Life in Community

Life in Community  *****
by Dustin Willis

What an encouraging book about the power of community! I was hesitant to read this book because I felt like I already knew that we are supposed to "live in community" and "we need each other" and all those Christian phrases. But this book truly surprised and challenged me in a wonderful way. I plan on re-reading it again and again.

Willis uses Romans 12 to walk us through what it really means to "live in community." The book is broken into three sections: Forming Community, Values for Living in Community, and the Next Steps for Strong Community.

The book is so honest and practical. I loved the chapter on hospitality. He showed how so often we seek to "entertain" rather than offer "hospitality." Entertaining is about showing off while hospitality is about serving. I also appreciated his explanation of God's mercy and how God's mercy is the foundation for life in community. 

Each chapter ends with a series of thought-provoking questions about applying what you've read. There is also a six-week study at the end of the book. We are planning on passing this book around in our small group as we seek to learn how to serve one another and live in authentic community. 
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.