Pastor Tracy Reads |The Six Conversations: Pathways to Connecting in an Age of Isolation and Incivility by Heather Holleman

January 30, 2026 | Pastor Tracy Troxel

I have three fears in reviewing this book. My first fear is that you will not pick up this book. My second fear is that you will not read this book. My third fear is that you will not allow this book to help you learn to connect with others more deeply.

Part of the challenge of serving Christ in a church in Princeton, NJ is that relationships are not necessarily in high demand. Ours is a performance-driven culture and personal relationships can receive less attention. And it does appear that our town tends to attract scientists and researchers who, overall, tend to be more introverted. Yet, God directs us to build a community of deep relationships, and He encourages us to lovingly share our faith in Jesus with the world.

This book provides material from sociological research as well as biblical wisdom to flesh out a game plan to help us start meaningful conversations. Dr. Holleman gives us Four Mindsets of a loving conversation. You will need to read the book to hear about the four mindsets. She also provides three goals for every conversation. Throughout the book, the author weaves all kinds of practical ways to implement the mindsets and the goals for our conversations.

Dr. Holleman also provides ten pitfalls for meaningful conversations. These ten barriers to meaningful conversations challenged me to evaluate my own contribution to failed conversations. Finally, Dr. Holleman provides a plethora of wise suggestions to help us have six kinds of conversations: Social, Emotional, Physical, Cognitive, Volitional, and Spiritual. All six of these conversations need to occur as we interact with others, both within the church and also at work and in our neighborhoods.

We need this book – all of us.

Dr. Heather Holleman will be leading an all-church workshop for us on Saturday, February 7, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. in the Youth room. Look forward to seeing all of our families there!

Pastor Tracy Troxel