DescriptionHawkins offers the reader his thoughts on what Christian community is or could be. According to Hawkins, Christian community
-- Practices hospitality, creating a safe space where different people feel welcomed, affirmed, made visible, and valuable;
-- Is centered on Christ;
-- Practices the means of grace;
-- Occurs when we find healing and wholeness;
-- Invites us to discover our unique gifts for ministry;
-- Equips us to live out our baptismal covenant, sharing in God's work of heal and restoring all creation.
Using this description of Christian community, Hawkins identifies practices that help cultivate Christian community in small groups:
-- Listening
-- Dialogue
-- Discernment
-- Covenant making
-- Prayer and reflection
-- Hospitality
Recommended for accountable groups, covenant groups, service and support groups, small group studies, and administrative groups.
