Intimacy and Mission

Is radical discipleship really possible today? With all the competing demands we face, can the church empower us to fully respond to God's call?

Can the church rise far enough above the demands of institutional survival to live out a radical gospel?

Intimacy and Mission invites readers into Christian communities working at answering such questions. The author offers a carefully researched yet accessible study of five religious communities--Church of the Messiah, Koinania Partners, Patchwork Central, Sojourners, and Voice of Calvary.

He shows how the experience of these communities can help local congregations discern possibilities for radical discipleship. By revealing not only the strengths of intentional community but also the struggles experienced by each of the five communities, Smith has also created a fascinating human-interest narrative. ""Luther Smith's valuable contribution is not only profiling five communities but also discerning the principles and lessons that come from those portraits."" --Jim Wallis, from the Foreword""There is no other book like this one.

Smith couples realism with penetrating personal insight.

He frames strong proposals for congregations and pastoral leaders that feel called to deepen their commitment to socially transforming ministries in society."" --James W.

Fowler, Candler Professor of Theology and Human Development, Emory UniversityLuther E.

Smith, Jr. is Professor of Church and Community at the Candler School of Theology of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Smith writes and speaks extensively on issues of church and society, congregational renewal, Christian spirituality, and the thought of Howard Thurman.

He is the author of Howard Thurman: The Mystic as Prophet and editor of Howard Thurman: Essential Writings.