us connect better. He is an introvert himself and tells lots of good stories. The style of the book is to identify a concern about connecting with others and then offer suggestions to overcome that and form positive relationships. I could really identify with his concerns. Who hasn't been hurt by one supposed to be a good friend? Who hasn't come to the conclusion that so many others are unthinking and uncaring, or as George puts it, idiots?
George does a good job of answering all the objections. I was impressed with George using the example of Jesus. He had to deal with so many difficult people. I am to be Christlike and follow Jesus in dealing with others. Certainly I can tolerate a few objectionable traits in others to be able to connect with them and support them.
There are many good suggestions in this book. I liked the one for hospital visitation. George shares the story of being an inexperienced pastor and not knowing what to do when visiting the hospitalized. An experienced pastor suggested presence and prayer. People want to know they are not alone and that someone is praying for them.
George is really transparent in the telling of his own stories. Readers will be able to identify with his experiences, I think. Reading this book reminded me we need each other in our Christian walk and gave me good ideas on how to connect with others. There are discussion questions provided at the end of each chapter so this book could be used in a small group.
Food for thought: “There truly is happiness in being alone, but joy in being together.” (Loc 979/2307)
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
George has written this book to help us connect better. He is an introvert himself and tells lots of good stories. The style of the book is to identify a concern about connecting with others and then offer suggestions to overcome that and form positive relationships. I could really identify with his concerns. Who hasn't been hurt by one supposed to be a good friend? Who hasn't come to the conclusion that so many others are unthinking and uncaring, or as George puts it, idiots?
George does a good job of answering all the objections. I was impressed with George using the example of Jesus. He had to deal with so many difficult people. I am to be Christlike and follow Jesus in dealing with others. Certainly I can tolerate a few objectionable traits in others to be able to connect with them and support them.
There are many good suggestions in this book. I liked the one for hospital visitation. George shares the story of being an inexperienced pastor and not knowing what to do when visiting the hospitalized. An experienced pastor suggested presence and prayer. People want to know they are not alone and that someone is praying for them.
George is really transparent in the telling of his own stories. Readers will be able to identify with his experiences, I think. Reading this book reminded me we need each other in our Christian walk and gave me good ideas on how to connect with others. There are discussion questions provided at the end of each chapter so this book could be used in a small group.
Food for thought: “There truly is happiness in being alone, but joy in being together.” (Loc 979/2307)
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 30, 2018
"If Jesus finds life and mission are better together, shouldn't we?" (62)
We're not meant to be alone. Simply said, but in today's society, aren't we all a bit self absorbed? In Pastor Rusty George's Better Together, he encourages, inspires and explains to us why there's power in community.
Community is such a great word. Even for introverts like me, people long to feel connected, wanted and being a part of something, despite our self-focused nature. Yet, it is that self-concerned that hinders us from being truly a part of a community. Right? Well, Better Together gets it, and reminds us what it means, and what it doesn't have to be. Together isn't only better, it provides the healing and being closer to God we each need.
"Admitting the truth of who we really are is the first step to building real community." (104)
In the section, "Jesus Shows Us the Value of an Imperfect Community" delves a bit into a community that isn't perfect, but there's a reason and value in that. And we don't have to be perfect in order to be a part of a community. It's about who we are, and together, we can journey, grow and maybe be what God meant for us to be - to give back in the way He planned for us.
The author's writing is easy to read and the format applicable with discussion questions at the end of each section. I also like the personal & biblical stories he shared demonstrating his point. Together isn't perfect, but it's always better.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
We're not meant to be alone. Simply said, but in today's society, aren't we all a bit self absorbed? In Pastor Rusty George's Better Together, he encourages, inspires and explains to us why there's power in community.
Community is such a great word. Even for introverts like me, people long to feel connected, wanted and being a part of something, despite our self-focused nature. Yet, it is that self-concerned that hinders us from being truly a part of a community. Right? Well, Better Together gets it, and reminds us what it means, and what it doesn't have to be. Together isn't only better, it provides the healing and being closer to God we each need.
"Admitting the truth of who we really are is the first step to building real community." (104)
In the section, "Jesus Shows Us the Value of an Imperfect Community" delves a bit into a community that isn't perfect, but there's a reason and value in that. And we don't have to be perfect in order to be a part of a community. It's about who we are, and together, we can journey, grow and maybe be what God meant for us to be - to give back in the way He planned for us.
The author's writing is easy to read and the format applicable with discussion questions at the end of each section. I also like the personal & biblical stories he shared demonstrating his point. Together isn't perfect, but it's always better.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
July 10, 2018
Better Together is a unique book on the foundations of community and why God’s design for humanity was always for us to be together. Rusty George is an introvert who is annoyed by people more than he is amazed by them. I can relate to that kind of believer because I enjoy doing life with fellow believers.
Exercise, Eat right, Share your faith, Produce fruit for God, ever feel like success in life is all about you? And even trying to “die to self” only makes you more self consumed? The author gives us tools to “do life together,” we all need to lean on others in time of need and bring people into our everyday life. Together we connect with God better! Together we heal better! Together we overcome fears, raise families, fight temptations, and bless the world better. There are over one hundred passages in the bible where the words let us are used. We need to encourage each other and serve one another. Jesus found life and mission are better done together, than so should we.
I highly recommend the book if you truly want to walk the life that we all should be doing each day. We are all trapped in a self imposed prison of isolation while we complain about being alone, but the door is locked from inside. We all desire authentic relationships and we need to not let things get in the way.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 9, 2018
I was provided a free copy of Better Together by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Better Together is such a unique book on the foundations of community and why God's design for humanity was always for us to be together. Rusty George is an introvert who is annoyed by people more than he is amazed by them. And I can relate to that kind of believer. Most community books are written from a cheery perspective that never engages with the fact that people are messy and hard to love.
I think that George wrestles with that perspective beautifully. We are called into community if we choose to follow Jesus and it is for our good and for our growth. But that doesn't mean it isn't complicated, messy, and sometimes hurtful. After reading this book, I think I can walk into community being a better friend. I can enter relationships with more focus not on our mess but on the perfect Father who called us into relationship to begin with.
I would suggest Better Together! Such a unique perspective on the importance of community.
Better Together is such a unique book on the foundations of community and why God's design for humanity was always for us to be together. Rusty George is an introvert who is annoyed by people more than he is amazed by them. And I can relate to that kind of believer. Most community books are written from a cheery perspective that never engages with the fact that people are messy and hard to love.
I think that George wrestles with that perspective beautifully. We are called into community if we choose to follow Jesus and it is for our good and for our growth. But that doesn't mean it isn't complicated, messy, and sometimes hurtful. After reading this book, I think I can walk into community being a better friend. I can enter relationships with more focus not on our mess but on the perfect Father who called us into relationship to begin with.
I would suggest Better Together! Such a unique perspective on the importance of community.
July 15, 2021
As someone who is a self-proclaimed introvert myself, the idea of needing others to grow in my faith kind of makes me want to pass out. So, when I happened upon this book...I knew that I definitely needed to check it out. Rusty George brings up many good points in the book and weaves scripture throughout. The book is split up into 4 sections and provides insight into his own life as well as the life of Jesus. Through reading this book my eyes have been opened to the ways in which we need each other to lean on and grow with. I've begun to learn this first-hand as I continue to get more involved at my church, something that still terrifies me everytime I get ready to leave, but George's book definitely allows me to see the good in being in groups of like minded people. Each chapter ends with discussion questions and, ironically enough, I believe this book would best be read in a group of people. I personally read this book alone, but I definitely think readers may get more out of the book by using it as a study group book.
March 12, 2018
This was an insightful book. I enjoyed the author’s writing style. Pastor Rusty George explains how important the power of us is or we is, and how we should be together more. Together, we can connect with God better, raise our families better, and overcome sicknesses and fears more. This book is about community and the church. It is a look at people, and how they think and behave. The author, Pastor Rusty George, writes in a down to earth manner. He includes honest events from his own life and humor throughout the pages. He explains why community is important and how we can achieve more of a community. He uses references from the Bible throughout the book. There were many special passages of the book that really struck me as I read.
May 3, 2018
Really enjoyed this book. Found out about this from a podcast on Small Groups. George is a great story teller with sarcastic humor. I also enjoy reading books from those that lean to being introvert. Its a great connecting point for me. I would highly recommend this book to pastors and those leading small groups.
February 22, 2023
It was a good book. The author shared some sound advice and personal stuff which was good and appreciated. Which made him relatable. But, it was a predictable read.
That said, it would make a good gift for those who want and need to join the church community in their lives.
That said, it would make a good gift for those who want and need to join the church community in their lives.
February 6, 2019
Rusty hits the heart of why we need others in our life.
July 20, 2022
I think the author was trying to form a relationship with the reader, but was unrelatable for me on many levels.
June 13, 2023
Excellent book on Christian community - something we need more of!
April 15, 2018
Better Together Is a book of community. It is a good book for introverts - like the author - to bring you out of your shell. It helps you ID your inability to connect to others and helps you to do just that period wouldn't you like to get out of that shell and have relationships with others? GOD can help you do just that. GOD wants us all to be a community a community of his children. We are all brothers and sisters and we are all to be here for each other. Wouldn't you like to be part of that? If so, this is the book for you. I received a copy of this review by the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all of my own.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
April 19, 2018
As I read through Better Together, I thought that I should tell everyone longing for community and everyone in a community group to read it. It’s a cut above the cookie cutter idea of community. It’s a call to vulnerability and admitting we do need someone.
The pages dive into the “we” of scripture and the Jewish culture.
“I remember when WE crossed the Red Sea, when WE were fed by manna, when We heard that Jesus was the Messiah, when wE found out Jesus was alive...” It dismantles the western ideal of me and my experience. It reminds us to take joy in the success of others.
“Our problem is not the monster, the clown, or even the haunted house. Our problem is that we have failed to lock arms, circle up, and walk bravely into the darkness.”
This book is full of beauty and reminders of real men like CS Lewis and fictional men like Frodo who found healing in community and went on to heal others in community.
It’s grand. Read it. Be encouraged to love again.
The pages dive into the “we” of scripture and the Jewish culture.
“I remember when WE crossed the Red Sea, when WE were fed by manna, when We heard that Jesus was the Messiah, when wE found out Jesus was alive...” It dismantles the western ideal of me and my experience. It reminds us to take joy in the success of others.
“Our problem is not the monster, the clown, or even the haunted house. Our problem is that we have failed to lock arms, circle up, and walk bravely into the darkness.”
This book is full of beauty and reminders of real men like CS Lewis and fictional men like Frodo who found healing in community and went on to heal others in community.
It’s grand. Read it. Be encouraged to love again.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews