C. Christopher Smith brings yet another wonderful book to the fellowship table of the church. Following in the brilliant trajectory of his “Reading for the Common Good” and co-authored “Slow Church,” Smith masterfully expounds and encourages the church to begin talking again.
In such a culturally timely manner, Smith brings the reader along cutting through the divisiveness and noise of our society, to rediscover and engage in the lost art of conversation.
The aim, simply put in my own words, is that churches should lead the way in being the epitome of fruitful conversation. As Smith says, “intentional spaces of learning to listen and talk in the compassionate ways of Jesus. Our practices of talking together will make possible a multitude of formal and informal conversations that guide our congregations toward health and maturity in Christ” (p. 181).
Even in a world more connected and noisier than ever, it’s amazing how fragmented humanity is becoming. Smith not only diagnoses the heart of the topic but gives the reader techniques to begin to employ productive and abundant conversation in their own communities and churches.
A must read for every pastor, community leader, and even lay person!