When we look at the Parish as a microcosm of all life’s dimensions, the conversation changes from traditional clergy talk of “butts, budgets and buildings,” to: What is God up to in our places, and how do we join in with that? Listen to Paul Sparks, Co-founding Director of the Parish Collective, discuss with Peter Block and John McKnight in this conversation:

In this conversation:

  • The Parish Collective origin story (1:00)
  • The shift, love your neighbor (6:30)
  • Affinity neighborhood question (10:00)
  • Characteristics of the Parish, “the Five Finds” on groups involved (21:00)

Quotes from Paul Sparks:

“I’ve come to believe that the neighborhood or the Parish is actually the place where we become formed to be more human. It is because of the difference in the neighborhood.”

“I hope the future of the church is to join in with the future of our neighborhoods.”

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash