DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Called to Community

The Life Jesus Wants for His People (Second Edition)

Fyodor Dostoyevsky author Dietrich Bonhoeffer author David Janzen author Joan Chittister author Eberhard Arnold author Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove author Richard J Foster author Dorothy Day author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Plough Publishing House

Published:18th Jan '24

Should be back in stock very soon

Called to Community cover

This book, Called to Community, offers fifty-two readings that inspire intentional Christian living and foster meaningful group discussions.

In Called to Community, readers are invited to explore the profound significance of intentional Christian living through fifty-two insightful readings. This collection serves as a catalyst for group discussions, encouraging Christians to engage more deeply with one another and to embody the essence of community in their daily lives. As society becomes increasingly fragmented, the book poses critical questions about isolation and the role of faith in fostering genuine connections among believers.

The contributors, who are seasoned practitioners of communal living, share their experiences and insights, revealing the challenges and rewards of building a Christian community. Their stories highlight the importance of nurturing relationships and sustaining a collective faith journey over time. From the practicalities of daily life to the spiritual underpinnings of community, Called to Community offers both encouragement and guidance for those seeking to live out their faith in fellowship with others.

Whether you are new to the idea of communal living or have been part of a community for years, the readings in this book are designed to inspire and strengthen your journey. Each chapter can be read weekly, making it a perfect resource for group study or personal reflection. By delving into the wisdom of renowned contributors, readers will discover how to reclaim the church's original calling and embrace a life together that reflects God’s transformative love.

"This volume, organized into 52 chapters that may be used by groups over a year, . . . seems the perfect resource for a group who wants to go deeper in community, whether they have formed a more intentional community or not. One of the things that commends this collection is its catholicity, and the stature of those whose writings are included. To listen to those who have lived community across the centuries is to drink at a deep well of wisdom. This is not just the latest “new monastics” thinking or the latest offerings from the Emergent Church. The call to community is challenging, and yet the recognition of the real challenges of community both tempers naive enthusiasm and offers wise counsel to those who pursue intentional communities out of faithfulness to Christ." —InterVarsity Emerging Scholars Network
"A 2016 Englewood Honor Book – one of the thirty best books of the year for the life and flourishing of the church." —Englewood Review of Books
"This is one meaty, yet very accessible, book for those who love the Church enough to give it some serious thought, knowing that serious thought can lead to serious action. Whether in small groups or individually, as we read Called to Community, we will be hearing voices from the road, people with trail dust on their faith. They know what they’re talking about. And this invitation to come alongside them is a great place to start finding some new roads in an old faith of our own." —David Swartz,Patheos
"This is a stellar contribution to our understanding of the whys and wherefores of Christian community. The 52 selections seem perfect for a year of weekly group study and the detailed discussion guide in the appendix is particularly useful for this purpose. Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants for His People is a thoughtfully compiled and well edited guide to the subject." —Nancy Roberts,Catholic Sentinel
"This book is both informative and practical—written with a short chapter for each week of the year. Designed to spark conversation within a group devotion setting, readers can dive deep into community together. … This book delves into the nitty-gritty details of Christian community living and encourages readers to confront the dissatisfaction stirred up by its challenging pages. Though not a light text by any means, this book is ideal for those seeking to approach Christian community more intentionally and comprehensively." —Evangelical Church Library Association

  • Winner of Benjamin Franklin Award, Silver 2017
  • Winner of Illumination Book Award, Gold 2017
  • Winner of Illumination Book Awards, Gold 2017

ISBN: 9781636080932

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

406 pages

2nd New edition