Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop's The Compelling Community - Part 1

 In Part 1 of The Compelling Community, Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop present a vision for the local church community, distinct from smaller gatherings often called community groups. In Chapter 1, “Two Visions for Community,” the authors contrast a gospel-revealing community (a supernatural community) with a gospel-plus community. Chapter 2 explores what makes a supernatural community truly supernatural. Chapters 3 and 4 then examine how to cultivate the two defining characteristics of this community: its depth of commitment (Chapter 3) and its breadth of diversity (Chapter 4), reflecting the gospel’s ability to unite diverse people.

On page 25, the authors affirm my vision of church community in a beautiful, biblically rooted way. They state that a gospel-revealing community is remarkable for its breadth and depth. They explain that it unites diverse groups, like Jews and Gentiles, who would not naturally come together, demonstrating God’s power to create unity. This aligns with my beliefs! The authors further clarify that this community does not merely tolerate differences but fosters deep, committed bonds, described by Paul as a “new humanity” (Ephesians 2:15) and a “household” (Ephesians 2:19). I am now fully convinced that a gospel-revealing community is distinguished not only by its breadth but also by its depth, so profound and unique that outsiders should recognize us as a new humanity.

On pages 37–38, the authors speak with bold clarity, prompting deep reflection. They assert, “If community in your local church does not depend on God’s supernatural Spirit for its lifeblood, it is not evidently supernatural. If it is not evidently supernatural, it is a counterfeit community.” A distinctive feature I observe at GCC, compared to the church I previously pastored, is its gospel-centered nature - the sermons, every aspect of the worship service, and the daily lives of members reflect the gospel’s transformative power. In my former church, to which I still feel a special bond, the community was primarily built around village and tribal identity rather than the gospel. And in the following discussion, the author writes that the reasons for a church community not evidently supernatural are – the church compromise evangelism and discipleship. And these were exactly my former church was lacking. However, I find the term “counterfeit community” somewhat harsh, as it may undervalue the genuine bonds formed in my former church despite its limitations.

The authors eloquently describe a commitment rooted in comfort, which resonates deeply with me. They note that people often view the church community as a means to meet their needs, leading to consumerism. According to 1 John 4:19–21, the authors argue that love among believers is not a mark of maturity but a sign of saving faith. The New Testament does not portray Christians as consumers who become providers as they grow; rather, it assumes all Christians are providers, committing deeply to the local church in meaningful, sometimes painful, and deliberate ways. I am committed to seriously work on this issue when I transition from Grace City Church (GCC), as well as be a good member here at GCC.

The authors compellingly suggest clarifying members’ responsibilities by having the church stand and read the church covenant together before sharing the Lord’s Supper, reminding us of our commitments. This practice challenges my thinking. I cannot reach a conclusion on my own, so I have a question: Does this have a clear scriptural basis? Scripture states, “Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24–25), emphasizing Christ’s sacrifice. While I don’t disagree with the authors, I remain uncertain and plan to undertake deeper personal study to explore this further.

On page 74, the authors make it very clear about and that’s a freeing moment for me. while I was going through this book, before this chapter, they talk about demographic phenomenon and gospel phenomenon. I was reading with a big question specifically about ethnicity. But the author clarifies that diversity we only ever mean ethnic diversity, we are missing the main message of Ephesians 3. The authors add that the diversity they are writing about is any multiplicity of backgrounds where unity is possible only through the gospel. With this as our standard, many types of differences fit the basic pattern of Ephesians 3.

I deeply appreciate the authors’ insight into ministry in similarity. They state, “I don’t believe that ministry by similarity is evil. It’s just that I think it’s dangerous. Ministry by similarity can so characterize our community as churches that it obscures the supernatural diversity that the gospel produces.” I agree that ministry in similarity should be exercised cautiously with God-given wisdom. At Grace City Church (GCC), I see that GCC practice this through ministries like women’s Bible study and men’s breakfast. While these are gender-based, they avoid distinctions based on age, profession, or political affiliation, maintaining a focus on gospel unity.

I strongly recommend The Compelling Community to pastors in my hometown. I encourage them not to read it alone but to study it together with their elders and deacons. This collaborative approach will enable them to collectively digest and apply the insights Dever and Dunlop share about local church community.