David Kim, Executive Pastor at Westgate Church and author of 'Made to Belong', dives deep into the nuances of community building. He discusses the importance of intentional relationships and how they require vulnerability and commitment. The conversation highlights challenges in forming genuine connections, such as balancing freedom with belonging. Kim shares insights on prioritizing community in a busy world and the transformative power of accountability in healing. His perspective invites listeners to reflect on what may be holding them back from true belonging.
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insights INSIGHT
Idealism Destroys Community
Unrealistic idealism about community can destroy the very connections we crave.
Forgiveness and realistic expectations are essential for healthy community relationships.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Set Clear Expectations
Set expectations in community to be conscious, spoken, agreed upon, and reasonable.
Clarify assumptions to avoid conflict and relational sabotage.
insights INSIGHT
Community's True End Goal
The goal of community is to form people pervaded by Jesus' love.
Deep awareness of shortcomings fosters gratitude for mercy and nurtures love among members.
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This book explores the intersection of spirituality, education, and social change, arguing that true learning involves engaging with the world and addressing its challenges. Palmer emphasizes the importance of creating learning environments that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of interconnectedness. He critiques traditional educational models that prioritize rote memorization over genuine understanding. The book offers practical guidance for educators and community leaders seeking to create transformative learning experiences. By integrating spirituality and social action, it encourages readers to live with purpose and contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
The Patient Fermentation of the Early Church
The Patient Fermentation of the Early Church
Alan Creeder
Daring Greatly
How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
Brené Brown
In 'Daring Greatly,' Brené Brown delves into the topics of vulnerability, shame, and courage. The book, inspired by a quote from Theodore Roosevelt's 'Citizenship in a Republic' speech, argues that vulnerability is essential for living a wholehearted life. Brown discusses how vulnerability is often misunderstood as weakness, but it is actually a sign of courage. She provides insights from her research on how vulnerability affects men and women differently and offers practical advice on overcoming shame and embracing vulnerability in personal and professional life. The book emphasizes the importance of connection, shame resilience, and the distinction between guilt and shame[3][4][5].
The Other Half of Church
The Other Half of Church
Michel Hendricks
Jim Wilder
The Road to Character
David Brooks
In 'The Road to Character,' David Brooks delves into the lives of some of the world’s greatest thinkers and leaders to illustrate how they built strong inner characters. The book contrasts 'résumé virtues' (external achievements) with 'eulogy virtues' (internal character strengths like kindness, bravery, and honesty). Brooks examines figures such as Frances Perkins, Dwight Eisenhower, Dorothy Day, and others, highlighting their personal struggles and the virtues they developed. He argues that modern society often prioritizes external success over internal character, and he provides practical advice on how to rebalance these aspects of life. The book is a call to rethink priorities and strive for a life marked by humility, moral depth, and meaningful relationships[2][4][5].
Made to Belong
David Kim
Life together
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
In 'Life Together,' Dietrich Bonhoeffer explores the practical and theological aspects of Christian community. The book, written during his time at an underground seminary for the Confessing Church in Nazi Germany, emphasizes the importance of unity under Christ and the distinction between human and spiritual love. It is divided into five chapters: Community, The Day with Others, The Day Alone, Ministry, and Confession and Communion. Bonhoeffer stresses the need for balance between solitude and community, the importance of mutual confession and forgiveness, and the role of Christ as the foundation of Christian fellowship. The book offers practical advice on living in Christian community, highlighting the need for truthful communication, humble hearts, and a commitment to serving one another[2][4][5].
What kind of community do we desperately long for, and yet, what are we often unwilling to do to form it? Join John Mark Comer and Shelbi Shutt as they explore five practices for cultivating community, featuring testimonials from real-life practitioners, and an interview with luminary David Kim.
In this episode’s luminary interview, John Mark and David discuss the process of cultivating deep relationships and the practices we often avoid to form them. David is a pastor, speaker, and the author of Made To Belong: Five Practices for Cultivating Community in a Disconnected World. You can explore more of David’s work at davidjanghyunkim.com and connect with him @davidjanghyunkim.
This podcast accompanies the Community Practice, a four-session experience designed to help you cultivate community in the Way of Jesus. Learn more at practicingtheway.org/community.
Our Practices are free, thanks to the generosity of The Circle and other givers. Learn more about The Circle at practicingtheway.org/give. Run a Practice with your community and find other resources at practicingtheway.org/resources.
Rule of Life 
