Cecily Paterson

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Social space and small talk

I have often heard Christians say that they feel frustrated with their church congregations because as people mingle after services there are not many ‘deep’ conversations going on. They feel annoyed that most conversations are about ‘surface’ things.

I wonder what it is that they want exactly. Would they put any conversation about God, the Christian life, faith, or even the sermon into the ‘deep’ basket?

If we can understand the value of small talk and social space relationships, however, we will be less frustrated. Small talk builds relationships.

Christians need to relate in the social space and build relationships this way, even at church, no less than other people. Perhaps what’s needed is to start to bring God into our small talk in a comfortable way?