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.
Table of Contents
SECTION 1: FORMING COMMUNITY
1: The Need for Community
2: Common Ground
3: Continuously Transformed
SECTION 2: THE VALUES FOR LIVING IN COMMUNITY
4: Your Best at the Table
5: No Masks Allowed
6: Hate Can Be a Good Thing
7: Glue to the Good
8: Love, Like, and Honor
9: Persevering Together
10: Meeting Needs
11: Pursuing Hospitality 149
SECTION 3: NEXT STEPS FOR STRONG COMMUNITY
12: Do Something and Start Now
APPENDIX: LEADER’S GUIDE: SIX -WEEK STUDY
Endorsements
"Community for many
people - both inside and outside the church - is a dream that often goes
unrealized. We strive to be known, and long for authentic
relationships, but often it feels like life in community is nearly
impossible. In Life in Community, Dustin Willis paints a practical
picture of community with excellence, while marrying a biblical and
gospel-centered foundation for life together as Christians. I’m
particularly grateful for his attention to the inseparability of
community and mission. This is an excellent book!"
— Todd Engstrom, Executive Pastor of Ministries, Austin Stone Community Church
“Only the gospel forms Christian community, people formed
together because Christ has rescued them. And community that is really
Christian always results in mission — in people advancing the gospel
together. I am grateful for Dustin’s work and helpful challenge.”
