Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants for His People (Second Edition)

The book "Living in Intentional Christian Community" is a collection of fifty-two readings that explore the benefits and challenges of living in intentional Christian community. It was awarded the Gold Medal in the Christian Living category at the 2017 Illumination Book Awards and the Silver Medal in the Religion category at the 2017 Benjamin Franklin Award from the Independent Book Publishers Association. The book offers insights and experiences from practitioners who have pioneered life in community and provides valuable resources for those seeking to establish, nurture, and sustain a Christian community.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 406 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: Plough Publishing House

In a world where connectivity reigns supreme, it is disheartening to note that our lives have become increasingly isolated and fragmented. Despite the abundance of technological advancements, we seem to be longing for deeper connections and meaningful relationships. The answer to this pressing issue lies within the hands of God's people. A growing number of Christians today are embracing the desire to be the church, to walk alongside Christ in daily life. They are courageously stepping away from the status quo and responding to Christ's call to share their lives more fully with one another and with others. As they embark on this journey, they are discovering the abundant and fulfilling life that Jesus intended for all people and redirecting the church back to its original calling—to be a gathered, united community that exemplifies the transformative love of God.

However, it is important to acknowledge that living in intentional Christian community is not without its challenges. The selections in this volume, authored by practitioners who have pioneered life in communal living, offer valuable insights and practical advice for establishing, nurturing, and sustaining a Christian community over the long haul. Whether you are just beginning to contemplate communal living, have already embarked on this journey, or have been a part of a community for many years, the chapters in this collection will inspire, challenge, and strengthen you.

With fifty-two chapters, this book can be read one a week, fostering meaningful group discussions. The contributors to this collection include renowned figures such as John F. Alexander, Eberhard Arnold, J. Heinrich Arnold, Johann Christoph Arnold, Alden Bass, Benedict of Nursia, Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt, Leonardo Boff, and Dietrich Bonhoef. Their insights and experiences will enrich your understanding of the joys and complexities of living in intentional community.

In conclusion, the desire to be the church, to live in intentional Christian community, is a testament to our faith and our commitment to following Christ. By embracing this calling, we can cultivate deeper connections, foster unity, and demonstrate the love of God to the world around us. Let us continue to support and encourage one another as we seek to live out the life that Jesus has in mind for us.

Dimension: 203 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636080932
Edition number: 2 New edition