Church Community
Books
Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. A short theological treatise considering the nature of Christian community.
The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Ken Sande. This book is extremely helpful and practical guide on biblical principles for reconciliation. For a student edition and youth curriculum that provides concrete skills in conflict resolution for youth, please see www.peacemaker.net.
Saturate: Being Disciples of Jesus in the Everyday Stuff of Life by Jeff Vanderstelt. A call for all believers to saturdate themselves in Christ, and then live in church community together.
9 Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever. A book about the attributes of a God-honoring, healthy church, along with some guidance for improvement.
Community and Growth by Jean Vanier. Vanier, who founded the L’Arche communities (Henri Nouwen served in one), shares his radical vision of living in community.
The Gospel Comes With a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield. Butterfield shares how ordinary hospitality transformed her from a hostile non-believer to a woman in love with Jesus.
Called to Community- The LIfe Jesus Wants for His People editor Charles Moore. A collection of 52 short pieces on Christian community by writers ranging from Dostoyevsky to Dorothy Day. Intended for small group use; one for each week of the year.
Articles on Rooted
Developing a Youth Ministry That Values “Big Church” by Josh Hussung
Integrated! Getting Students Into the Life of the Church podcast by Dave Wright
Does Youth Group Count as Church? By Mike Watt
Cultivating an Incarnational Community of Grace podcast by Scotty Smith
Youth Group Culture: Fully Known by Brad Gray
Youth Group Culture: Convictional Leadership by Taylor Mendoza
Youth Group Culture: Avoid Creating a Church Within a Church by Kris Fernhout
The Necessity of Ecclesiology in Youth Ministry by Seth Stewart