C. Christopher Smith and John Pattison

C. Christopher Smith and John Pattison are co-authors, speakers, and thinkers who have contributed significantly to the conversation surrounding community life, spiritual formation, and the church's role in the world. They are best known for their collaborative work on the book Slow Church: Cultivating Community in the Patient Way of Jesus, which addresses the challenges of fast-paced, consumer-driven culture and invites Christians to embrace a slower, more intentional way of living and being the church.

C. Christopher Smith is the editor of The Englewood Review of Books, a publication dedicated to exploring the intersections of faith, culture, and literature. He is deeply passionate about promoting the idea of “slow church” and how Christians can foster deeper connections with one another and the world around them. Smith’s work focuses on cultivating life-giving relationships and encouraging Christians to engage thoughtfully with culture while living out the rhythms of the Kingdom of God.

John Pattison, a writer and researcher, has worked in various roles in the nonprofit and educational sectors, including a focus on social justice and community development. His interests lie in helping individuals and churches see the power of community and the need for sustainable, reflective ways of living. Pattison’s writing also delves into the importance of being rooted in place and cultivating a Christian witness that is local, relational, and engaged with the needs of the broader community.

Together, Smith and Pattison have sparked important discussions about how churches can move away from the individualism and consumerism of modern society to become communities marked by hospitality, intentionality, and a deeper connection to the rhythms of Jesus. Their work continues to inspire Christians to rethink how they live together in community and participate in God’s work in the world.