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benrogerswpg's review against another edition
Speaks
This was a very good read on creating a good church and fulfilling a good church community.
I enjoyed this book and was particularly drawn to the book as I am involved in few community events and groups in my own church.
3.8/5
This was a very good read on creating a good church and fulfilling a good church community.
I enjoyed this book and was particularly drawn to the book as I am involved in few community events and groups in my own church.
3.8/5
drbobcornwall's review against another edition
5.0
Communication is a word I hear a lot as a pastor. We just don't do a good job of communicating. Usually, that means, people don't know what's going on, despite the fact that church services begin with a time of announcements, people receive a monthly newsletter, the congregation has a Facebook page and a Facebook group, Twitter, a website, and simply word of mouth. But we still have a communication problem. There are books and resources that speak to this reality, but that's not what Chris Smith has in mind with his book "How the Body of Christ Talks."
What he offers here is a prescription for "recovering the practice of conversation in the church." He roots this prescription theologically in the doctrine of the Trinity, more specifically a doctrine of the "social Trinity." For those of us who are attracted to a social Trinity, which emphasizes the relational nature of God's inner being (through perichoresis), this makes great sense. While I found his use of the doctrine compelling, there were a couple of occasions where I winced. This was especially true when Chris spoke of the three persons of the Trinity as three beings. That's not generally the way even social Trinitarians speak. It looked like he is embracing tri-theism rather than Trinitarianism. That qualm aside, I believe that he is correct in rooting his vision of the body of Christ talking in the Trinity.
The book is divided into three parts -- after he sets the theological foundations of the book. Part 1 is titled "Setting Out on the Journey," and has three chapters. The first is focused on "learning the dynamics of conversation." These dynamics include group size, group homogeneity, and finally the "virtues and challenges of formal and informal conversations." Much of the book focuses on more formal conversations. That is, conversations that intentional and regular. This chapter followed by one that explores topics. What are we going to talk about, especially early on? Here the key is building a foundation for ongoing conversations (at Englewood Christian Church, they developed a habit of weekly conversations using a time slot once designated for Sunday evening services). He suggests that groups stay away from abstract conversations and jumping into controversial topics. The point here is developing habits of conversation, and this requires setting ground rules (he offers possible ground rules in Appendix A). Finally, Part 1 closes with a conversation about the "healing potential of conversational methods." Here the focus on specific formats such as Appreciative Inquiry and other formats that have been used successfully by groups, both sacred and secular. Part 1 is about practical issues. What do we need to do to build relationships that conversational -- especially in formal ways.
Part 2 focuses on spirituality. There is a chapter on conversation as a "prayerful way of being." There is a chapter on "abiding in the messiness of life." That is a helpful chapter because many of our important conversations occur in times of difficulty. The question is, how do we have fruitful conversations in these messy times? This messiness involves sin and human finitude. He writes "although we may take pains to avoid it, conversation will inevitably be messy; rather than trying to steer ourselves around that messiness, we would do better to learn to abide patiently in the midst of it." (p. 110). The final chapter in this section is focused on preparing ourselves for the conversations we engage in. This involves our hearts and our minds, as well as our bodies. In this situation, he is focused on eyes and ears, that need to be attentive, as well as the need for rest.
Part 3 focuses on sustaining the conversation. It is good to remember that Chris is writing this book after experiencing more than two decades of intentional conversation that has transformed his urban congregation. To sustain this vision of conversation of the long term requires attention and work. It also involves cultivating a sense of mission and identity. Who are we as a congregation? What is our makeup? The point here is that we all have stories. Stories play an important role in this book. Chris returns time and again to the stories of his congregation -- not to brag, but because these stories are illustrative of the vision he wants to share with us. Not only are our congregational and individual stories important, but the biblical story is foundational. Our stories are to be woven in with the biblical story. It also involves remembering the stories of God's work in history and our congregation's history. As a historian, I value heritage. We needn't be limited by it, but we need to recognize how the past forms us and prepares us for the present and future. The ninth chapter in the book is one we ought to have expected. How do you conversation in the midst of conflict? Some of us are a bit conflict-averse. We'd rather not get sucked into conflict, but conflicts happen. Sometimes they center important issues, like sexuality and race and sometimes theology. Conflict may be inevitable, but Chris seems to think that if we develop strong habits of conversation we can weather these conflicts more successfully. We can experience healing of our fractures. In this chapter, he tells of an evangelical congregation struggling with the question of the full inclusion of LGBTQ folks. The congregation sits in the midst of a community with a significant LGBTQ population. The congregation wasn't of one mind about to respond. This was compounded by the congregation being part of a denomination that was less than welcoming. The question was what to do, especially since it appears that the denomination owned the building. Chris tells us some of the steps they took to stay together, though I'm not quite sure how it all worked out -- especially relating to the denomination. The point is, having a strong foundation in conversation will ease the pain of conflict. It might not resolve everything, but it gives a better foundation. The final chapter in part 3, invites us to enmesh ourselves in the dance of community. Here Chris brings the Trinity back into play. The focus is on coordinating gifts and skills and passions so that the congregation can thrive.
The conclusion focuses on the witness of a congregation that has embraced conversation. None of this is easy, but the practices seem to be beneficial. It's rooted in theology, and not just secular practices. We can learn from business and other group experiences, but for the church, there needs to be some theology involved.
Overall this is a most helpful book. It's not a quick fix. It's not five easy steps to creating meaningful conversation. There are tools, like Appreciative Inquiry, that can be helpful, but first you have to commit yourselves to the conversation. It's a bit scary to move beyond reading to implementing. Yet, that's the purpose. I should note that Chris wrote an e-book some years ago (2012 to be exact) that covers similar ground, just not as in depth as here. That book is titled [b: The Virtue of Dialogue: Conversation as a Hopeful Practice of Church Communities|13455146|The Virtue of Dialogue Conversation as a Hopeful Practice of Church Communities|C. Christopher Smith|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1394480244i/13455146._SY75_.jpg|18983012]. If you found that earlier book helpful, you will find this one even more so.
What he offers here is a prescription for "recovering the practice of conversation in the church." He roots this prescription theologically in the doctrine of the Trinity, more specifically a doctrine of the "social Trinity." For those of us who are attracted to a social Trinity, which emphasizes the relational nature of God's inner being (through perichoresis), this makes great sense. While I found his use of the doctrine compelling, there were a couple of occasions where I winced. This was especially true when Chris spoke of the three persons of the Trinity as three beings. That's not generally the way even social Trinitarians speak. It looked like he is embracing tri-theism rather than Trinitarianism. That qualm aside, I believe that he is correct in rooting his vision of the body of Christ talking in the Trinity.
The book is divided into three parts -- after he sets the theological foundations of the book. Part 1 is titled "Setting Out on the Journey," and has three chapters. The first is focused on "learning the dynamics of conversation." These dynamics include group size, group homogeneity, and finally the "virtues and challenges of formal and informal conversations." Much of the book focuses on more formal conversations. That is, conversations that intentional and regular. This chapter followed by one that explores topics. What are we going to talk about, especially early on? Here the key is building a foundation for ongoing conversations (at Englewood Christian Church, they developed a habit of weekly conversations using a time slot once designated for Sunday evening services). He suggests that groups stay away from abstract conversations and jumping into controversial topics. The point here is developing habits of conversation, and this requires setting ground rules (he offers possible ground rules in Appendix A). Finally, Part 1 closes with a conversation about the "healing potential of conversational methods." Here the focus on specific formats such as Appreciative Inquiry and other formats that have been used successfully by groups, both sacred and secular. Part 1 is about practical issues. What do we need to do to build relationships that conversational -- especially in formal ways.
Part 2 focuses on spirituality. There is a chapter on conversation as a "prayerful way of being." There is a chapter on "abiding in the messiness of life." That is a helpful chapter because many of our important conversations occur in times of difficulty. The question is, how do we have fruitful conversations in these messy times? This messiness involves sin and human finitude. He writes "although we may take pains to avoid it, conversation will inevitably be messy; rather than trying to steer ourselves around that messiness, we would do better to learn to abide patiently in the midst of it." (p. 110). The final chapter in this section is focused on preparing ourselves for the conversations we engage in. This involves our hearts and our minds, as well as our bodies. In this situation, he is focused on eyes and ears, that need to be attentive, as well as the need for rest.
Part 3 focuses on sustaining the conversation. It is good to remember that Chris is writing this book after experiencing more than two decades of intentional conversation that has transformed his urban congregation. To sustain this vision of conversation of the long term requires attention and work. It also involves cultivating a sense of mission and identity. Who are we as a congregation? What is our makeup? The point here is that we all have stories. Stories play an important role in this book. Chris returns time and again to the stories of his congregation -- not to brag, but because these stories are illustrative of the vision he wants to share with us. Not only are our congregational and individual stories important, but the biblical story is foundational. Our stories are to be woven in with the biblical story. It also involves remembering the stories of God's work in history and our congregation's history. As a historian, I value heritage. We needn't be limited by it, but we need to recognize how the past forms us and prepares us for the present and future. The ninth chapter in the book is one we ought to have expected. How do you conversation in the midst of conflict? Some of us are a bit conflict-averse. We'd rather not get sucked into conflict, but conflicts happen. Sometimes they center important issues, like sexuality and race and sometimes theology. Conflict may be inevitable, but Chris seems to think that if we develop strong habits of conversation we can weather these conflicts more successfully. We can experience healing of our fractures. In this chapter, he tells of an evangelical congregation struggling with the question of the full inclusion of LGBTQ folks. The congregation sits in the midst of a community with a significant LGBTQ population. The congregation wasn't of one mind about to respond. This was compounded by the congregation being part of a denomination that was less than welcoming. The question was what to do, especially since it appears that the denomination owned the building. Chris tells us some of the steps they took to stay together, though I'm not quite sure how it all worked out -- especially relating to the denomination. The point is, having a strong foundation in conversation will ease the pain of conflict. It might not resolve everything, but it gives a better foundation. The final chapter in part 3, invites us to enmesh ourselves in the dance of community. Here Chris brings the Trinity back into play. The focus is on coordinating gifts and skills and passions so that the congregation can thrive.
The conclusion focuses on the witness of a congregation that has embraced conversation. None of this is easy, but the practices seem to be beneficial. It's rooted in theology, and not just secular practices. We can learn from business and other group experiences, but for the church, there needs to be some theology involved.
Overall this is a most helpful book. It's not a quick fix. It's not five easy steps to creating meaningful conversation. There are tools, like Appreciative Inquiry, that can be helpful, but first you have to commit yourselves to the conversation. It's a bit scary to move beyond reading to implementing. Yet, that's the purpose. I should note that Chris wrote an e-book some years ago (2012 to be exact) that covers similar ground, just not as in depth as here. That book is titled [b: The Virtue of Dialogue: Conversation as a Hopeful Practice of Church Communities|13455146|The Virtue of Dialogue Conversation as a Hopeful Practice of Church Communities|C. Christopher Smith|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1394480244i/13455146._SY75_.jpg|18983012]. If you found that earlier book helpful, you will find this one even more so.
jbmorgan86's review against another edition
5.0
The people of the world are connected more now than they ever have been before. Through globalization, transportation, and technology the entire world is connected. You can now communicate with someone anywhere, anytime via cell phone calls, video calls (FaceTime, Skype, etc.), social media, text messaging, and email. This should have ushered in the Golden Age of Communication.
Yet, if you look around you, you will see alienation everywhere. The traditional places for socializing (like the barber shop and the salon) are dying. Civic Clubs and fraternal orders are becoming a thing of the past.
Due to humanity’s natural tribalistic tendency, people interact almost solely with those who are inside their homogenous social group. This tendency is amplified in the world of social media. Newsfeeds simply become echo chambers.
Smart phones, tablets, computers, and smart speakers constantly provide entertainment and distraction. It becomes easier to turn on, login, and tune out than to pay attention.
Politics continue to divide us. The right demonizes the left, the left demonizes the right, and the extremists demonize everyone.
Surely, the Church is above all this, right? Wrong!
C. Christopher Smith’s new book, How the Body of Christ Talks asks the question, “How can our churches initiate and sustain practices of conversation?" He confronts this problem of alienation and offers solutions to how the Church can once again start embracing the spiritual discipline of conversation.
For Smith, conversation is at the center of the Christian faith: “We have been created by God to live this conversational life with God—a life of ceaseless prayer—and with those humans with whom God has surrounded us. Conversation should not be reduced to something fun that we do on occasion, nor is it a tool to get things done. Rather, conversation is at the very heart of our being, as humans created in the image of the Triune God, who exists as a conversational community.”
The book begins with a theological basis for conversation. Smith beings (naturally!) with God. According to the doctrine of social trinitarianism, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in communion with each other. The members of the Trinity indwell one another (“mutual presence”), share freely among one another (“an economy of reciprocity”), and are “bound together in diversity.” Smith then traces the theme of God’s desire to dwell with humanity through the pages of Scripture from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem.
From there, the book is divided into three parts: “Setting Out on the Journey,” “A Spirituality for the Journey,” and “Sustaining the Journey.”
Smith is not an armchair theologian pontificating on the value of speaking and listening. His church, Englewood Christian Church, has done the hard work of making conversation part of their communal life. On Sunday nights, the church holds conversations. In “Part 1: Setting on the Journey,” Smith uses his community’s experiences, sharing their successes and failures to provide church leaders a practical “how-to” on making conversation an essential part of the church’s life. Pastors and church leaders will find this section extremely practical.
In “Part 2: A Spirituality of the Journey,” Smith speaks about the spirituality that is necessary in order to have productive conversations. Here he explains how conversation is a spiritual discipline, why silence and listening are essential, and how conversation is often messy and requires preparation of the heart, mind, and body.
Finally, in “Part 3: Sustaining the Journey,” Smith speaks about finding your congregation’s role in the grand story of the Church and bearing witness throughout the journey.
The book ends with three appendices with practical resources for church leaders.
Books like this usually either give well-intentioned lip service to an idea or they are simple “how-to” manuals. Smith manages to make this book both thought-provoking and highly practical. Church leaders will find How the Body of Christ Talks immensely helpful.
NOTE: I was given an advanced copy of How the Body of Christ Talks in exchange for an honest review.
Yet, if you look around you, you will see alienation everywhere. The traditional places for socializing (like the barber shop and the salon) are dying. Civic Clubs and fraternal orders are becoming a thing of the past.
Due to humanity’s natural tribalistic tendency, people interact almost solely with those who are inside their homogenous social group. This tendency is amplified in the world of social media. Newsfeeds simply become echo chambers.
Smart phones, tablets, computers, and smart speakers constantly provide entertainment and distraction. It becomes easier to turn on, login, and tune out than to pay attention.
Politics continue to divide us. The right demonizes the left, the left demonizes the right, and the extremists demonize everyone.
Surely, the Church is above all this, right? Wrong!
C. Christopher Smith’s new book, How the Body of Christ Talks asks the question, “How can our churches initiate and sustain practices of conversation?" He confronts this problem of alienation and offers solutions to how the Church can once again start embracing the spiritual discipline of conversation.
For Smith, conversation is at the center of the Christian faith: “We have been created by God to live this conversational life with God—a life of ceaseless prayer—and with those humans with whom God has surrounded us. Conversation should not be reduced to something fun that we do on occasion, nor is it a tool to get things done. Rather, conversation is at the very heart of our being, as humans created in the image of the Triune God, who exists as a conversational community.”
The book begins with a theological basis for conversation. Smith beings (naturally!) with God. According to the doctrine of social trinitarianism, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in communion with each other. The members of the Trinity indwell one another (“mutual presence”), share freely among one another (“an economy of reciprocity”), and are “bound together in diversity.” Smith then traces the theme of God’s desire to dwell with humanity through the pages of Scripture from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem.
From there, the book is divided into three parts: “Setting Out on the Journey,” “A Spirituality for the Journey,” and “Sustaining the Journey.”
Smith is not an armchair theologian pontificating on the value of speaking and listening. His church, Englewood Christian Church, has done the hard work of making conversation part of their communal life. On Sunday nights, the church holds conversations. In “Part 1: Setting on the Journey,” Smith uses his community’s experiences, sharing their successes and failures to provide church leaders a practical “how-to” on making conversation an essential part of the church’s life. Pastors and church leaders will find this section extremely practical.
In “Part 2: A Spirituality of the Journey,” Smith speaks about the spirituality that is necessary in order to have productive conversations. Here he explains how conversation is a spiritual discipline, why silence and listening are essential, and how conversation is often messy and requires preparation of the heart, mind, and body.
Finally, in “Part 3: Sustaining the Journey,” Smith speaks about finding your congregation’s role in the grand story of the Church and bearing witness throughout the journey.
The book ends with three appendices with practical resources for church leaders.
Books like this usually either give well-intentioned lip service to an idea or they are simple “how-to” manuals. Smith manages to make this book both thought-provoking and highly practical. Church leaders will find How the Body of Christ Talks immensely helpful.
NOTE: I was given an advanced copy of How the Body of Christ Talks in exchange for an honest review.
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