It’s one thing to see the need for gospel-centered community. It’s another thing to know how to cultivate it. How do you take a church, a small group, or even a family and build a vibrant gospel culture within it? That’s where we hope this study will help.
The Gospel-Centered Community is a follow-up to The Gospel-Centered Life. It seeks to apply gospel renewal dynamics not just to your own heart, but to a larger community. Through a combination of Bible study, reflection, discussion, and application, we want to help your community experience the transforming
Here’s an excerpt from the introduction:
Without the gospel, community groups will always become unhealthy. Some will become ingrown and self-absorbed. Others will become busy and activist. Either way, they will lose their compelling power to display the glory and grace of God. Only with the gospel at the center can a community become a thriving nexus of gospel discipleship, rich fellowship, and Spirit-empowered mission.
You can purchase The Gospel-Centered Community directly from New Growth Press.
Endorsements for The Gospel-Centered Community
I’m thankful for these friends and ministry partners who are willing to lend their weight to our work and who have honored us with their words of affirmation.
“The word ‘community’ has become such a buzzword in Christian circles that it has almost lost its meaning. Bob and Will bring us out of the land of the buzzword and into the biblical definition and application of what it means to share our lives in the church through the gospel. I highly recommend this book for pastors and lay leaders who desire to see Christ formed into the relational life of the church.”
– Dr. Darrin Patrick, Founder of The Journey in 2002 in the urban core of St. Louis, MO; author of For the City, Church Planter: The Man, The Message, The Mission, and The Dude’s Guide to Manhood: Finding True Manliness in a World Of Counterfeits
“Thune and Walker’s first small group study, The Gospel-Centered Life, had a profound and life-changing impact on our church. Our small groups worked through the book, and everyone responded with great enthusiasm. With the publication of The Gospel-Centered Community it appears they’ve done it again. I’m certain this short volume will take us even deeper into what it means to live in a community fashioned by the gospel of grace. Every church that longs to experience the development of healthy, Christ-centered and gospel-shaped community should avail themselves of this excellent resource.”
– Dr. Sam Storms, Lead Pastor, Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City, OK
“Community is a great idea until you have to interact with sinners. This wise and biblically solid guide cuts beneath platitudes to address how the gospel seizes the heart and transforms our desire to do more than merely exist in community, and instead allows us to participate in God’s merciful kindness together. This excellent study guide will transform many groups into communities of life and love.”
– Dr. Dan B. Allender, Professor of Counseling Psychology and Founding President, The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology
“The Gospel-Centered Community is an incredible introduction and practical guide for helping us live out the radical implications of God’s grace and love together. The gospel is personal, but it’s definitely not private. Why do we need each other? How does grace reframe and refocus our relationships? What’s the difference between an ingrown ‘clubish’ church, and a community of believers who are learning to live and love missionally? That’s what this little gem is all about!”
– Scotty Smith, Founding Pastor of Christ Community Church; Teacher-in-Residence at West End Community Church; author of Everyday Prayers: 365 Days to a Gospel-Centered Faith
“Everyone longs for community. And pastors long to shepherd churches that are deeply, authentically communal. In The Gospel-Centered Community, Thune and Walker provide church planters, pastors, small group leaders, and all Christians a clear, accessible tool for working through the messy challenges of living in community, and for growing together as the body of Christ.”
– Daniel Montgomery, Lead Pastor, Sojourn Community Church, Louisville, KY
