I recently was visiting with an Episcopal Priest (Ph.D. from Oxford no less), and he mentioned the concept of the “third place”. It has nothing to do with the position one might achieve in an athletic competition, but rather the sociological identification of the space we humans occupy as a priority in our life. For example, the first place would probably our home. The second place might be the workplace. But what occupies the third place and beyond that, what SHOULD occupy the third place?
Imagine the old TV situation comedy, “Cheers”, where Sam, Diane, Norm, Woody, Cliff, Frazier, Lilith, and Carla met every evening after work and interacted. It was a Boston bar where, as the theme song reminded us, “everyone knows your name”. This is what sociologists define as a “third place”. Other third places might be coffee shops, clubs, libraries, gyms, parks, theaters, or any place outside of the home or workplace that draws your presence and you connect with people. Psychologists and sociologists both suggest that this space is essential for societal health and personal well-being. For the Christian, a common and arguably essential “third place” is the local church. Hear me carefully, the label third place in no way demeans it’s essential nature, but rather defines sociologically the need it meets in people’s lives and the amount of time and investment commitment one exercises. For the Christian, there is not only the psychological attachment of this third place, but a very real and important spiritual attachment. Indeed, it might be preached that a part of disconnection with the world and our conversion to Christ entails a change of third place.
Of course, 2020, wiped out nearly everyone’s third place and the Church has not completely recovered. People in both the world and the Church are experimenting with the possibility of using the internet as a viable replacement for their third place (think of remote working, ZOOM meetings, and Facebook Live church services). Sociologists are ahead of many pastors telling us that the Metaverse and other virtual technological possibilities may not be a healthy answer for people’s well-being.
Several years ago I was an invited speaker at a Church conference that was on the cutting edge of these discussions. I wish I had stumbled across these concepts as they would have been incredibly useful in helping pastors process our crazy era.
Obviously, a church has certain scriptural and spiritual commands with regards to its gathering and worship times which are non-negotiable. However, understanding how this “third place” works in the minds and hearts of people might be a fascinating consideration as we reach out to the next generation. Some of the characteristics of “third places” are fascinatingly close to scriptural characteristics of the church. For example:
Voluntary ground
Occupants of third places have little to no obligation to be there. They are there voluntarily. They have made the decision that this is of value and their selection to be there is evidence of that feeling.
Leveler (a leveling place)
Third places put no importance on an individual’s status in a society. One’s socioeconomic status does not matter in a third place, allowing for a sense of commonality among its occupants.
Conversation is an important activity
Playful and happy conversation is one of the main focuses of activity in third places, although it is not required to be the only activity. The tone of conversation is usually light-hearted and humorous; wit and good-natured joyfulness are highly valued.
Accessibility and accommodation
Third places must be open and readily accessible to those who occupy them. They must also be accommodating, meaning they provide for the identified wants and needs of their inhabitants, and all occupants feel their needs have been fulfilled.
The regulars
Third places harbor a number of regulars that help give the space its tone, and help set the mood and characteristics of the area. Regulars to third places also attract newcomers, and are there to help someone new to the space feel welcome and accommodated.
A wholesome profile
Third places are characteristically wholesome. The inside of a third place is without extravagance or grandiosity, and has a cozy feel. Third places are never snobby or pretentious, and are accepting of all types of individuals, from various different walks of life.
The mood is joyful
The tone of conversation in third places is never marked with tension or hostility. Instead, third places have a joyful nature, where witty conversation and banter are not only common, but highly valued.
A home away from home
Occupants of third places will often have the same feelings of warmth, possession, and belonging as they would in their own homes. They feel a piece of themselves is rooted in the space, and gain spiritual regeneration by spending time there.
Again, a local church has commands and practices assigned from God, but as a pastor approaching the current culture, it is a fascinating thing to consider that sociologists and psychologists are basically identifying the need for the Church gathering. Of course, God has always said that the assembly is vital. Funny how we always get back to…
What God has always said…
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