Church Potluck
A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity! Church Potluck serves up thoughtful, friendly, informal conversation at the intersection of Christianity and contemporary culture. Just like a church potluck, we offer variety: a variety of topics, a variety of academic disciplines, and a variety of Christian traditions. Guests are friends and colleagues who are also experts in the fields of sociology, political science, theology, philosophy, divinity, and more.
Church Potluck
Rethinking Intimacy: Dating, Family, Friends, and Church
Rev. Dr. Erin Moniz (Baylor chaplain and author of Knowing and Being Known) joins Church Potluck to rethink “intimacy” beyond sex and dating—into friendship, family systems, and a church that actually feels like family. Along with Dr. Margaret Ndwandwe (digital media specialist), Erin unpacks purity culture 2.0, attachment theory, boundaries vs. vulnerability, and why technology (yes, even AI chatbots) can’t replace embodied relationships. And Margaret shares stories from her personal life: a cross-cultural newlywed story and how chosen family and clear, kind boundaries make room for real closeness. Host Dale McConkey steers the table talk toward church practice: intergenerational care, small-group honesty, and a gospel vision where friends become “mother, brothers, and sisters.” Plus: a playful “Then or Now?” dating-advice game and practical ways churches can move from polite proximity to genuine community. Join us around the table and dig in!
The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.