In May, Lexington Theological Seminary hosted a series of three webinars, Thriving Together: The Church After the Pandemic. Thankfully, the presentations have been made available as videos (all are embedded below), and they make excellent - and I mean, excellent - conversation starters.

Much has changed during the pandemic, and we’re all trying to sort out what shifts in congregational life were caused by that disruptive experience, and what changes simply became more visible because of it. I invite us to have Conversations on the Patio this summer, each based on one of the three presentations. This is what I envision:

We watch the respective video and meet for drinks or dessert on somebody’s deck or patio to talk: What questions did the presentation raise for me? What really drew me in? How did I change my thinking? I believe small groups of three to seven people would be just right, and they could happen just about anywhere and anytime: “Patio” is simply meant to suggest a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

Who will host and when? Any of us can: you could simply invite some of your church friends and do it. I’m hosting on our deck on three consecutive Thursdays at 7pm: June 15, June 22, and June 29. Please sign up here. I believe, three to seven persons is the perfect size; if more sign up, we’ll make other plans (pivoting became the new normal during the pandemic, after all).

If you’d like me to be part of Conversations on the Patio which you are hosting, just let me know when, and I’ll be there if my schedule allows.