How one breakfast changed my perspective on connection

In a world increasingly dominated by screens and virtual interactions, the significance of face-to-face conversations often gets overshadowed. Recently, I rekindled this understanding during a breakfast meeting with Ian Parkes, affectionately known as 'Parkesy', at Exeter City Football Club.

Our encounter stands as a testament to the irreplaceable value of human connection.

For nearly five years, Parkesy and I have been part of a weekly online gathering hosted by Christians in Sport, tailored for managers and coaches in professional football. Born out of necessity during the Covid lockdowns in March 2020, these sessions feature a 10-minute Bible-based talk before breaking into smaller groups for in-depth discussions. While we've formed bonds and shared insights in the digital realm, the reality hit me as I travelled to Exeter for a preaching engagement: despite our regular Zoom meetings, we had never met in person.