This online (Zoom) study of Life Together is for Christian people to discover the riches of the thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer on what it means to be the church in our time.  I am convinced this is a time when we as a church need to devote ourselves to being intentionally Christian through: 

1) Soul Care: deepening one's own spiritual roots through the exercise of personal prayer, Bible study, meditation, and the practice of classical spiritual disciplines (Bonhoeffer's day alone), and 

2) Mutual Care: taking time for the conversation, encouragement, and consolation of the sisters and brothers by meeting together for worship, study, prayer, and support (Bonhoeffer's day together). 

Only by stewarding well our "life together" as a church (Heb 10:24-25) will we be prepared for the demands of neighbor care (Heb 13:2): serving the needs of others, especially those persons most endangered in contemporary society, trusting the message that Jesus Christ truly promises to meet us in the least of these, who are his sisters and brothers (Mt 25:40).

This study takes place over six sessions. Please read the assigned chapter before attending the Zoom session. The study guide can also be used to accompany your reading. Here are some supplementary materials for study.

-- Dr. Craig Nessan

If you're interested - and would like to get updates...
Please fill out the registration form by clicking on the button below

Download the Study Guide
(This will be needed for all sessions - Plus the Book "Life Together")

Bibliography

Required (Please use this edition):

Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, Volume 5: Life Together / Prayerbook of The Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1996.

Craig L. Nessan.” Intentionally Christian: A Study Guide to Bonhoeffer's Writings for an Underground Seminary.” Second Edition: For Use by Church Members and Congregations. Available on the “Bonhoeffer Studies” website.

Recommended Bonhoeffer Biographies:

Eberhard Bethge. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Biography.  Minneapolis: Augsburg, 2000. This is the comprehensive biography by his best friend and colleague.

Charles Marsh. Strange Glory: A Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2014. A fascinating scholarly interpretation.

Renate Wind. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the Wheel.  Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 1992.  This is a very readable and reliable short biography by one of my dearest friends.

Schedule For Each Session

• Welcome (5 minutes) 

• Prayer (5 minutes)

• Presentation (30 minutes)

• Breakout Groups (20 minutes)

• Plenary Discussion (15 minutes)