Committed Communities

By Charles J. Mellis

Fresh Streams for World Missions
Committed Communities explores the role of intentional Christian communities in advancing world missions. Tracing historical and biblical precedents, Mellis identifies two complementary church structures: the local congregation and specialized missionary "sodalities." He examines early Christian bands, monastic and friar movements, radical Protestant groups, and voluntary societies, showing how each fostered deep commitment and effective outreach. These historical models reveal how shared mission and disciplined community life have repeatedly revitalized the church's evangelistic efforts across centuries.
The book then turns to modern expressions, including the Jesus Movement, Youth With A Mission, Operation Mobilization, and other mission-focused fellowships. Mellis emphasizes the power of shared life--mutual care, accountability, and sacrificial service--to sustain long-term ministry and adapt across cultures. He proposes models for forming and nurturing committed communities today, balancing autonomy with connection to the wider church. Ultimately, Committed Communities calls for fresh, intentional structures that embody both spiritual depth and missionary zeal, enabling believers to live out the gospel together in transformative and sustainable ways.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0878084266
• ISBN13: 9780878084265
• Release Date: June 1976
• Publisher: William Carey Publishing
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Riveting Predictions of New Orders of Mendicant Preachers

This book is one of a kind, where Chuck gets below the surface to see major paradigm shifts in the style of mission. He did this long before the term postmodernism came into vogue, predicting what we should do structurally to enable a whole new generation of missions. His model has been foundational for the Servants, Innerchange, Word Made Flesh, Urban Trek and other incarnational missions. Essential reading for budding missionaries and missions executives.

Excellent ideas on what Christians may need to do

This book looks at some excellent ideas on what Christians need to do to successfully evangelize in the current environment. The author draws on solid historical models of success and outlines what the contours of these task oriented communities look like. I think it is excellent and timely information!