C. Christopher Smith: How the Body of Christ Talks

How the Body of Christ Talks
(Brazos Press, 2019)

WHO: C. Christopher Smith, editor of The Englewood Review of Books.

HE SAYS: “Given our formation in a fragmented world that has little capacity for conversation, we desperately need to practice the discipline of conversation in our local church communities in order to mature in the witness we bear to the conversational nature of the Triune God and the dialogue of salvation into which God has invited humanity.”

THE BIG IDEA: Conversation should be one of the church’s defining marks. How can churches initiate and sustain practices of conversation?

THE PROGRESSION:
Part 1, “Setting Out on the Journey,” offers some wisdom for churches that desire to begin practicing conversation. Part 2, “A Spirituality for the Journey,” identifies three other practices that will help church members converse better with one another. Part 3, “Sustaining the Journey,” explores how we can keep moving on with the journey in spite of obstacles.

“The abundant life into which we have been called in Jesus, and into which we invite our neighbors, is one of conversation and presence, of knowing and being known.”

Order this book from Amazon.com »
Read an excerpt from this book »

C. Christopher Smith
C. Christopher Smith

C. Christopher Smith is a long-time member of the Englewood Christian Church community on the urban Near Eastside of Indianapolis, founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books, and author of How the Body of Christ Talks(Brazos Press).

Hills Church: New Name, Same Mission

Hills Church has grown, in part, due to Marksman—a strategy for men focused on reaching and discipling other men that includes a 6-week Bible study boot camp.

Mike Housholder: The Wind of the Spirit

“Churches are called to make their cities better. The best way to do that is to genuinely and authentically love our neighbors. If there are needs in our community, we want to get involved.” - Pastor Mike Housholder

My Top 5 Books on Evangelism

The spiritual discipline of evangelism requires a faithful walk with the Lord, intentionality, understanding contexts, and connecting with people far from God.