Beyond Chit-Chat: Sharing stories that matter to build deeper faith communities

by Dave Daubert

In many churches, Sunday morning conversation risks being mostly chit-chat – the small talk of sports, weather, and what is happening in other people’s lives. People don’t have the safe space, the tools or the encouragement to share deeper and tell about the places where God has healed, brought joy, accompanied in suffering, and all the other things the gospel declares God does all the time in their own lives. Beyond Chit-Chat is about how to begin to crack the veneer of mere niceness and help people share more deeply, connect more fully, and search for ways to see and share God at work in their stories. Written in a clear and readable format, chapters provide a practical look at how to talk about God, share and listen to one another’s stories, and cultivate a community where storytelling is encouraged and life changing. Designed to be read alone or in a group, each chapter includes a scripture text, questions for reflection or discussion, and a prayer – making it ideal for using with others. And a final section has several really practical ways to get you and the people you love the tools you need to share stories in worship, in small groups, or over a cup of coffee. Beyond Chit-Chat is a simple way to begin to transform your faith community into a place where people often say, “Let me tell you a story…”

94 pages, Perfect Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is short but could be transformative to a faith community that practices it. The title sounds 'cute' but there is a lot of depth in these pages. There are many ways to deepen relationships within a community (and with a neighborhood) through sharing stories). Although I think it could be challenging because I think a lot of us are afraid to move beyond chit-chat.

[Sarah Toback · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great to start conversation in a multi-church book study and soup. Some of the book we discussed in depth, but most of our discussion came from the Bible verses or questions at the end of each chapter.

[Cecie Suknaic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, informative, and short read about the potential storytelling, sharing, and listening has to transform lives and faith communities. Both practical and deeply spiritual, this is a great resource.