The Community of God

A Theology of the Church from a Reluctant Pastor

By: Douglas Steven Bursch

Narrated by: Douglas S. Bursch

We were created for community. So why do we want to be alone?

The Bible tells the story of the immense power of human relationships and God's love for the church. Douglas Bursch presents a timely, insightful and practical theology of community. He examines the relational implications of human existence, sin, salvation, discipleship, evangelism, and other key biblical concepts. Doug also shares unfiltered stories concerning his personal weaknesses and the relational struggles he has faced as a pastor. Each chapter contains thought-provoking questions that can be used by individuals, pastors, small groups, and college classes for further in-depth discussions.

Doug's writing cuts to the heart of why community is so valuable but so costly. The Community of God: A Theology of the Church from a Reluctant Pastor is an indispensable resource for creating healthy Christian community in an increasingly individualistic world.

©2017 Douglas S. Bursch (P)2017 Douglas S. Bursch

Insightful musings from a wise pastor

I became aware of this book via twitter and I am an occasional listener to Bursch's podcast (fairlyspiritual). This is a great book about wrestling with community, in the church context. Church is as apt at hurting people as it is helping them. I am a intermittent and erstwhile pastor myself, with significant church wounds. However, we were created for community and the way that God designed us to live out our faith is in a church context. Bursch does a wonderful job of talking sensitively about some of the ugly bits of church experience while casting a vision for what God in Christ has for us there.

Loved this book just a few chapters in.

The word community has been on my heart for a couple of years now. This book puts words around what I long for in the body of Christ. Just ordered the paper copy so I can highlight!

Written for today's community or lack there of.

Today's community is becoming less and less intimate and more individualistic. Douglas S Bursch writes this book with passion and understanding of what individualistic culture can do to community. He uses the Bible to support his theses and his passion for his vocation to argue for the importance of personal connections and the dangers of isolation.
Read by the author. The radio shows and podcasting have allowed the foray into audiobook narration successful, understandable and enjoyable. I could highly recommend any audio read by this narrator.

Comforting

The transparency and real life examples is inspiring and gave encouragement. It was good to read at a time of deep challenge as we live with restrictions and need to make wise and intentional paths forward.